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Dianne Thornton

Dianne Thornton

May 13, 2016 · 16 Comments

A Small Victory for This Overly-Helpful Mom

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The Christian Life

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When this overly-helpful mom got out of the way, God was able to work. The result? Both mom and daughter grew a little.

When this overly-helpful mom got out of the way, God was able to work. The result? Both mom and daughter grew a little.
A couple of days ago I blogged about a sentence one of my daughters wrote in my Mother’s Day card:  “Thank you for being overly-helpful because I know you are just trying to make my life easier.” (You can read about it here.) God used this simple sentence to show me that, although I was trying to help my daughter through an extremely stressful situation, He was working in her life to mature her. She already had her situation under control. This overly-helpful mom had a small victory earlier this week! I started to write about it in a Facebook status, but it ended up being too long. So I decided to go ahead and make a short blog post about it!

Early last year my friend, Shannon, gave me a suggestion to curb the morning distress phone calls and  texst that basically said, “Mom, I left my ______ at home. Can you please bring it to me?”

Being a stay-at-home-mom, these distress calls didn’t usually bother me, and I ran many rescue missions. Eventually, though, it became too much.

Shannon charges her kids $5/trip for items left at home. She said doing that cured their forgetfulness immediately. So I started doing that, too. Unless I was headed in the general direction of the school in a time-frame that worked for them, I started charging them for these trips. My kiddos got mad at me for a while, but I haven’t had to make an “emergency” 😉 trip in a long time. This left room for other opportunities for me to be “overly-helpful.”

Until this morning. My other daughter left some schoolwork at home. The subsequent plea for help came soon afterward. She wanted me to bring it to her before the bell rang for first period. I had just crawled out of bed and was not ready to rush up to the school. Never mind that I hadn’t had any coffee yet! I told her I would get it to her after I had some coffee and got dressed. This was going to put her in a major bind, because not only did she leave the homework at home–she hadn’t completed it–and it was due in second period!

When this overly-helpful mom got out of the way, God was able to work. The result? Both mom and daughter grew a little.After my coffee and shower, I received a text that said she figured out what she could do. My intentional delay got her super smart mind working to figure another way out of her dilemma. My purpose not to be overly-helpful allowed her to solve her own problem. Which is exactly what we, as parents, are supposed to do … instruct our kids to be independent and self-disciplined.

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord. (Ephesians 6:4)

As we do our part, little by little our kids do theirs. And eventually we can trust the Lord with this great promise.

Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it. (Proverbs 22:6)

I don’t know about you, but I need this kind of encouragement–especially as I parent my teenagers. Sometimes I just wonder–ya know? Other times, I smile with deep satisfaction.

Since this recent crisis, I realized that often I do let my children steer their own ships. Sometimes things turn out really well. Sometimes–not so much. But even then, we all learn together how things could have happened differently.

There have been many times when an unpleasant situation presented itself at school. When they were younger, if I felt it was necessary, I would contact the teacher and work it out. These days, I ask my kiddos if they want me to intervene. Almost every time they tell me no. They want to deal with it themselves.

As an overly-helpful mom, I have lots to learn about letting my kids grow and make their own way in life. But this week is a good one.

So I’m doing a little happy dance over here. For me, because I grew up a bit this week and didn’t rush to the rescue. And for my girl, who also grew up some and solved her own problem this week.

I think God is doing a little happy dance, too.

Image: Pixabay (schneeknirschen)

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Comments

  1. ~Karrilee~ says

    May 13, 2016 at 9:54 am

    Amen! It’s hard though, right? Because even when you can and you even want to – it doesn’t always mean that you should! Our only Girlie is all grown up and out of the house – and still… well, just yesterday we got one of those calls… 😉

  2. Horace Williams says

    May 13, 2016 at 12:15 pm

    Well done Diane… for both you and your daughter !I’m sure God is doing a “happy” dance for you both as you grow in Him. As the oldest son of an “overly helpful mom”, I am thankful for her help over the years. I may not always appreciate it at times but her Godly love is invaluable to me. I agree sometimes we have to “get out of the way” of God working in someomes life. (I ask God for wisdom beferore intervening with my brother) Thank you for sharing your story here today. May God continue to richly bless you and yours in all your endeavors. Have a wonderful weekend

  3. Erlinda Jimenez says

    May 13, 2016 at 12:22 pm

    I love this! You are amazing and I’m more than sure that all of your hard work will show in your kids lives. A praying mommy is the most beautiful thing a woman can do for her kids. High five Ms Dianne!

  4. Dianne Thornton says

    May 13, 2016 at 1:32 pm

    Awww … Erlinda, you bless me! I was thinking about you this morning! Thanks so much for reading my blog and taking the time to comment. Love you!!

  5. Dianne Thornton says

    May 13, 2016 at 1:33 pm

    Thanks, Horace. There is something about maturity that allows us to appreciate others, isn’t there. Praying with you that you will have wisdom with your brother. Thanks for coming by, Horace!

  6. Dianne Thornton says

    May 13, 2016 at 1:34 pm

    You are a great mom, Karrilee … and mothering never ends! I still want MY mommy!

  7. Kelly Basham says

    May 14, 2016 at 8:38 am

    I’m right there with you friend. I can’t count the number of times my daughter has sent me a text from school asking me to bring her something. I used to feel obligated to do it because I was a stay-at-home mom. When it became a regular habit, I finally had to dish out a little tuff love and say, “No”. It was hard, but like you said it’s what we need to do so they can grow into responsible adults. Great word Dianne!

  8. Dianne Thornton says

    May 14, 2016 at 11:39 am

    Thanks, Kelly. Even this morning, I am choosing not to rescue! It’s so hard! But necessary. Blessings to you!!

  9. Marva | sunSPARKLEshine says

    May 14, 2016 at 6:09 pm

    At 8 and 10, my kids are a bit younger than yours, Dianne and it’s been hard to know when to step in and help. I realised that my 10 y.o. was forgetting things at home a little too often and I finally had to say, “I’m sorry, I can’t bring it”. I like the idea of having to pay too! Teaching them responsibility starts from young. I certainly don’t want them to think I’ll be there to get them out of every bind. It’s not realistic and it certainly doesn’t help them or me. I’m so glad that we’re learning these lessons together!
    Blessings on your weekend, my friend!

  10. Dianne Thornton says

    May 14, 2016 at 9:44 pm

    Thanks, Marva. Even today I had an opportunity to step in. It wasn’t a rescue per se. But it was still a place where I needed to step back. It’s still good to be helpful, though. I brought in a trash can today for one of my kiddos. That’s different than a rescue!! Hard lesson!

  11. dawn says

    May 19, 2016 at 1:53 pm

    Dianne, I loved reading this. I have a tween and a teen and I, too, struggle with being an overly helpful mom. My daughter’s high school will not allow parents to drop items off for their kids in the office. When I went to the school to take my daughter’s running shoes to her, they said “no”. I was annoyed at first, but I came around to see the wisdom in that policy. I had been wanting to protect her from the consequence (getting marked down in p.e.) of her forgetfulness. But kids need to experience some of those natural consequences so that they can grow and mature. You did the right thing!
    Thank you for linking with Grace and Truth last week. I would love to feature this post tomorrow.

  12. Dianne Thornton says

    May 19, 2016 at 3:59 pm

    I’m honored, Dawn! Parenting out kiddos so they grow is difficult! Im looking forward to enjoying them as adults, like Ruthie is!!

  13. Crystal Twaddell says

    May 20, 2016 at 12:32 pm

    Dianne, your message so resonates with me! The line between helping and equipping is sometimes blury and what excellent advice and encouragement. I too have had those clarifying moments when I didn’t get a child’s message in time, and they had to lean on resourcefullness. There was always a huge growth blessing for all involved. I love your mother heart and your message…and I would love for you to share your encouragement today on #FreshMarketFriday. Your passion for motherhood and intentional parenting are so perfect for the link-up:) So glad to connect! Crystal~

  14. Dianne Thornton says

    May 20, 2016 at 2:17 pm

    Thanks, Crystal. It’s affirming when you see your parenting efforts start to show fruit! (I did hop on over to participate in your linkup!)

  15. Laura Thomas says

    May 21, 2016 at 4:17 pm

    Oh this SO resonates with me! My “kids” are 23, 19, and 16, and I’ve found the teen years such a balancing act between “being a good Mom” and letting them make mistakes in order to grow. There’s never a dull moment in parenting, and I’m so grateful that we don’t have to do it in our own strength! (And I’m awfully glad our high school is a one-minute walk away!!) Thanks for sharing, and well done to you! Stopping by from #FreshMarketFriday 🙂

  16. Lyli @3dlessons4life.com says

    May 26, 2016 at 4:12 pm

    Dianne, the school teacher in me applauds your wise choices. Letting your kids take ownership of their choices and feel the weight of them will prepare them for life when they fly the coop. I know it’s tough to see them suffer now, but if will help estabilsh their resilience and resolve now.
    Blessings,
    Lyli

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Mar 20

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This week in our small group study, I felt the Lord’s gentle chastisement. 

We looked at the promise in Luke 11:28, “He [Jesus] replied, ‘Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.’”

At first glance, the promise of blessing comes from obedience. But it’s much more. 

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✨ Blessed are those who HEAR the word of God and obey it. 

That word HEAR means to LISTEN with FULL ATTENTION. 

✨ We cannot truly obey God if we don’t know what He’s saying to us. 

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It’s never fun to be Jesus’s object lesson. 

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✨ What keeps me from spending time alone with Jesus?

✨ When I finally get alone with Him, what distracts me? 

✨ What keeps me from focusing on God’s Word? 

✨ What causes my kind to wander when I’m praying?

➡️ Eliminating distractions …
➡️ Exercising discipline …

… to bring every thought captive to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5) 

… brings true blessing. 

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I’m reading through Proverbs again, a habit my dad taught me when I was young. One Proverb a day each month. I’ve read through this book so many times, yet the Holy Spirit illumines new truth with each read. 

“The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: for gaining wisdom and instruction; for understanding words of insight; for receiving instruction in prudent behavior, doing what is right and just and fair; for giving prudence to those who are simple, knowledge and discretion to the young.” (Proverbs 1:1–4, NIV)

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I will keep y’all posted as things move along!!! ⁠
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Hey Friends! I have a special treat 🍬 for you today. 

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✅ These mini Bible studies are “work at your own pace.” 

📖 GIVING THANKS by Pondering the Wonderful Works of the Lord focuses on being thankful for *specific things*.

📖 GIVING GRATEFUL PRAISE (🥳BRAND NEW🥳) focuses on 7 word studies in Psalm 100 that deepen our worship for who God is.

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✨I’ve curated a list of my favorite Advent devotionals and Bible studies. There is something for everyone! ✨

✨ How do YOU like to celebrate Christmas Advent? ✨

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May 26

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THERE IS NOTHING QUITE LIKE THE FEELING OF LOSING YOUR FOOTING.⁠
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I should know. I’m an expert at the slip-and-fall. In the rain with flip flops that have lost their tread. On frozen snow in hiking boots that are supposed to have grip. Even in my kitchen when I’m wearing my slippers. (Why are they called that???) Then there was that time I trekked out across some sand to grab a bucket and ended up knee deep in drilling mud.⁠
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In those times we are NOT in control, and we know it. We take a few steps, falter, and realize we are going down. ⁠
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Suffering can be like that—but there is no humor in it.⁠
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We all walk through suffering. Sometimes it feels so dark and deep we can’t see what’s ahead. ⁠
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🎵I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. (Ps 40:1-2)⁠
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Our road seems slippery, and we may feel we have no hope. But God is near, and He hears our cries. As we draw near to Him, He gives us a new perspective and firm footing. He also gives us a song of joy amid our suffering.⁠
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🎵 He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him. (Ps 40:3)⁠
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This song of praise is for the express purpose of encouraging others who are suffering so they too can draw near to the Lord and experience His peace and the abundant life He came to give. ⁠
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This is how a watching world comes to know God. They see our suffering. But they also see a heart that trusts God during it. A heart that is not bitter, but one that sings for joy. ⁠
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Do you know a fellow sufferer who willingly shares their song of joy? How has their example encouraged you?⁠
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Feb 17

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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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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. 😉😂)⁠
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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! ⁠
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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. ⁠
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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. <=⁠
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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!⁠
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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)⁠
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Be blessed today as you proclaim the gospel of peace to a world that is crying out for it!!⁠
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✨ What other holy purposes has God called you to?⁠
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#GodsPurpose #SetApart #TheGospel ⁠
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Feb 10

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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.⁠⁠
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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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Psalm 15, explains that the *blameless person* enjoys a close relationship with God, and describes this person in detail. ⁠⁠
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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:⁠⁠
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"A blameless person's speech is wholesome. She doesn't just not curse--she encourages. AND she accepts criticism without being critical."⁠⁠
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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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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.⁠⁠
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✨ What other truths can we remember to keep our hearts tender instead of tough and critical?⁠⁠
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#DianneThorntonTX #DianneMicroBlog #MiniBibleStudies  #FaithfulFollowers⁠ #StandingFirmBibleStudy⁠⁠
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#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

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Feb 8

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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. ⁠
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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.⁠
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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!⁠
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Let's remember, God goes before us and strengthens us for all He calls us to do.⁠
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#DianneThorntonTX #DianneMicroBlog #MiniBibleStudies  #FaithfulFollowers⁠
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#JOswaldSanders #EnjoyingIntimacyWithGod #HowGreatThouArt #JIPacker⁠
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#StudyScripture #LampToMyFeet #WordOfGodSpeaks #LovetheBible #LoveGodsWord #StudyGodsWord #BibleCommunity #JesusIsTruth #BibleBeliever #BibleWisdom #LifeWithJesus #DevotionalTime #BibleVersesDaily #WordOfGodSpeak #GodsWordIsTruth #JesusAndCoffee #BibleStudyMoments  #InTheWord #BibleTruth #SeekHimFirst

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Nov 18

Open
HOLY FATHER, GIVE ME GREAT LOVE FOR YOUR WORD AND THE TRUTH IN IT.⁠
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May the Holy Spirit illumine truth as I read its pages. Teach me to use your Sword as my weapon against Satan.⁠
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Help me to study it well, hiding its treasures in my heart.⁠
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Bring to mind truth from Your Word for my needs today. ⁠
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In Jesus's Name,⁠
Amen!⁠
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⁠
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.⁠
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You can find it in my SHOP under "Bible Study Helps." (See the Instagram links in my bio.)⁠
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#DianneThorntonTX #DianneMicroBlog #MiniBibleStudies  #FaithfulFollowers ⁠#SwordOfTheSpirit ⁠
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#StandingFirmBibleStudy #ArmorOfGod🗡🛡#CharacterOfChrist #PrayerIsAWeapon #WholeArmorOfGod #Ephesians 610 #StandFirmInYourFaith #BeStrongInTheLord #NamesOfGod #ArmorOfGodStudy #standfirminchrist #newbiblestudy #SpiritualBattles #NameOfGod  #standfirminthefaith #fullarmorofgod #Christlikeness #Ephesians6 #VictoryInJesus⁠

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Nov 12

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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. ⁠
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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. ⁠
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For any thoughts that do not honor You, remind me to ⁠
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--set aside these thoughts⁠
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--shift my thinking⁠
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--and focus on things that are true, admirable, excellent, and worthy of praise. ⁠
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In essence, I choose to worship YOU rather than anything else.⁠ (Philippians 4:8-9)⁠
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As I study Your Word, please move that truth from my mind to my heart so I experience life change.⁠
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Help me think properly about my circumstances today. ⁠
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In Jesus's Name,⁠
Amen!⁠
⁠
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⁠
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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Nov 9

Open
DO YOU CARE FOR LITTLE ONES OR AGED ONES?⁠
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Do you teach students?⁠
Do you move within the corporate world?⁠
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Are you walking through a valley of suffering?⁠
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What task has God given you in your arena of ministry? ⁠
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It doesn’t matter what it is, God wants us to give ourselves *fully* to the work He assigns us. ⁠
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And here’s the “why.”⁠
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“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:58-59 NIV)⁠
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Our labor is in not in vain! Because, as the verses prior to these say, Jesus has conquered the sting of death. Through Him we have victory. ⁠
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Everything we do can point to Jesus so He receives glory in all our tasks. ⁠
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So if you’re feeling discouraged today, take heart. Victory is yours. God will use your efforts for His kingdom.  He loves you so. ⁠
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What work has God given you today? ⁠
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Double tap if you agree!⁠
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#DianneThorntonTX #DianneMicroBlog #MiniBibleStudies  #FaithfulFollowers⁠ #StandFirmInChrist⁠
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#StudyScripture #LampToMyFeet #WordOfGodSpeaks #LovetheBible #LoveGodsWord #StudyGodsWord #BibleCommunity  #JesusIsTruth #BibleBeliever #BibleWisdom #LifeWithJesus #DevotionalTime #BibleVersesDaily #WordOfGodSpeak #GodsWordIsTruth #JesusAndCoffee #BibleStudyMoments  #InTheWord #BibleTruth #SeekHimFirst

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Nov 6

Open
HOW TO CULTIVATE AN ATTITUDE OF THANKSGIVING ALL YEAR ROUND.⁠
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If you're like me, your mind is spinning with all the craziness of this week. You might even be a bit afraid of what the future holds. I know that I am doing a good amount of "instructing my heart" to trust the Lord. ⁠
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The best cure of worry and fear is a shift in focus -- from our circumstances to the One who controls them. With Thanksgiving approaching, this shift can include listing all the the wonderful ways God has cared for us in the past -- which builds our trust that He will continue to care for us in the coming days. ⁠
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Would you join me in focusing on the wonderful deeds of the Lord as Thanksgiving approaches? ⁠
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This 5-Day Mini Bible Study is a special Thanksgiving treat that will help you cultivate an attitude of thanksgiving (and trust) all year long.⁠ ⁠
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🦃 Get your copy from the Instagram link in my profile. 🦃⁠
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⁠Psalm 77:11-12 “I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds.” 

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#DianneThorntonTX #DianneMicroBlog #MiniBibleStudies  #FaithfulFollowers⁠
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#GiveThanksAlways #GiveThanksEveryDay #GiveThanksToTheLord #GiveThanksDaily #GiveThanks🙏 #GratefulHeart #Psalm136 #Psalm107 #Psalm100 #CountYourManyBlessings #CountYourManyBlessingsNameThemOneByOne #Psalm100 #PsalmOfTheDay #Psalms #Thanksgiving2020 #EnterHisGatesWithThanksgiving #EnterHisCourtsWithPraise⁠
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#LifeWithJesus #DevotionalTime #BibleVersesDaily #WordOfGodSpeak #GodsWordIsTruth #JesusAndCoffee #BibleStudyMoments  #InTheWord #BibleTruth ⁠

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Nov 4

Open
HOLY FATHER, I'M GRATEFUL THAT YOU PROTECT ME WITH THE SHIELD OF YOUR FAITHFULNESS (Psalm 91:4). ⁠
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Where the enemy tries to get me to doubt, remind me of the truth in Your Word that ... ⁠
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... although much in life changes, You remain the same (James 1:17). ⁠
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⁠Thank You for meeting my needs in the past. Because You are our Faithful God, I know You will meet my needs today. ⁠
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I know You can grow my small faith.⁠
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In Jesus's Name,⁠
Amen!⁠
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In your spiritual battles, where are you tempted to doubt God's plan? How has God met your needs in the past? Trust Him meet you now!!⁠
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Drop an emoji if you are using the Shield of Faith today!! 🙏🙏🙏⁠
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#DianneThorntonTX #DianneMicroBlog #MiniBibleStudies  #FaithfulFollowers ⁠#ShieldOfFaith⁠ #GodIsFaithful #James117⁠
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#StandingFirmBibleStudy #ArmorOfGod🗡🛡#CharacterOfChrist #PrayerIsAWeapon #WholeArmorOfGod #Ephesians 610 #StandFirmInYourFaith #BeStrongInTheLord #NamesOfGod #ArmorOfGodStudy #standfirminchrist #newbiblestudy #SpiritualBattles #NameOfGod  #standfirminthefaith #fullarmorofgod #Christlikeness #Ephesians6 #VictoryInJesus

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Nov 2

Open
ISN'T IT JUST LIKE GOD TO USE SMALL THINGS TO ACCOMPLISH BIG THINGS?⁠
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Psalm 8:2 “Through the praise of children and infants you have established a stronghold against your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.”⁠
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The NIV Application Commentary says, “The recognition of one’s own weakness is the starting point for recognizing dependence on the strength of God.”⁠
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Do you feel small in your efforts to serve God and others?⁠
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That’s okay!! ⁠
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God takes our meager offering and multiplies it to accomplish His purposes—not only in our lives, but in the world!!⁠
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What are some small efforts that make a big difference?⁠
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#DianneThorntonTX #DianneMicroBlog #MiniBibleStudies  #FaithfulFollowers⁠ #Psalm8 #Psalm82⁠
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#StudyScripture #LampToMyFeet #WordOfGodSpeaks #LovetheBible #LoveGodsWord #StudyGodsWord #BibleCommunity  #JesusIsTruth #BibleBeliever #BibleWisdom #LifeWithJesus #DevotionalTime #BibleVersesDaily #WordOfGodSpeak #GodsWordIsTruth #JesusAndCoffee #BibleStudyMoments  #InTheWord #BibleTruth #SeekHimFirst

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Oct 28

Open
⁠HOLY FATHER, I WANT YOUR PEACE TO RULE MY LIFE.⁠
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First, I confess my sin and thank You for Your forgiveness. ⁠
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Thank You that through Jesus, the Prince of Peace, I can have peace with You.⁠
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Please show me where I need to make amends in my relationships. ⁠
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Help me to humbly approach my friends and family and ask for forgiveness so peace can be restored in our relationships. ⁠
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And in my circumstances, where I am anxious and afraid, I fix my eyes on You and trust You to settle my heart and mind.⁠
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Father, please give me courage to share the Gospel of Peace with those who cross my path today. ⁠
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You've given me the great privilege of partnering with You to spread the gospel. Give me sensitivity to recognize when to speak up so others can hear the good news and know salvation.⁠
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In Jesus's Name,⁠
Amen!⁠
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In your personal spiritual battles, is there anyone with whom you need to reconcile?⁠
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How does Satan disrupt your peace? ⁠
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Drop an emoji if you want to share the gospel of peace today! 🙏🙏🙏 ⁠(kinda scary, huh!)⁠
⁠
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#DianneThorntonTX #DianneMicroBlog #MiniBibleStudies  #FaithfulFollowers ⁠#GospelOfPeace #PrinceOfPeace⁠
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#StandingFirmBibleStudy #ArmorOfGod🗡🛡#CharacterOfChrist #PrayerIsAWeapon #WholeArmorOfGod #Ephesians 610 #StandFirmInYourFaith #BeStrongInTheLord #NamesOfGod #ArmorOfGodStudy #standfirminchrist #newbiblestudy #SpiritualBattles #NameOfGod  #standfirminthefaith #fullarmorofgod #Christlikeness #Ephesians6 #VictoryInJesus

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Oct 26

Open
HOW MANY TIMES HAVE YOU READ 1 CORINTHIANS 10:13?⁠
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I've read it many times, but something new popped out to me.⁠
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“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13, NIV)⁠
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It’s that last phrase … SO YOU CAN ENDURE IT.⁠
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Prior to the other day, whenever I thought about this verse, I thought about temptation LEAVING once I ESCAPED, by being obedient to take God’s way out.⁠
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But that’s not what the last phrase indicates. It says that we can ENDURE TEMPTATION. ⁠
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If you're like me, this offers great hope. Sometimes temptation sticks around. It doesn't just go away. That’s why it’s so important to wear the Helmet of Salvation and protect our minds with the Truth from God’s Word. ⁠
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Whatever temptation you are facing, God’s “way out” will help you ENDURE your temptation, especially if it is a lingering one. ⁠
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He is present—you don’t face it alone. He strengthens you each step of the way until you are clear of it.⁠
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Drop an emoji if you agree!⁠
⁠
#DianneThorntonTX #DianneMicroBlog #MiniBibleStudies  #FaithfulFollowers⁠ #HelmetOfSalvation #BeltOfTruth #StandingFirmBibleStudy ⁠
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#StudyScripture #LampToMyFeet #WordOfGodSpeaks #LovetheBible #LoveGodsWord #StudyGodsWord #BibleCommunity  #JesusIsTruth #BibleBeliever #BibleWisdom #LifeWithJesus #DevotionalTime #BibleVersesDaily #WordOfGodSpeak #GodsWordIsTruth #JesusAndCoffee #BibleStudyMoments  #InTheWord #BibleTruth #SeekHimFirst

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Oct 21

Open
⁠HOLY FATHER, THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS⁠ ⁠protects my heart--which is the core of who I am. ⁠
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May the truth of Your Word guard and protect my heart (Proverbs 4:23).⁠
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On my own, it is impossible to live righteously. ⁠
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As I yield my will to the Holy Spirit, however, You give me the power to live in victory. ⁠
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Give me the courage to surrender the areas of my life You put Your finger on.⁠
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May my time in Your Word work change in my heart so I can live the righteous life You desire.⁠
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In Jesus's Name,⁠
Amen!⁠
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In your personal spiritual battle, is there any area of your life where you need to surrender? ⁠
⁠
What do your thoughts, words, and actions reveal about your heart?⁠
⁠
Drop an emoji if you are wearing the Breastplate of Righteousness today! 🙏🙏🙏⁠
⁠
I would consider it a privilege to partner in prayer with you. Feel free to send me a DM!⁠
⁠
#DianneThorntonTX #DianneMicroBlog #MiniBibleStudies  #FaithfulFollowers ⁠#BreastplateOfRighteousness⁠ #Proverbs423 #Ephesians 518⁠
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#StandingFirmBibleStudy #ArmorOfGod🗡🛡#CharacterOfChrist #PrayerIsAWeapon #WholeArmorOfGod #Ephesians 610 #StandFirmInYourFaith #BeStrongInTheLord #NamesOfGod #ArmorOfGodStudy #standfirminchrist #newbiblestudy #SpiritualBattles #NameOfGod  #standfirminthefaith #fullarmorofgod #Christlikeness #Ephesians6 #VictoryInJesus
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