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Dianne Thornton

Dianne Thornton

May 4, 2015 · 6 Comments

I Soaked off My Acrylic Nails

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

The Christian Life

30shares
God uses the ordinary to point us to the extraordinary. I saw the other side of the world, so I soaked off my acrylic nails.

God uses the ordinary to point us to the extraordinary. I saw the other side of the world, so I soaked off my acrylic nails.
I soaked off my acrylic nails today. I’ve been wanting to do this for a while. They don’t look so great right now. In fact, it will be at least four months before most of them are completely grown out and strong again.

I love having lovely nails. But I do not love the time it takes have them maintained. Plus, the refill process has been more painful lately. :/

I have felt increasingly uncomfortable my last several visits to the nail salon. Sitting at the manicure table having my acrylics refilled, I observed the women in the pedicure chairs. Two or three sat there, feet soaking in warm, sudsy water, lovely Asian women trimming away cuticles and massaging their aching legs. A couple of them had another woman applying acrylic or gel polish to their fingernails.

The last time I was there, I was the woman at the pedicure station with two women attending to my every nail need. And it felt strange.

I think it’s totally OK to enjoy a manicure and a pedicure. But my mind keeps wandering … to people on the other side of the globe.

People—even children—who are dying without food or water.
Yet my feet soak in “disposable” water once a month.

Persecuted Christians who are dying for their faith.
Yet I enjoy the freedom of fellowship and worship as often as I want it.

As Peter and Paul instructed, these persecuted Christians are standing firm, not wavering.

Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. (1 Peter 5:9 NIV)

Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.” (1 Corinthians 16:13 NIV)

Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. (Ephesians 6:13-14)

Here I go again …

Comparing my comforts and convenience in this Western culture, with desperate and hurting souls in the Middle East. Honestly though, I’m surprised. Because …

I don’t want to know how they are hurting.
I don’t want to feel the grief they endure over losing their loved ones.
I don’t want to see the images of martyred believers.

foot-bath-650874_1920I go out of my way to avoid all that. I would rather …

Have lunch with my girlfriends.
Watch my daughters spin their flags, rifles, and sabers.
Listen to my son play his guitar.
Enjoy a quiet evening with my husband.
Soak my feet in warm, sudsy water.

But the Lord is changing my heart. My mind wanders once again to those who are standing firm for their faith and paying the ultimate price.

They knelt.
They laid down their lives. They experienced physical death, but then they were with Jesus!
They found Life when they laid theirs down.

Can you imagine? Were they afraid? I don’t know. Probably.
But did they know? Absolutely!

Knees on the sand, they knew that within moments, they would be with the one they were giving their lives to. And in that moment—I know—their spirits soared. Can you imagine what it must have been like to be in their place? 

Their precious families? Oh, how their hearts must ache. I can’t begin to understand the depth of their loss and grief.

Lifting Them Up … 

If you’ve been reading my blog, you know I’m praying for persecuted believers and their families every time I sign my name. Although I want those held captive to be released, and I do pray for that, the probability that they will be, is remote. So I pray according to Scripture …

praying-614374_1920I pray that as they speak, God’s purposes would be accomplished (Isaiah 55:10-11).

I pray that those suffering would continue to be bold and share the Gospel with their captors. And as a result, other believers would also be bold! That lives would be changed for eternity! And to know that whatever happens–it’s worth it!

When Paul was imprisoned, he wrote to the churches:

…everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News. For everyone here, including the whole palace guard, knows that I am in chains because of Christ. And because of my imprisonment, most of the believers here have gained confidence and boldly speak God’s message without fear. (Philippians 1:12-14)

And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. (Colossians 4:3-4 NIV)

That their families would experience deep comfort.

There are no earthly words that adequately comfort families suffering from the seemingly senseless death of their loved ones. Only God can reach truly their hearts. And that’s my prayer.

That He would reach them in the way only He can.
That they would know their loved one’s sacrifice was not in vain.
That the lives of their loved ones counted for eternity.
That their bravery gives others courage to be bold, also.

Why? So that the lost will be found! So the lost won’t spend eternity separated from the God who loves them!

What about us?

Surrender–Finding Real Life When We Lay Ours Down

Falling to our knees at the feet of Jesus–in total surrender.

Real Life begins when we give our lives to Jesus. We lay down the emptiness of doing life on our own, and exchange it for a life overflowing with love and meaning because we do life with Christ. Do you know Him? If not, you can find out how here.

cross-106416_1920We continue to experience real Life when we surrender on a daily basis. It’s easy to get caught up in a lifestyle that seems meaningful, when in reality, it’s just busy.

Sometimes we are so focused on a goal, that we miss the life that happens along the way.

But God is GOOD and MERCIFUL! Even when we miss real Life, He “sweeps us up in His love again.” And we can “dance on the wings of forever.” This is the picture of a restored love relationship!

What in the world does this have to do with my nails?

Exactly! Not. A. Thing.

Being pampered in a nail salon is the total opposite of how most people live on the other side of the world from me. This is one more reminder of how easily I take comforts, conveniences, even luxuries–for granted, while other people are dying for things of eternal value. It also serves as a challenge for me to make sure that, as much as possible, everything I do counts for eternity.

What in my life counts for eternity?Click to Tweet

Make it Count!

The Asian women at the salon I go to? They … are … precious! Their little Buddha sits in the window at the front. But the women are just like me. They have husbands at home, kids in school. Some are afraid of the diagnosis they may get at the doctor that week. I love them.

You know what? My time at the nail salon can count for eternity, if I let it.

I can make a friend, taking a genuine interest in her life.
I can encourage her. I can pray for her. I can share Jesus with her. (Yep, it’s scary!)

I will continue to go to my nail salon. It is something I enjoy, especially when I take my girls for a special occasion. But it’s important to me to be mindful of its place–and to take advantage of opportunities to make it count for eternity. I did not soak off my acrylics because I felt it was wrong to have them. I was tired of them. God used the environment of the salon to wake up my heart to the real needs of hurting people.

=> What in your life, apart from your ministry, counts for eternity? What every-day events can God use to wake up your heart to the needs of others around you and across the globe? Do you have ordinary activities that can be changed into extraordinary. Who can you share Christ with today?

Images:

Footbath – Pixabay (graceie)
Praying hands – Pixabay (Adriano Gadini)
Kneeling before cross – Pixabay (Gerd Altmann)

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kristi Woods says

    May 5, 2015 at 2:42 pm

    Excellent, thought-provoking post, Dianne. Seriously. You’ve caused me to stop and think about life, others, Him. God heard my prayers for Pastor Saeed just this morning, but your post challenges me to “more”. Thanking God that I stopped by from #testimonyTuesday today.

  2. Dianne Thornton says

    May 5, 2015 at 3:46 pm

    Thanks, Kristi. This is probably one of the most difficult posts I’ve written. I feel like I’m “all over the map.” But it’s what God is doing in my life. I’m glad He used to encourage to “more.” Thanks for coming by.

  3. Tiffany Parry says

    May 5, 2015 at 5:16 pm

    Firstly, Dianne – I love that song. It is one that makes your re-evaluate surrender. And your words were so thought provoking. The idea of being intentional in prayer – pinning it to something that we do daily as a marker for our memory is such a good tip. For me, the Lord has been impressing on my heart the need to be intentional in opening God’s word with my son. Not just devotionals or prayer, but purposing to sift through His promises together – his walk for Christ counts for eternity! Blessed to stop by from the #raralinkup.

  4. kristine says

    May 5, 2015 at 8:00 pm

    Such an awesome reminder, Diane. Yes, I totally agree! There are ordinary moments that can become extraordinary encounters as we continue to pray for God’s will to be done- in our lives and the lives of the bold and courageous believers on the other side of the globe. Thank you for your heart to pray:) Visiting you from #rara linkup today!

  5. yperry123 says

    May 5, 2015 at 8:57 pm

    Such great thoughts…and so intentionally written Dianne! #RaRaLinkUp

  6. Kelly Balarie says

    May 9, 2015 at 3:39 am

    These persecuted Christians have been sitting so heavy on me in many ways. I have been thinking the same as you – I live in a bubble of comfort while they die in a time of pain. Oh, that my eyes won’t miss what is going on. Oh, that I won’t live in veil because the veil has been torn. Thank you! Love this focus. Cheering you on from the #RaRalinkup on Purposeful Faith.

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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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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. <=⁠
⁠
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 ⁠
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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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#ReadingTheWord #EveryDayWithJesus #BibleAndCoffee #QuietTimeWithJesus #BibleBlog #BibleQuotesOfTheDay #FixYourEyesOnJesus #ReadTheBibleDaily #ScriptureDaily #JesusChick #StudyTheBible #GodsWisdom #BibleStudies #GodIsEnough #MorningDevo #WordOfLife #BibleScriptures #WordBeforeWorld #Devotions #JesusFollower
...

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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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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? ⁠⁠
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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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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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#TruthInLove #Psalm15 ⁠⁠
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Feb 8

28 9
Open
OUR THOUGHTS OF GOD ARE NOT GREAT ENOUGH. -- J. I. Packer⁠
⁠
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⁠
"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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