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Dianne Thornton

Dianne Thornton

Meaningful Quiet Times

In the Christian life, we develop our relationship with God in the same way we develop a relationship with anyone else—through time. If you consider your best friends, they are probably the ones you spend the most time with. The more time you spend with someone, the better you get to know them. You know how they think, how they feel, and how they are likely to respond to life’s situations. In the same way, you want to have meaningful quiet times with God.

The more time you spend with God in His Word, the more you understand how He thinks, how He feels, and how He wants us to respond to life’s situations. Meaningful quiet times (or devotional times) form the foundation for our relationship with God. It is daily time listening for His voice through reading the Bible, prayer, and meditation. Quiet times vary in length. They can be as short as five minutes or as long as an hour! It all depends on you. The key is making sure your quiet times are quality time with God. These posts guide you to have a meaningful quiet times—regardless of their length.

The electronic Bible on my tablet has been my go-to resource. But social media is a distraction. I'm returning to leather and paper for my daily quiet time.

Returning to Leather and Paper

I remember when I first got my iPad. I was substitute teaching and saved every penny to get it. I have incredibly powerful Bible study software on my desktop computer, and I was looking forward to taking advantage of its companion tablet app. It did not disappoint. From the time I got my iPad, I ...
Read More about Returning to Leather and Paper

God's Word ALWAYS accomplishes EVERYTHING He intends it to. Sometimes we don't see it right away--but we can trust that He is working!

God’s Word Always Accomplishes Everything He Intends

I LOVE GOD'S WORD. It is true. It is faithful. It is alive! It is powerful for changing our lives. As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is ...
Read More about God’s Word Always Accomplishes Everything He Intends

Without the water of the Word, our hearts become dry and crusty. Water works wonders! A little bit of water every day, and we begin to thrive!

Water Works Wonders

After several years of decreased rainfall, this spring, we had two months of deluge after deluge. The reservoirs and lakes were almost full again. Plants that were recovering from winter began to flourish. We had to mow our lawns at least once a week. My lantana was deep and full of blooms two ...
Read More about Water Works Wonders

Leaving the Good Stuff Behind

I don't know about y'all, but in our area cake balls are a big deal. They are as popular as gourmet cupcakes. My girls love to make them. Personally, they are too rich for me. Apparently, one of my daughters now feels the same way. It's surprising, because she is the one who loves sweets! A grocer ...
Read More about Leaving the Good Stuff Behind

Five Minute Friday: Ten

It's time for Five Minute Friday! With a busy summer schedule, I'm grateful for the opportunity to laser-focus on a topic for a brief moment, and then share something poignant that God is doing in my life. I'm especially thankful for today's prompt, as it caused me to bring my own focus back ...
Read More about Five Minute Friday: Ten

April showers bring May flowers. God's Word refreshes our hearts in the same way. Showers Then Flowers

Showers–then Flowers

April showers bring May flowers, so they say. It's that time of year in Texas when it rains almost every day--big, heavy rainstorms. The kind that takes the blossoms you patiently, yet desperately, waited for, and beats them off them without mercy. If the petals survive, the stalk is bent low to the ...
Read More about Showers–then Flowers

Teenage acronyms make my head spin! But bae, before anyone else, is one I **like**! Is God bae in your heart?

Good Morning, bae

Everyone at my house recharges their devices at a central location in our home office. One morning a few weeks ago, I was  working at my desk and heard buzzing behind me. Curious to see who was texting so early, I took a quick look. One of my daughters had received her morning greeting from her ...
Read More about Good Morning, bae

The ordinary points to the extraordinary. Something as simple as a signature. I choose if it's scrawled or legible. God uses it as a reminder to PRAY!

Scrawled or Legible?

Soon after my husband and I became engaged, I began the inevitable--practicing my new signature. No longer would I sign, C. Dianne Strangmeier. I would sign important documents as Dianne Thornton. I couldn't wait for it to be official! A couple of years ago I realized that I had become sloppy with ...
Read More about Scrawled or Legible?

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Jan 6

50 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

28 13
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

47 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

20 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

21 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
...

Nov 9

32 10
Open
DO YOU CARE FOR LITTLE ONES OR AGED ONES?⁠
⁠
Do you teach students?⁠
Do you move within the corporate world?⁠
⁠
Are you walking through a valley of suffering?⁠
⁠
What task has God given you in your arena of ministry? ⁠
⁠
It doesn’t matter what it is, God wants us to give ourselves *fully* to the work He assigns us. ⁠
⁠
And here’s the “why.”⁠
⁠
“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)⁠
⁠
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. ⁠
⁠
Everything we do can point to Jesus so He receives glory in all our tasks. ⁠
⁠
So if you’re feeling discouraged today, take heart. Victory is yours. God will use your efforts for His kingdom.  He loves you so. ⁠
⁠
What work has God given you today? ⁠
⁠
Double tap if you agree!⁠
⁠
⁠
#DianneThorntonTX #DianneMicroBlog #MiniBibleStudies  #FaithfulFollowers⁠ #StandFirmInChrist⁠
⁠
#StudyScripture #LampToMyFeet #WordOfGodSpeaks #LovetheBible #LoveGodsWord #StudyGodsWord #BibleCommunity  #JesusIsTruth #BibleBeliever #BibleWisdom #LifeWithJesus #DevotionalTime #BibleVersesDaily #WordOfGodSpeak #GodsWordIsTruth #JesusAndCoffee #BibleStudyMoments  #InTheWord #BibleTruth #SeekHimFirst

DO YOU CARE FOR LITTLE ONES OR AGED ONES?⁠
⁠
Do you teach students?⁠
Do you move within the corporate world?⁠
⁠
Are you walking through a valley of suffering?⁠
⁠
What task has God given you in your arena of ministry? ⁠
⁠
It doesn’t matter what it is, God wants us to give ourselves *fully* to the work He assigns us. ⁠
⁠
And here’s the “why.”⁠
⁠
“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)⁠
⁠
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. ⁠
⁠
Everything we do can point to Jesus so He receives glory in all our tasks. ⁠
⁠
So if you’re feeling discouraged today, take heart. Victory is yours. God will use your efforts for His kingdom. He loves you so. ⁠
⁠
What work has God given you today? ⁠
⁠
Double tap if you agree!⁠
⁠
⁠
#DianneThorntonTX #DianneMicroBlog #MiniBibleStudies #FaithfulFollowers⁠ #StandFirmInChrist⁠
⁠
#StudyScripture #LampToMyFeet #WordOfGodSpeaks #LovetheBible #LoveGodsWord #StudyGodsWord #BibleCommunity #JesusIsTruth #BibleBeliever #BibleWisdom #LifeWithJesus #DevotionalTime #BibleVersesDaily #WordOfGodSpeak #GodsWordIsTruth #JesusAndCoffee #BibleStudyMoments #InTheWord #BibleTruth #SeekHimFirst
...

Nov 6

23 1
Open
HOW TO CULTIVATE AN ATTITUDE OF THANKSGIVING ALL YEAR ROUND.⁠
⁠
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. ⁠
⁠
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. ⁠
⁠
Would you join me in focusing on the wonderful deeds of the Lord as Thanksgiving approaches? ⁠
⁠
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.⁠ ⁠
⁠
🦃 Get your copy from the Instagram link in my profile. 🦃⁠
⁠
⁠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.” 

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

HOW TO CULTIVATE AN ATTITUDE OF THANKSGIVING ALL YEAR ROUND.⁠
⁠
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. ⁠
⁠
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. ⁠
⁠
Would you join me in focusing on the wonderful deeds of the Lord as Thanksgiving approaches? ⁠
⁠
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.⁠ ⁠
⁠
🦃 Get your copy from the Instagram link in my profile. 🦃⁠
⁠
⁠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.”

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

Nov 5

30 23
Open
Tim and I had the sweetest time together down at Surfside. It was a much needed respite from the whirlwind of the last 8 months or so. (I started to list *all the things* that identify this time period, but decided this post should focus on respite!)⁠⠀
⁠⠀
Tim and I love to cook together, so FOOD was a fun part of our getaway. We enjoyed sunrises and moonrises over the water, walks along the beach and collecting sea shells, and just sitting on the porch in these great big swing chairs. And ... naps!⁠⠀
⁠⠀
Didn't "think" too much about anything. Just enjoyed being together in a beautiful place. ⁠⠀
⁠⠀
#diannethorntontx #surfside #surfsidebeach #surfsidebeachtx #moonrise #sunrise

Tim and I had the sweetest time together down at Surfside. It was a much needed respite from the whirlwind of the last 8 months or so. (I started to list *all the things* that identify this time period, but decided this post should focus on respite!)⁠⠀
⁠⠀
Tim and I love to cook together, so FOOD was a fun part of our getaway. We enjoyed sunrises and moonrises over the water, walks along the beach and collecting sea shells, and just sitting on the porch in these great big swing chairs. And ... naps!⁠⠀
⁠⠀
Didn't "think" too much about anything. Just enjoyed being together in a beautiful place. ⁠⠀
⁠⠀
#diannethorntontx #surfside #surfsidebeach #surfsidebeachtx #moonrise #sunrise
...

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