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Dianne Thornton

Dianne Thornton

August 19, 2016 · 32 Comments

When You Are So Empty, Your Heart Hurts

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The Christian Life

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What do you do when you are emotionally and spiritually spent--so empty your heart hurts? How do you recharge? God wants to fill you with His strength.

What do you do when you are emotionally and spiritually spent--so empty your heart hurts? How do you recharge? God wants to fill you with His strength.I had one of these days recently. My personal schedule was set aside to handle something for one of my kids. It took much longer than anticipated. By the end of the day, I felt completely drained, and so empty my heart hurt.

My son’s wallet was stolen, and he experienced the loss on many levels. Lost cash, lost Drivers License, lost time with his girlfriend. Lost time for me, too. Hanging out at the DMV all day is pretty much the opposite of how we wanted to spend one of our last days of summer. Standing for hours, sitting for hours in chairs that make your tush go to sleep, engaging (or trying not to engage) with people who are looking for a reason to argue. Just ugh! The trip to the DMV turned into two trips to two different offices. In all, we waited over 5 hours…for 3 minutes of service.

With that task complete and most of the day gone, the rest of my household responsibilities awaited. By the time I bought stuff for dinner, prepared it, and cleaned it all up, all I wanted to do was decompress. I headed upstairs to take a hot bath. My husband suggested I listen to some music. But I wanted to watch synchronized diving. He reminded me that I could do that with my iPad. So I set out to make that happen. Technology is awesome–when it works … but it wasn’t … and that was it for me.

I tried to relax. Thinking over the day, I tried to capture positive moments. Empty and numb, little was coming to mind. I needed an infusion of Something! Instead, tears streamed down my face. I thought about getting out of the tub, and going to bed. But my body and mind wouldn’t let me.

I was glad we got my son’s Drivers License. I was glad my family had a good dinner and there were no leftovers! But there was nothing of me left over, either.

Switching Gears

Finally … the Lord spoke to my heart, and I listened. Worship Me, He said. So I did.

As I let the music soak into my heart and my mind, I felt immediate relief. I continued to lie there while my body, soul, and spirit recharged. Finally, I was able to relax and go to bed at peace.

I was looking for peace in my bathtub and watching the Olympics. But that’s not where God wanted me to find peace. Jesus told His disciples …

I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. (John 14:27)

My husband knew what I needed. It took me a while to realized it, though. I’m so glad I finally did.

But as for me, I will sing about your power. Each morning I will sing with joy about your unfailing love. For you have been my refuge, a place of safety when I am in distress. O my Strength, to you I sing praises, for you, O God, are my refuge, the God who shows me unfailing love. (Psalm 59:16-17)

The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. (Psalm 23:1-3)

Round Two

M&R ToesClose on the heals of the Driver’s License snafu, I had another one of those days. This time I spent chunks of time in two different urgent care facilities. My son’s ingrown toenail needed serious attention. As I was preparing to leave from his appointment, I received a call regarding his twin sister. She lacerated her foot with her color guard sabre.

Four stitches later, along with a good deal of laughter (praise the Lord!), she was back at rehearsal. When everything was said and done, however, I felt that familiar sense of emptiness creeping in. It was different this time, though. Early on, I recognized what it was. I thought about the day and was able to identify the good things.

  • Time with my almost 18-year-old twins (Time with them together is almost non-existent. This was a gift!)
  • Watching my son be strong for his sister when it was her turn to be on the other end of a needle
  • Seeing my daughter take everything in stride

Then I put on one a worship playlist for my drive home. I was feeling empty again by bedtime, so I pulled out my Bible and simply began to read. Before long, God showed me a beautiful gem I had never seen before! My heart was full. (If you want to hear about it, you can check it out on my Facebook live video here.)

God Wants To Fill Our Empty Hearts With His Strength

Sometimes our emptiness is a result of our own choices. Other times, however, God interrupts our lives with strength sapping events. He brings us to the empty place where He shows us His strength.

Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12:9-10) 

What do you do when you are emotionally and spiritually spent--so empty your heart hurts? How do you recharge? God wants to fill you with His strength.

When we are physically depleted, physically ill, or otherwise physically compromised, our bodies need physical rest. Sometimes God takes us to a place of physical emptiness as well.

Once again, however, if there is more He wants us to do, He will work through our weakness.

God wants to fill us completely with Himself. It is only in Him and through Him that we are able to effectively accomplish the things He wants us to accomplish (Hebrews 13:21).

When you’re so empty your heart hurts, slip away to a quiet place. Let God fill you with His Presence as you worship Him. Pull out your Bible and simply read. Let Him speak a fresh word to your heart. It doesn’t have to take a long time. He’ll fill you with His peace and give you strength for the tasks at hand.

Image: Pixabay (Iatya Prunkova)


Enjoy these related posts.

Throughout our spiritual lives we experience times of feeling empty. Different things cause this sense of emptiness. God wants to fill our emptiness with His love, His joy, and His strength.

From Empty to Filled With Love

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. bethany says

    August 19, 2016 at 7:13 am

    Amen! Your title caught my eye because I can totally resonate. As an introverted, internal processer, I sometimes find it isn’t even events like these that leave me drained- it can be the fun of a vacation or lots of time with friends. Thanking the Lord HE replenishes our energy levels physically, emotionally, and Spiritually. He is the healer, the filler, and the fulfiller. Thanks for sharing these encouraging stories (and glad everyone was alright in the end!)

  2. Gayl Wright says

    August 19, 2016 at 8:29 am

    Wow, you have had some difficult days, Dianne! I know the feeling of being so drained that we just don’t know what to do. It’s easy to look for comfort in all the wrong places until we finally realize that what we need is time with God.

    So glad you were able to remember that when the next hard day came so close on the heels of the first one! Thanks for sharing and for being so honest. I’m sure most everybody can identify with you. Thanks also for the encouragement and inspiration!

    Blessings to you!

  3. Dianne Thornton says

    August 19, 2016 at 8:40 am

    Thanks, Gayl. Sometimes I’m slower to catch on … but I was glad I was listening! It makes such a difference when we catch on earlier than later.

  4. Dianne Thornton says

    August 19, 2016 at 8:41 am

    Amen to all of this, Bethany. The older I get, the more I find that even “happy times” drain me, too. Thanks for coming by today.

  5. Tammy McDonald says

    August 19, 2016 at 8:48 am

    Love this! So honest about how God sometimes leads us to emptiness for us to know His power. Praying you continue to find time and remember to be filled with Him.

  6. Dianne Thornton says

    August 19, 2016 at 9:21 am

    Thanks, Tammy. It’s a life-long lesson as He refines us.

  7. Sarah Koontz says

    August 19, 2016 at 9:48 am

    I love how you searched for God in your challenging, stressful days. He’s always there, wanting to teach us of His goodness and provision. I especially enjoyed your tweetable, “God brings us to empty places so He can show us His strength.”

  8. SUSAN SHIPE says

    August 19, 2016 at 11:56 am

    I’d venture to say every mother / parent on earth can echo, “I’ve had days like this.” And, didn’t our mama’s tell us “we’d have days like this?” 🙂 xo

  9. Jerralea says

    August 19, 2016 at 2:20 pm

    Usually after a stress-filled day like you describe, I pick some mind-numbing activity to decompress but how much better would it be to get your praise on!

    Thanks for sharing!

  10. Dianne Thornton says

    August 19, 2016 at 2:31 pm

    So true, Susan! In many ways I’m thankful for them.

  11. Dianne Thornton says

    August 19, 2016 at 2:32 pm

    Thanks, Sarah. A learning process for sure. Like Paul says … we can rejoice in our weakness if it glorifies God!

  12. Dianne Thornton says

    August 19, 2016 at 2:34 pm

    We need our go-to resources, don’t we Jerralea!

  13. Horace Williams Jr says

    August 19, 2016 at 4:22 pm

    Sounds like you have a couple of eventful and enlightening few days Dianne! Always a blessing when our Savior reveals Himself to us especially during those moments of feeling helpless and empty. Such an encouraging story you share here! I love that verse in Hebrews 13… I may have to add to my memorization list. Thank you for sharing your heart here today.. I hope you have a wonderful weekend and may God richly bless you and yours!

  14. Melanie Redd says

    August 19, 2016 at 5:09 pm

    Wow, Dianne!
    What a week you have had!
    Found your post today on Grace & Truth.
    Can’t wait to meet you tomorrow night!
    Blessings,
    Melanie

  15. Melinda VanRy says

    August 20, 2016 at 4:32 pm

    I know this feeling. And trying to fill the emptiness with lesser things… Netflix, ice cream, a hot shower… Not at the same time. 😉

    Choosing praise can do amazing things. I was glad to come across your post on Grace & Truth today. Thank you for sharing.

  16. Ginger Harrington says

    August 21, 2016 at 4:09 pm

    I loved reading how God filled your emptiness, and I know how frustrating these situations could be. I’m facing a new emptiness in my home as my youngest just left for college. I am praying God will fill that sense of empty quiet with Himself.

  17. Betsy de Cruz says

    August 23, 2016 at 2:08 am

    Oh Dianne, your post resonated with me so much I can’t even describe. The last weeks we’ve been renewing our residence permits and registering our phones from America with the government, countless trips to wait in lines. Then yesterday e-parenting and telephone parenting from afar for my 19 year old. (I also didn’t want to spend an afternoon calling Verizon and Baylor University!) Oh, I’m ranting here maybe???

    But you’re reminding me that God’s resources of peace and joy are always available, even when we feel depleted by “going the extra mile.”

  18. Mary Stephens says

    August 23, 2016 at 11:56 am

    This post reminded me of this verse from the poem “He Giveth More Grace” by Annie Johnson Flint:

    When we have exhausted our store of endurance,
    When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,
    When we reach the end of our hoarded resources,
    Our Father’s full giving is only begun.

    Psalms 107:8-9 Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.

  19. Karlene says

    August 23, 2016 at 1:03 pm

    “God interrupts our lives with strength sapping events…brings us to the empty place where He shows us His strength.” Yes, yes He does. I’m sure not always pleased when it happens, but I’m trying to learn to rest in the moment and trust Him more. Visiting from #RaRaLinkup today.

  20. Dianne Thornton says

    August 23, 2016 at 2:20 pm

    And God’s got me in the middle of another one of these days! (But this one doesn’t involve my kiddos.) So I’m “tuning in”! Thanks, Horace.

  21. Dianne Thornton says

    August 23, 2016 at 2:21 pm

    I’m so sorry I missed meeting you, Melanie … I was so disappointed about that. But I’m thrilled that God used your time so sweetly. 🙂

  22. Dianne Thornton says

    August 23, 2016 at 2:22 pm

    Ahhh, Melinda … a good list of “lesser things” … thanks for coming by.

  23. Dianne Thornton says

    August 23, 2016 at 2:23 pm

    Oh, how we know He will, Ginger! That empty quiet … I’m so not ready for that! Thankful I have a little more time.

  24. Dianne Thornton says

    August 23, 2016 at 3:13 pm

    These busy seasons are exhausting! God has gifted me with another one of these precious days! But yes … He is enough. Worship brings us right into His Presence.

  25. Dianne Thornton says

    August 23, 2016 at 3:14 pm

    Beautiful, Mary!! Thank you for sharing both of these treasures!

  26. Dianne Thornton says

    August 23, 2016 at 3:16 pm

    Resting in the moment and trusting Him more … Jesus, Jesus precious Jesus … Oh for grace to trust Him more.

  27. Christine Duncan says

    August 23, 2016 at 3:37 pm

    Dianne, empty places and His promises seems to be a theme for me today… thankful for your words. He is faithful to use even the most exhausting of circumstances to reveal Himself and be our perfect supply! Amen!

  28. Dianne Thornton says

    August 23, 2016 at 4:22 pm

    Amen, Christine! Sometimes, like today, I feel that He relishes showing Himself sufficient! But then … of course He should! That’s what the world needs to see!!!

  29. Tiffany Parry says

    August 23, 2016 at 7:16 pm

    Life can be plain ol’ messy, can’t it?! Throw in the DMV and you deserve a medal! I can relate to so much of what you’ve written here, Dianne – and hot baths and worship are such a sweet remedy. It’s amazing what God can do when we give ourselves permission to lean on Him. So glad to visit you today from #testimonytuesday.

  30. Meg Gemelli says

    August 24, 2016 at 8:12 am

    Thank you for being so candid with your storytelling. You really drove it home for me. I also feel empty after a long day. I pour out and out and out…then it’s not uncommon to be near tears by bedtime. I know that about myself and so I make provisions: Plan to spend time with God and wind down, never make big decisions in the evenings, and really work hard to capture my thoughts…the emotional/mental attack is real when I’m tired. I’m so glad you got to enjoy your children, even under crazy circumstances! We’ll just all be praying for those folks at the DMV hahaha! Blessings Dianne.

  31. Dianne Thornton says

    August 25, 2016 at 8:34 pm

    I love that you make provision for these times of weakness … of vulnerability. That’s a good lesson, right there! Thanks for coming by, Meg!

  32. Dianne Thornton says

    August 25, 2016 at 8:35 pm

    You know, Tiffany … sometimes it is hard to give ourselves permission … responsibility demands that we be responsible … But then… taking that time to wind down and rest … is often the responsible thing to do … And God honors it. Thanks for stopping by.

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Feb 17

24 3
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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 ...⁠
⁠
=> 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. <=⁠
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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: ⁠
⁠
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
⁠
#GodsPurpose #SetApart #TheGospel ⁠
⁠
#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
⁠
#GodsPurpose #SetApart #TheGospel ⁠
⁠
#ReadingTheWord #EveryDayWithJesus #BibleAndCoffee #QuietTimeWithJesus #BibleBlog #BibleQuotesOfTheDay #FixYourEyesOnJesus #ReadTheBibleDaily #ScriptureDaily #JesusChick #StudyTheBible #GodsWisdom #BibleStudies #GodIsEnough #MorningDevo #WordOfLife #BibleScriptures #WordBeforeWorld #Devotions #JesusFollower
...

Feb 10

19 6
Open
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!!).⁠⁠
⁠⁠
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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.⁠⁠
⁠⁠
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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#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
⁠⁠
#TruthInLove #Psalm15 ⁠⁠
⁠⁠
#ReadingTheWord #EveryDayWithJesus #BibleAndCoffee #QuietTimeWithJesus #BibleBlog #BibleQuotesOfTheDay #FixYourEyesOnJesus #ReadTheBibleDaily #ScriptureDaily #JesusChick #StudyTheBible #GodsWisdom #BibleStudies #GodIsEnough #MorningDevo #WordOfLife #BibleScriptures #WordBeforeWorld #Devotions #JesusFollower
...

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.⁠
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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
...

Jan 6

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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

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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

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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
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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
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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. ⁠
⁠
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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