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Dianne Thornton

Dianne Thornton

December 11, 2019 · Leave a Comment

Are You Searching for that Christmas Feeling?

This post may contain affiliate links. You may read my Disclosure Policy here.

The Christian Life

21shares
When twinkle lights, shopping, music, friends, and family don't spark that Christmas feeling, what are we to do? Can we capture it?

When twinkle lights, shopping, music, friends, and family don't spark that Christmas feeling, what are we to do? Can we capture it?Not too long ago, I made a trip to Houston. I drove near The Galleria, a favorite shopping place for our family during the holidays. Each year we go window-shopping for a few hours. Sometimes we make a purchase or two and then go out to eat. Afterward, we look at Christmas lights. It’s been a fun, family tradition. As I thought about whether we’d be able to pull it off this year (our kids are young adults now, and not always available), I had that familiar “Christmas feeling” overtake my heart. It surprised me because Christmas was still over two months away. But it got me thinking.

What is that “Christmas feeling” anyway?

For children, the Christmas feeling is a part of growing up. But as we mature, sometimes (dare I say many times?) we find ourselves searching for that Christmas feeling. We don’t feel it at all. And want to—desperately. So, we try to capture it in many ways.

We pull out our Christmas decorations—the more the merrier! Christmas trees in every room! (I’m not knocking this. I don’t put up a lot of trees, but nativity scenes grace every available space in my house!)

Searching for that Christmas FeelingWe join the fray of Christmas shoppers and add our favorite Christmas music to our playlists. Holiday festivities feature foods we save for special occasions. We may even go to the cinema to catch the latest Christmas blockbuster.

As wonderful as all these are, they don’t fill us with what we’re looking for.

Searching for that Christmas feeling and coming up empty can leave us despondent and desperate, not to mention—exhausted!

Let’s look at that first Christmas night. I think Israel may have had similar feelings.

The First Christmas Night

We don’t know the exact date of Christ’s birth, but some things are certain.

Other than the angels who appeared to Zechariah, Mary, and Joseph, it had been 400 years since anyone had heard from God. All prophecy had come to a standstill.

After Judah’s captivity, they enjoyed periods of relative liberty. But mostly, they remained under oppressive rule. It was a dark time in their history (Isaiah 9:2).

They rebuilt the temple, but it was desecrated by the Romans. Finally Herod renovated it, but the glory of God did not dwell there. Can you imagine what that must have been like? Hearing all the stories of the beauty of the Temple. The cloud of God’s presence suspended above the Holy of Holies. Yet in their lifetime, it was only a story. They had never witnessed it.

The Old Testament closes with Malachi. Israel was left with silence. Yet the promise remained. God would send a Messiah who would set them free from the oppression they lived under.

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. (Isaiah 7:14)

But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times. (Micah 5:2)

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners… (Isaiah 61:1-5)

With that promise in mind, generations of young girls wondered, “Am I the one who will bring the Messiah into the world?” Although Israel lived under oppression, they also lived with expectation. In anticipation of God’s promise. There’s a word for that.

HOPE.

It’s a beautiful word. When we hope for something, we have a sense that we’ll receive it. We don’t hope for something we don’t think we’ll receive.

Searching for that Christmas Feeling

I think that’s what the “Christmas feeling” is all about. As children, we hope Santa brings us our Weenie Whistle, Mystery Date game, or our beloved baby doll. OK, maybe I’ve watched “The Santa Claus” movies a few too many times. But we expect something good! Whatever it is, we look forward to it. We hope for it.

For me, it’s that we (my husband, 3 adult children, and I) will share at least one day or one evening prior to Christmas morning, enjoying some family traditions. It’s one thing I hope for.

The latest gadgets, new clothes, shoes, or handbags (even if they are wrapped in shiny paper) do not satisfy our hope-filled longings. Time with loved ones goes a long way to reaching those tender spots in our hearts. But even they cannot fill us to the measure God wants us to experience. He never designed them to.

God wants us to experience a fully satisfying life, not just during Christmas, but every day, through our relationship with Him.

Download Your FREE Printable: 20 Hope-Filled Verses for Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus

Jesus Came to Give Us Life

Jesus entered the darkness of our world so we could live in His light. So we could experience a full and meaningful life. He told the people,

I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. (John 8:12)

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. (John 10:10)

As the light of life, Jesus releases us from the oppression of sin and darkness. He fills our hearts with Himself. We live free and filled.

As the light of life, Jesus releases us from the oppression of sin and darkness. He fills our hearts with Himself. We live free and filled.Click to Tweet

The word for full means over and above, more than enough, even “super abundant.” Imagine holding your glass out for someone to fill it with water. Usually, your server stops just shy of the top of your glass. But this time, your server keeps pouring the water, so it spills onto your hand. And not just your hand, but all over your clothes and onto the floor. In fact, imagine that your server pours the entire pitcher into your space. Even that doesn’t come close to describing the fullness of the life Jesus came to give us.

How to Find that Christmas Feeling

Searching for that Christmas FeelingWhen we find ourselves searching for that Christmas feeling, we have but one place to look.

The Babe in the manger.

I don’t mean staring at the baby in a nativity scene, although I dearly love that.

I mean fixing our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfector of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). Think about who He is, all He has done for us, and what His plans are for our future.

Download Your FREE Printable: 20 Hope-Filled Verses for Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus

Jesus came with a specific purpose in mind. To show His love to you. To redeem your life. No matter what else is going on the world, either personally or globally, we know these things to be true:

  • Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever. (Hebrews 13:8)
  • Jesus is the mediator between us and God. Through Him we experience peace with God and peace with others. (2 Corinthians 5:18; 1 Timothy 2:5-6)
  • Jesus is the fullness of God in bodily form. (Colossians 2:9) Think about that. The fullness of God. Everything God is, Jesus embodied physically. Humans actually saw, touched, hugged, ate with, lived with—God.
  • All of God’s promises are fulfilled in Christ Jesus. (2 Corinthians 1:20)
  • Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God. (John 20:31)

When we know Christ as Savior, we know these things to be true:

  • Jesus Christ lives in us! (2 Corinthians 13:5)
  • Jesus Christ is our righteousness, holiness, and redemption. (1 Corinthians 1:30)
  • We are a new creation in Christ Jesus. (2 Corinthians 5:17)
  • We have eternal life through Jesus Christ. (John 14:6; Romans 6:23)

Jesus Is Our Hope: The Real Christmas Feeling

And when we’re running low on hope, we can remember these things:

  • Our hope in Jesus Christ is an anchor for the soul, firm, and secure. (Hebrews 6:19)
  • God continues His work in our lives. (Philippians 1:6)
  • God’s hope does not disappoint us, because He fills our hearts with His love. (Romans 5:5)
  • The right perspective helps us focus on what’s eternal instead of what is temporary. (2 Corinthians 4:16-18)

I love the few weeks a year that Christmas lights and nativity scenes bring warmth to my home. But if I look to these things to meet the needs in my heart, I will be disappointed.

Israel lived in expectation of God’s promised Messiah. We live in the reality of that promise fulfilled.

Like Israel, we, too, can live in expectation of God’s promises to us. And there are many! Jesus will return for His church, and we will spend eternity with Him and all those who have gone before us.

Because Jesus came as a baby, lived a perfect, human life, and paid the ransom for our sin, we have Christ in us, the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27). That hope is the real Christmas feeling. The reason Jesus was born that night so long ago.

Download Your FREE Printable: 20 Hope-Filled Verses for Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus

What else do you know to be true of Jesus? How does knowing that He is our hope affect your outlook this Christmas? I’d love to hear from you!

Christ in you, the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27), is the real Christmas feeling. The reason Jesus was born that night so long ago.Click to Tweet

If you have never given your life to Christ, you can meet Him right now on this page. If you have questions, please email me. Knowing your future hope with Christ can make this the best Christmas ever!


More Christmas Posts

Your Christmas Lights Chase the Darkness Away
A Not-So-Silent Night
3 Steps for Giving the Gift of Peace

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AS HIS FAITHFUL SERVANT, GOD HAS **SET YOU APART** ➡️ FOR HIMSELF!!⁠
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Wow. That's powerful. ⁠
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Yes, these are "just things." But they are special to me, and anytime I pull one of these mugs out of the cabinet, I remember why it's special. Why it's different from the mugs that match my dishes.⁠
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In the Old Testament, “set apart” means to be ...⁠
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=> distinctly different.<= ⁠
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You are God’s faithful servant. He made you distinctly different from everyone else—for His purposes. God’s purposes for you are distinctly different from anyone else’s. ⁠
⁠
In the New Testament when we read the words “set apart,” they have the added meaning of being sanctified, or holy.⁠
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God created you => to be holy for holy purposes. <=⁠
⁠
One such purpose is to be a messenger of the gospel of peace (Ephesians 6:15)--showing others how they can be reconciled to God. What a privilege we have to be His messengers!⁠
⁠
My prayer for you is the same as that of Paul's at the close of his letter to the Ephesian church: ⁠
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Whenever you speak [or write], may God give you words so you will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel and that you may declare it fearlessly, as you should. (Ephesians 6:19-20)⁠
⁠
Be blessed today as you proclaim the gospel of peace to a world that is crying out for it!!⁠
⁠
-----------⁠
✨ What other holy purposes has God called you to?⁠
⁠
⁠
#DianneThorntonTX #DianneMicroBlog #MiniBibleStudies  #FaithfulFollowers⁠
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#GodsPurpose #SetApart #TheGospel ⁠
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#ReadingTheWord #EveryDayWithJesus #BibleAndCoffee  #QuietTimeWithJesus #BibleBlog #BibleQuotesOfTheDay #FixYourEyesOnJesus #ReadTheBibleDaily #ScriptureDaily #JesusChick #StudyTheBible #GodsWisdom #BibleStudies #GodIsEnough #MorningDevo #WordOfLife #BibleScriptures #WordBeforeWorld #Devotions  #JesusFollower

AS HIS FAITHFUL SERVANT, GOD HAS **SET YOU APART** ➡️ FOR HIMSELF!!⁠
⁠
Wow. That's powerful. ⁠
⁠
Do you have something very special that you keep in a special place -- just for you? (I'm not talking about hiding those special cookies. 😉😂)⁠
⁠
I love coffee mugs. But certain mugs are different than the others. One was a gift from a special friend. One looks a lot like one my grandfather let me drink from when I visited my grandparents. One is from Disney, and I don't let ANYONE use that one! ⁠
⁠
Yes, these are "just things." But they are special to me, and anytime I pull one of these mugs out of the cabinet, I remember why it's special. Why it's different from the mugs that match my dishes.⁠
⁠
In the Old Testament, “set apart” means to be ...⁠
⁠
=> distinctly different.<= ⁠
⁠
You are God’s faithful servant. He made you distinctly different from everyone else—for His purposes. God’s purposes for you are distinctly different from anyone else’s. ⁠
⁠
In the New Testament when we read the words “set apart,” they have the added meaning of being sanctified, or holy.⁠
⁠
God created you => to be holy for holy purposes. <=⁠
⁠
One such purpose is to be a messenger of the gospel of peace (Ephesians 6:15)--showing others how they can be reconciled to God. What a privilege we have to be His messengers!⁠
⁠
My prayer for you is the same as that of Paul's at the close of his letter to the Ephesian church: ⁠
⁠
Whenever you speak [or write], may God give you words so you will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel and that you may declare it fearlessly, as you should. (Ephesians 6:19-20)⁠
⁠
Be blessed today as you proclaim the gospel of peace to a world that is crying out for it!!⁠
⁠
-----------⁠
✨ What other holy purposes has God called you to?⁠
⁠
⁠
#DianneThorntonTX #DianneMicroBlog #MiniBibleStudies #FaithfulFollowers⁠
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#GodsPurpose #SetApart #TheGospel ⁠
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...

Feb 10

19 6
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PSALM 15 IS SHORT, YET JAM-PACKED WITH GOODNESS.⁠ ⁠⁠
Tough goodness, but goodness all the same. I had to include all of it in my images. Scroll through the pages so you don't miss any of it.⁠⁠
⁠⁠
When I journaled through this Psalm, I was knee-deep in the edits for my Bible study, STANDING FIRM IN CHRIST: Biblical Principles for Fighting Spiritual Battles. Edits from my awesome editor and edits from my sweet friends who wanted this Bible study to be its best.⁠⁠
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Let me tell you, allowing trusted friends inside your writing world is scary! It's a good thing, but it can also sting. As I read through the psalmist's words, God brought a principle to my mind. You know the one--what's in our hearts shows up in our words (and even our thoughts!!).⁠⁠
⁠⁠
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⁠⁠
This person SPEAKS TRUTH FROM THE HEART. In other words, it's not just the words this person speaks, but the response to difficult words! I wrote the following in my journal:⁠⁠
⁠⁠
"A blameless person's speech is wholesome. She doesn't just not curse--she encourages. AND she accepts criticism without being critical."⁠⁠
⁠⁠
Wow. That can be hard to do. Receiving edits can be a challenge. But what about when someone who cares about you confronts you (in love) about a difficult life issue? ⁠⁠
⁠⁠
How we respond to criticism is a test of what's really in our hearts.⁠⁠
⁠⁠
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⁠⁠
✨ What other truths can we remember to keep our hearts tender instead of tough and critical?⁠⁠
⁠⁠
#DianneThorntonTX #DianneMicroBlog #MiniBibleStudies  #FaithfulFollowers⁠ #StandingFirmBibleStudy⁠⁠
⁠⁠
#TruthInLove #Psalm15 ⁠⁠
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#ReadingTheWord #EveryDayWithJesus #BibleAndCoffee  #QuietTimeWithJesus #BibleBlog #BibleQuotesOfTheDay #FixYourEyesOnJesus #ReadTheBibleDaily #ScriptureDaily #JesusChick #StudyTheBible #GodsWisdom #BibleStudies #GodIsEnough #MorningDevo #WordOfLife #BibleScriptures #WordBeforeWorld #Devotions  #JesusFollower

PSALM 15 IS SHORT, YET JAM-PACKED WITH GOODNESS.⁠ ⁠⁠
Tough goodness, but goodness all the same. I had to include all of it in my images. Scroll through the pages so you don't miss any of it.⁠⁠
⁠⁠
When I journaled through this Psalm, I was knee-deep in the edits for my Bible study, STANDING FIRM IN CHRIST: Biblical Principles for Fighting Spiritual Battles. Edits from my awesome editor and edits from my sweet friends who wanted this Bible study to be its best.⁠⁠
⁠⁠
Let me tell you, allowing trusted friends inside your writing world is scary! It's a good thing, but it can also sting. As I read through the psalmist's words, God brought a principle to my mind. You know the one--what's in our hearts shows up in our words (and even our thoughts!!).⁠⁠
⁠⁠
Psalm 15, explains that the *blameless person* enjoys a close relationship with God, and describes this person in detail. ⁠⁠
⁠⁠
This person SPEAKS TRUTH FROM THE HEART. In other words, it's not just the words this person speaks, but the response to difficult words! I wrote the following in my journal:⁠⁠
⁠⁠
"A blameless person's speech is wholesome. She doesn't just not curse--she encourages. AND she accepts criticism without being critical."⁠⁠
⁠⁠
Wow. That can be hard to do. Receiving edits can be a challenge. But what about when someone who cares about you confronts you (in love) about a difficult life issue? ⁠⁠
⁠⁠
How we respond to criticism is a test of what's really in our hearts.⁠⁠
⁠⁠
When our hearts are tender and match up with God's truth, our lives are built on a firm foundation that will never be shaken.⁠⁠
⁠⁠
✨ What other truths can we remember to keep our hearts tender instead of tough and critical?⁠⁠
⁠⁠
#DianneThorntonTX #DianneMicroBlog #MiniBibleStudies #FaithfulFollowers⁠ #StandingFirmBibleStudy⁠⁠
⁠⁠
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...

Feb 8

28 9
Open
OUR THOUGHTS OF GOD ARE NOT GREAT ENOUGH. -- J. I. Packer⁠
⁠
The Scripture focus for Chapter 3 of ENJOYING INTIMACY WITH GOD, is Isaiah 40, which holds many favorite passages, including:⁠
⁠
"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." (Isaiah 40:31, NIV)⁠
⁠
Isaiah 40 is lengthy, but oh, so beautiful. It was written to encourage Israel after her discipline (captivity in Babylon) was completed. God wanted them to know that He was fully worthy of their trust. ⁠
⁠
It is an interesting contrast. It describes man’s utter weakness—and God’s transcendence. But this God who is so other than anything we know, LOVES **US**. The God who made the universe, who holds the oceans in His hands, who never grows weary—is our friend. ⁠
⁠
Sanders shares the first verse from “How Great Thou Art.” It is fitting. ⁠
⁠
O Lord, my God, when I in awesome wonder⁠
Consider all the worlds Thy Hands have made⁠
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder⁠
Thy power throughout the universe displayed.⁠
⁠
In what ways, as you move forward to serve our King, do you need to fully depend on God? ⁠
⁠
I've been on somewhat of a social media hiatus--working tirelessly with my husband on some much needed household repairs/updates. Finding my way and rhythm back into this special world is a bit overwhelming!⁠
⁠
Let's remember, God goes before us and strengthens us for all He calls us to do.⁠
⁠
#DianneThorntonTX #DianneMicroBlog #MiniBibleStudies  #FaithfulFollowers⁠
⁠
#JOswaldSanders #EnjoyingIntimacyWithGod #HowGreatThouArt #JIPacker⁠
⁠
#StudyScripture #LampToMyFeet #WordOfGodSpeaks #LovetheBible #LoveGodsWord #StudyGodsWord #BibleCommunity #JesusIsTruth #BibleBeliever #BibleWisdom #LifeWithJesus #DevotionalTime #BibleVersesDaily #WordOfGodSpeak #GodsWordIsTruth #JesusAndCoffee #BibleStudyMoments  #InTheWord #BibleTruth #SeekHimFirst

OUR THOUGHTS OF GOD ARE NOT GREAT ENOUGH. -- J. I. Packer⁠
⁠
The Scripture focus for Chapter 3 of ENJOYING INTIMACY WITH GOD, is Isaiah 40, which holds many favorite passages, including:⁠
⁠
"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." (Isaiah 40:31, NIV)⁠
⁠
Isaiah 40 is lengthy, but oh, so beautiful. It was written to encourage Israel after her discipline (captivity in Babylon) was completed. God wanted them to know that He was fully worthy of their trust. ⁠
⁠
It is an interesting contrast. It describes man’s utter weakness—and God’s transcendence. But this God who is so other than anything we know, LOVES **US**. The God who made the universe, who holds the oceans in His hands, who never grows weary—is our friend. ⁠
⁠
Sanders shares the first verse from “How Great Thou Art.” It is fitting. ⁠
⁠
O Lord, my God, when I in awesome wonder⁠
Consider all the worlds Thy Hands have made⁠
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder⁠
Thy power throughout the universe displayed.⁠
⁠
In what ways, as you move forward to serve our King, do you need to fully depend on God? ⁠
⁠
I've been on somewhat of a social media hiatus--working tirelessly with my husband on some much needed household repairs/updates. Finding my way and rhythm back into this special world is a bit overwhelming!⁠
⁠
Let's remember, God goes before us and strengthens us for all He calls us to do.⁠
⁠
#DianneThorntonTX #DianneMicroBlog #MiniBibleStudies #FaithfulFollowers⁠
⁠
#JOswaldSanders #EnjoyingIntimacyWithGod #HowGreatThouArt #JIPacker⁠
⁠
#StudyScripture #LampToMyFeet #WordOfGodSpeaks #LovetheBible #LoveGodsWord #StudyGodsWord #BibleCommunity #JesusIsTruth #BibleBeliever #BibleWisdom #LifeWithJesus #DevotionalTime #BibleVersesDaily #WordOfGodSpeak #GodsWordIsTruth #JesusAndCoffee #BibleStudyMoments #InTheWord #BibleTruth #SeekHimFirst
...

Jan 6

52 24
Open
Yesterday marked 30 years of loving this man!

According to tradition, the 30th anniversary is the Pearl Anniversary. I don’t know exactly why, but I surmise it’s because of how a pearl is formed inside an oyster.

A grain of sand, or some other irritant, finds its way inside. The oyster produces a substance that coats the irritant, eventually forming a pearl.

Irritants are plentiful in marriage. Tim & I have certainly had more than a few. Some of our own making, some we didn’t ask for. But God has been gracious and merciful to us. He has taught us how to love each other through them. He has taught us how to forgive when the irritant is something one of us did to cause the other pain. We are still learning. 

You could say love and forgiveness have formed in our marriage a string of pearls. 

There is no one else I’d rather walk this life with. Tim is God’s precious gift to me.

I love you, Sweetheart.

💞 What have you found that makes a difference in your marriage? That keeps you connected to your spouse? 💞

#diannethorntontx

 #PearlAnniversary #Married30Years #30thWeddingAnniversary #MarriageRocks #BlessedMarriage #GodAtTheCenter #GodCenteredMarriage #LoveCoversAMultitudeOfSins #LoveAndForgiveness

Yesterday marked 30 years of loving this man!

According to tradition, the 30th anniversary is the Pearl Anniversary. I don’t know exactly why, but I surmise it’s because of how a pearl is formed inside an oyster.

A grain of sand, or some other irritant, finds its way inside. The oyster produces a substance that coats the irritant, eventually forming a pearl.

Irritants are plentiful in marriage. Tim & I have certainly had more than a few. Some of our own making, some we didn’t ask for. But God has been gracious and merciful to us. He has taught us how to love each other through them. He has taught us how to forgive when the irritant is something one of us did to cause the other pain. We are still learning.

You could say love and forgiveness have formed in our marriage a string of pearls.

There is no one else I’d rather walk this life with. Tim is God’s precious gift to me.

I love you, Sweetheart.

💞 What have you found that makes a difference in your marriage? That keeps you connected to your spouse? 💞

#diannethorntontx

#PearlAnniversary #Married30Years #30thWeddingAnniversary #MarriageRocks #BlessedMarriage #GodAtTheCenter #GodCenteredMarriage #LoveCoversAMultitudeOfSins #LoveAndForgiveness
...

Dec 11

30 15
Open
THIS GIRL AMAZES ME!  She came over early so the Tim-Man could change out her tie rods. Well, the other day she purchased the right tools (including jack stands and a hydraulic jack) and replaced her strut and spring coil assemblies and the sway bar links ALL BY HERSELF!! Her daddy was SO PROUD when she showed him. 

This is so beyond me. But I am a proud mama! Happy Birthday, sweet girl!! We love you!! 

#diannethorntontx #girlscandoanything #proudmama❤️ #mustanggirl  #stanggang

THIS GIRL AMAZES ME! She came over early so the Tim-Man could change out her tie rods. Well, the other day she purchased the right tools (including jack stands and a hydraulic jack) and replaced her strut and spring coil assemblies and the sway bar links ALL BY HERSELF!! Her daddy was SO PROUD when she showed him.

This is so beyond me. But I am a proud mama! Happy Birthday, sweet girl!! We love you!!

#diannethorntontx #girlscandoanything #proudmama❤️ #mustanggirl #stanggang
...

Dec 7

48 28
Open
Claudia and I put together James’s Christmas arrangement. Still missing him like crazy. Yet we rejoice that James is celebrating Christmas with His Savior. 

⁠
#diannethorntontx #siblinglove #therewereneversuchdevotedsisters #griefjourney

Claudia and I put together James’s Christmas arrangement. Still missing him like crazy. Yet we rejoice that James is celebrating Christmas with His Savior.

⁠
#diannethorntontx #siblinglove #therewereneversuchdevotedsisters #griefjourney
...

Nov 18

21 11
Open
HOLY FATHER, GIVE ME GREAT LOVE FOR YOUR WORD AND THE TRUTH IN IT.⁠
⁠
May the Holy Spirit illumine truth as I read its pages. Teach me to use your Sword as my weapon against Satan.⁠
⁠
Help me to study it well, hiding its treasures in my heart.⁠
⁠
Bring to mind truth from Your Word for my needs today. ⁠
⁠
In Jesus's Name,⁠
Amen!⁠
⁠
----⁠
⁠
Collecting Scriptures as we read God's Word can be a great help for when we face temptation. Writing them in a journal on an index card or a sticky note keeps them "at the ready" for when we need them.⁠
⁠
If you struggle with memorizing Scripture, I have a resource to help you hide God's Word in your heart:⁠
⁠
The PSALMS Meditation Method is a set of worksheets that guides your meditation process so that you know a verse thoroughly, even though you may not have "memorized" it.⁠
⁠
You can find it in my SHOP under "Bible Study Helps." (See the Instagram links in my bio.)⁠
⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
⁠
#DianneThorntonTX #DianneMicroBlog #MiniBibleStudies  #FaithfulFollowers ⁠#SwordOfTheSpirit ⁠
⁠
#StandingFirmBibleStudy #ArmorOfGod🗡🛡#CharacterOfChrist #PrayerIsAWeapon #WholeArmorOfGod #Ephesians 610 #StandFirmInYourFaith #BeStrongInTheLord #NamesOfGod #ArmorOfGodStudy #standfirminchrist #newbiblestudy #SpiritualBattles #NameOfGod  #standfirminthefaith #fullarmorofgod #Christlikeness #Ephesians6 #VictoryInJesus⁠

HOLY FATHER, GIVE ME GREAT LOVE FOR YOUR WORD AND THE TRUTH IN IT.⁠
⁠
May the Holy Spirit illumine truth as I read its pages. Teach me to use your Sword as my weapon against Satan.⁠
⁠
Help me to study it well, hiding its treasures in my heart.⁠
⁠
Bring to mind truth from Your Word for my needs today. ⁠
⁠
In Jesus's Name,⁠
Amen!⁠
⁠
----⁠
⁠
Collecting Scriptures as we read God's Word can be a great help for when we face temptation. Writing them in a journal on an index card or a sticky note keeps them "at the ready" for when we need them.⁠
⁠
If you struggle with memorizing Scripture, I have a resource to help you hide God's Word in your heart:⁠
⁠
The PSALMS Meditation Method is a set of worksheets that guides your meditation process so that you know a verse thoroughly, even though you may not have "memorized" it.⁠
⁠
You can find it in my SHOP under "Bible Study Helps." (See the Instagram links in my bio.)⁠
⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
⁠
#DianneThorntonTX #DianneMicroBlog #MiniBibleStudies #FaithfulFollowers ⁠#SwordOfTheSpirit ⁠
⁠
#StandingFirmBibleStudy #ArmorOfGod🗡🛡#CharacterOfChrist #PrayerIsAWeapon #WholeArmorOfGod #Ephesians 610 #StandFirmInYourFaith #BeStrongInTheLord #NamesOfGod #ArmorOfGodStudy #standfirminchrist #newbiblestudy #SpiritualBattles #NameOfGod #standfirminthefaith #fullarmorofgod #Christlikeness #Ephesians6 #VictoryInJesus⁠
...

Nov 12

22 9
Open
HOLY FATHER, PROTECT MY MIND WITH THE TRUTH FROM YOUR WORD.⁠ Bring to mind Scripture I have stored in my heart for my needs today. ⁠
⁠
Where my mind is too busy, remind me to be still and know that You are God (Psalm 46:10) so I can sense the Holy Spirit's leading. ⁠
⁠
For any thoughts that do not honor You, remind me to ⁠
⁠
--set aside these thoughts⁠
⁠
--shift my thinking⁠
⁠
--and focus on things that are true, admirable, excellent, and worthy of praise. ⁠
⁠
In essence, I choose to worship YOU rather than anything else.⁠ (Philippians 4:8-9)⁠
⁠
As I study Your Word, please move that truth from my mind to my heart so I experience life change.⁠
⁠
Help me think properly about my circumstances today. ⁠
⁠
In Jesus's Name,⁠
Amen!⁠
⁠
-----⁠
⁠
Think about how your thought life affects your spiritual battles. Do any thoughts need to come under the authority of Jesus Christ?⁠
⁠
Drop an emoji if you are wearing the Helmet of Salvation today! 🙏🙏🙏⁠
⁠
#DianneThorntonTX #DianneMicroBlog #MiniBibleStudies  #FaithfulFollowers ⁠#HelmetOfSalvation⁠
⁠
#StandingFirmBibleStudy #ArmorOfGod🗡🛡#CharacterOfChrist #PrayerIsAWeapon #WholeArmorOfGod #Ephesians 610 #StandFirmInYourFaith #BeStrongInTheLord #NamesOfGod #ArmorOfGodStudy #standfirminchrist #newbiblestudy #SpiritualBattles #NameOfGod  #standfirminthefaith #fullarmorofgod #Christlikeness #Ephesians6 #VictoryInJesus

HOLY FATHER, PROTECT MY MIND WITH THE TRUTH FROM YOUR WORD.⁠ Bring to mind Scripture I have stored in my heart for my needs today. ⁠
⁠
Where my mind is too busy, remind me to be still and know that You are God (Psalm 46:10) so I can sense the Holy Spirit's leading. ⁠
⁠
For any thoughts that do not honor You, remind me to ⁠
⁠
--set aside these thoughts⁠
⁠
--shift my thinking⁠
⁠
--and focus on things that are true, admirable, excellent, and worthy of praise. ⁠
⁠
In essence, I choose to worship YOU rather than anything else.⁠ (Philippians 4:8-9)⁠
⁠
As I study Your Word, please move that truth from my mind to my heart so I experience life change.⁠
⁠
Help me think properly about my circumstances today. ⁠
⁠
In Jesus's Name,⁠
Amen!⁠
⁠
-----⁠
⁠
Think about how your thought life affects your spiritual battles. Do any thoughts need to come under the authority of Jesus Christ?⁠
⁠
Drop an emoji if you are wearing the Helmet of Salvation today! 🙏🙏🙏⁠
⁠
#DianneThorntonTX #DianneMicroBlog #MiniBibleStudies #FaithfulFollowers ⁠#HelmetOfSalvation⁠
⁠
#StandingFirmBibleStudy #ArmorOfGod🗡🛡#CharacterOfChrist #PrayerIsAWeapon #WholeArmorOfGod #Ephesians 610 #StandFirmInYourFaith #BeStrongInTheLord #NamesOfGod #ArmorOfGodStudy #standfirminchrist #newbiblestudy #SpiritualBattles #NameOfGod #standfirminthefaith #fullarmorofgod #Christlikeness #Ephesians6 #VictoryInJesus
...

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