Posts with the label devotional
Showing posts with label devotional. Show all posts
Showing posts with label devotional. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 27, 2018
Grace is Amazing
One thing I love about God (among SO many) is he truly is everywhere. I'm sitting on the beach yesterday. BAM! Jesus speaks to my heart. I created this video as an illustration. Fingers crossed you can hear me in the video. Crank up your speakers!
Have you ever asked your mom and dad for something? Have you asked a friend to do something for you? Ask Jesus into your life the same way you asked anyone for anything! The words to repent are easy. Just say "Jesus, please forgive me. I accept your forgiveness". Getting yourself to say the words and really mean them in your heart is the difficult part. Let go of your pride. You have never felt relief like this before. The moment your soul is cleansed when Jesus washes over you, forgives you of your sin and makes you free of guilt and shame. Do it now! Just say the words...
Enjoy your summer. Enjoy your family. Enjoy your life enriched by the blessings of Jesus. When you visit the ocean, meditate upon his grace and goodness. The very hairs of your head are numbered as is every grain of sand. How miraculous to know the same God that controls the universe offers us his grace, mercy, forgiveness and blessings. The list of his gifts are too vast to count. The depth of his love is deeper than the sea. Please feel free to contact me via email at tammy.stafford@hotmail.com or leave a comment.
In continual praise 365,
Tuesday, March 6, 2018
I'm still standing
Hello lovelies! I couldn't let this week get by without saying "Hi!". I'm still standing.
though I'm
Sifted and
Worn...
I created the picture from the words that ran through my being this evening. And ministered to my heart. I've been on repeat of those steps for some time now. I feel I'm in a continual rinse and spin cycle. I can't wait for God to hang me out to dry. To enjoy the sunshine, the relaxation of the breeze, the gentle sway rocking me to sleep like a baby, the vast expanse of the great outdoors, the smell of freshness in my nostrils, the freedom of knowing this chapter is finished. Sifted and
Worn...
Revelation 3:7-8 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth , and no man openeth; I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.
I'll share my journey soon but for now
I bid you adieu.
May God bless and keep you as he does me and mine.
I bid you adieu.
May God bless and keep you as he does me and mine.
Trusting Him 365,
Tammy
Saturday, January 13, 2018
Marriage Challenge #2
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Friday, December 8, 2017
I Love the Feeling
Of all things, I was mopping my kitchen floor. I HATE to mop. I sweat like a hog wallowing in the sunshine! I need to shower after I mop. I take several rest periods during one kitchen mop session! I use one of those Spin 360 mops or I'd never get finished. Now, I LOVE the clean! I could sit for hours admiring the shiny white tile a good mopping leaves behind. The clean smell is an aroma pleasing to my nose. I always hope I have company so they can see the rewards of my labor.
I love the feeling but I loathe the fuss. Do you know what I mean? I have to prod myself for days to mop. I spot clean. I ignore the dirt. I tell myself the floor won't stay clean but nothing satisfies me but to mop that dirty floor. The floor is dirty again within a few days but the clean feeling lingers. Clean feels so good!
You know where I'm taking this. God showed me something during my latest mop session. Psalm 51:10 says Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. I get dirty just like floors, repeatedly. I allow sin to creep into my life. I feel dirty, removed from the good clean feeling when there's nothing between me and my Savior. I know I need a good cleaning (repentance), but I loathe the fuss that gets me the feeling. I'll have to admit I'm wrong. I'll have to break down some pride. For heaven's sake, I'll have to get on my knees and Lord, you know, they hurt. I'll have to be sincere, really? I'll have to be sorry for my faults. I'll have to ask for forgiveness. I may have to apologize to somebody. What?
After I've done all that fussing with a few rest periods in the middle because you know I'm human and all that sounds like superhuman stuff, here comes the feeling. Do you know the feeling? My clean heart begins to sing Indescribable,
uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.
You are amazing God
All powerful, untameable,
Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim
You are amazing God
You are amazing God
All powerful, untameable,
Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim
You are amazing God
My right spirit is renewed. There's not another feeling like it in the whole wide world! In my entire life, I have never found anything comparable to Jesus. Have you?
No. I don't mop more often than usual, nor do any of the other chores I hate. I do view my spiritual housecleaning differently. God will surely allow me to ignore the dirt and spot clean to try to make myself feel better. Won't work. Instead of thinking "I love the feeling but I loathe the fuss", my new motto is:
Jesus loves me but loathes my mess,
Oh how I love the feeling when I confess!
Feeling clean 365,
Tammy
Sunday, October 8, 2017
Wool is Itchy
Sheep teach us about ourselves. Jesus uses the illustration of sheep and shepherd many times in the Bible. John 10:11 says "I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep." What more could you want than a keeper who assures your safety while you graze all day in green pastures? Being a part of the sheepfold is a beautiful thing if we just didn't act like the sheep we are. Even under the shepherd's loving Lordship, we still need much tending. Romans 8:23 states that we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of the body or if you will, the shedding of our itchy wool.
Things we have in common with sheep:
- Slow to learn. God provides 66 books with 1,189 chapters of what to do and what not to do. How much of it do we know?
- Demanding. Sheep demand grass, grass and more grass. They have an insatiable appetite.Sound familiar?
- Stubborn. This one needs no explanation.
- Lost and Straying. We just can't seem to stay on-course needing rescued time after time.
- Dependent. Sheep can't survive and live without their shepherd.
Yes. Sheep stick their head through a fence and WILL NOT pull it out. The shepherd has to get them unstuck.
Are you stuck?
Let JESUS get YOUR HEAD out of the FENCE!
Itching to Death,
Tammy
The Happy Handicap
Sunday, August 27, 2017
Who Do You Look Like?
Rewind to a couple of years ago. Sloane posted a picture on facebook. I received a call from her asking "Why did you tag yourself in my picture?". I had already seen the post. I laughed and replied "I didn't!". Facebook recognized her as me automatically tagging me in the picture. You can't disagree or argue with facial recognition software. Sloane believes people now when they say she looks just like her mom.
Sloane is a spitting image of me. I've heard this phrase my entire life. I looked up the meaning. Spitting image is the thought that you are the exact likeness of someone so much they could have you spit you out of their mouth.
Dr. Peter Kendrick, Professor of Theology and Culture at the Marietta campus of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary delivered the message Sunday at my church. He recounted people telling him he is the spitting image of his dad. Dr. Kendrick is adopted. He's a native of Korea and his dad is American. I have to admit when I saw him I was puzzled by his surname. I haven't seen his dad. They may look alike?
What Dr. Kendrick said next inspired me! "What if people looked at you and said you are the spitting image of your Father God?" WOW! That's a great thought to ponder. Being recognized as the spitting image of Jesus is our ultimate goal as a born-again believer. Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
We are made in his image. Genesis 1:26 tells us And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. But, do we ooze love and forgiveness and all the other things that make Jesus who he is? People come pre-wired with recognition software. Who do you look like? Can they see Jesus in you?
Striving for His Likeness,
Tammy
The Happy Handicap
Sunday, June 4, 2017
Are You Outnumbered?
I wish I could find the Hagar cartoon I wanted to share. At one time, I had this unforgettable cartoon in my office. I cut it out of the newspaper, taped to my computer monitor and read the funny every day for years! The cartoon had two images. The first was a huge army of Vikings with weapons aimed yelling to Hagar and his men "We have you outnumbered 500 to 1". The second image shows Hagar looking around at his FOUR men to say "Oh good. They're over-confident!".
I still love that cartoon. The message is ingrained in my memory forever. Are you outnumbered? I felt like I was always outnumbered at work every day. However, I felt those that outnumbered me were over-confident in their own ability. Over-confidence in self is dangerous. Do you feel outnumbered? Your circumstances may seem grim and hopeless. You may be numerically outnumbered but if you have Jesus, you have THE ONE you need.
Here's proof through truth:
- David was outnumbered by the Philistine army but killed their giant Goliath with a slingshot and one stone. I Samuel 17
- Gideon was outnumbered 135,000 Midianites to his 300 men but overthrew the enemy. Judges 7
- Elijah was outnumbered 450 prophets of Baal to one to prove the God of Abraham, Isaac and of Israel is the only true and living God.
- Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were outnumbered by idol worshipers, did not bow and was delivered from the fiery furnace without even a smoky smell. Daniel 3
- Daniel was outnumbered in the lions den but he emerged from the den unscathed while the lawmakers were devoured by the lions before they hit the ground. Daniel 6
When you become/feel outnumbered, simply cling to His Word...
Please don't try life alone. If you're facing a crowd of ten, you and Christ equal eleven! If it's two people, 13 devils and one big business, you and Christ equal more than conquerors! If it's three kids, five grands, a stepmom, a mean mother-in-law and a defiant dad, you and Christ equal the ability to speak peace and even the waves obey his will. Romans 8:31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
If God is with us?
Who can outnumber us?
Who can outnumber us?
Counting on The One,
Tammy
The Happy Handicap
Saturday, May 6, 2017
When Thou Shalt Not becomes Thou Shalt
One of my favorite pastors always said "If you can hold it, do. But if you can't hold it, we want to hear from you!" This thought has been rolling around in my heart and head for longer than a couple of months. So, today, you're hearing from me 'cause I can't hold it any longer.
What happens when thou shalt not becomes thou shalt?
God spoke the ten commandments into existence in Exodus 20. Most of us can quote the six or seven "Thou Shalt Not's" from memory that God carved into a stone tablet. These commandments give us guidelines of what we should not do. Thou shalt not kill, steal or lie. Thou shalt not curse, have affairs or want your neighbor's stuff. Thou shalt have no other gods before me or worship graven images. Thou shalt not means it's a no-no, don't do it, not-ta, no sirree!
Fast forward to the birth of Jesus and let's look at his "Thou Shalt's" in Mark 12:30-32. There are only two. Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like this, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. The "Thou Shalt Not's" were wrapped into two simple commandments. When you love God and your neighbour, you don't desire to kill, steal or lie, curse, commit adultery or want their stuff. When the Lord thy God is first in your life, everything else falls into the right places.
Isn't it a miracle to think about how Jesus changed the world? From law to grace. From guilty to not guilty. From condemnation to righteousness. From death to life. From lost to found. What happens when thou shalt not becomes thou shalt? A world is saved. A Kingdom is come. Grace is sufficient. There is Peace on earth. Goodwill to men.
Most people don't come to church to hear what they should do but what they shouldn't do. Let us be encouraged for what thou shalt do because there is none other commandment greater than these two. Jesus simplified things for his people. We don't have to remember ten, only two.
It's no longer
THOU SHALT NOT
but rather
THOU SHALT!
THOU SHALT NOT
but rather
THOU SHALT!
Commanded to love,
Tammy
The Happy Handicap
Tuesday, March 14, 2017
A Modern-Day Miracle
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Sunday, October 30, 2016
The Walking Dead Reaches Out
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Thursday, September 29, 2016
We're a Basket Case
I asked the young guys to share a Bible story. Urban raised his hand and said "Noah and the Ark". Good answer! I received some other "stories" some from the Bible and some made-up just to give an answer. Then they asked me for a Bible story. Moses immediately came to my mind. I was surprised that many of them couldn't relate the story of Moses to me. They also seemed perplexed that a child was put into a "basket" and sent down the river alone. I quickly shared the miracle that happened to Moses being raised by his mother and then the Pharaoh's daughter. As I was telling the story, I saw some grown-up things about the Moses story I never noticed before.
We are the same "basket case" as Moses. Moses was born a commoner just like us. He was adopted by a King. We are adopted by the King of Kings! Afterwards, Moses was chosen by God to "free the people". We are chosen to share the gospel so people may be freed by the saving grace of Jesus. Romans 8:15 says "For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father." The children of Israel were blessed to have a boy from a basket to be their escape from bondage. We are blessed to have a boy born in a manger to be our Savior! Please read the book of Exodus and email me with how the story speaks to you.
Bible stories, as we call them, aren't just for kids anymore...
Woven by Him,
Tammy
The Happy Handicap
Sunday, September 4, 2016
Should You Say the Word "Hell" to Your Pastor?
These boys were full of male DNA which makes them run and jump off of everything, have wiggle worms in their pants, pay attention only when they want to talk, explore all the room decorations to the point of destruction and melt a girl's heart like only a guy can. I'll admit it was rocky the first couple of evenings. The craft teachers voted me "Most Likely to Need a Xanax" and the music teacher (pictured) "blessed me" all week. When the pastor asked how it was going, I replied "I'm ready to get out of VBS hell!". My husband told me that was probably not appropriate so I'm hoping he thought I said VBS jail. His face told me otherwise. Should you say the word "hell" to your pastor?
I always, always, always receive inspiration and blessings at Vacation Bible School. Here's what I got this year:
- One little lad announced unexpectedly we should pray RIGHT NOW! He led the sweetest and most humble prayer ever that caused Sloane to say "He prays better than me!".
- Directly after the awesome prayer, a little one raised his hand and politely explained "I don't know how to pray". This touched my heart so much we devoted lesson time the next day to "How to Pray".
- An aunt of one of the boys told me how impressed his mom was with our class. He went home each day giving a detailed account of the Bible stories. I was excited to hear it because she's a school teacher!
- Lisette, my granddaughter, obviously loved the story of Zacchaeus. She keeps saying "Jesus is coming". After asking my husband several times "Do you see Jesus? He's right over there.", he got a bit unnerved.
- I wore my hair down the final evening. I actually put on some mascara too. The same boy who prayed kept looking at me and raised his hand to speak. "You look beautiful today!" he said with dreamy eyes. I said "THANK YOU!" all heart-eyes.
I'm seriously wondering should you say the word "hell" to your pastor as I did? Leave me a comment and let me know if saying "The Word" to my pastor was inappropriate....
Blessed at VBS,
Tammy
The Happy Handicap.
Friday, August 26, 2016
Gross but Good
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| photo credit: Grumpy Cat |
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Thursday, July 28, 2016
When Your Kiddos Teach You
Becoming a mother is one of the most special gifts I've ever received. Everything about motherhood is hard. Everything about motherhood is easy. Take one glance at the human you grew, all the ugliness blurs. You become a yellow smiley emoticon with hearts for eyes! When you are gifted a grand, it feels like a fairy God father granted you a wish to "get it right" this time. Practice all the stuff you learned raising your own. The easy overwhelms the hard.
I enjoy my children. Laughing with them. Crying with them. Guiding them. Riding with them, not so much. Traveling with them. Making memories with them. Sharing milestones and successes. Supporting them through trials and defeat. Simply, loving them.
Everyone has special qualities that belong inherently to them; Godly gifts. I learn from these in my daughters. The special way Sydnee is the most patient individual I know. She's the one who don't know how to be mean and it's funny watching her try. She's the one that nurtures creativity in her husband and daughter when I would have never allowed it in the first place. She's the one I prayed hardest for me to accept her non-competitive, easy-going, unstructured style. She taught me how to surrender. Her patience influences me in a powerful way. It makes me proud of her. Finishing second is winning, because, hello, you finished!
Then there's the special way Sloane is the most diplomatic person I know. She cares about everyone's feelings, even animals! She's the one who won't make anyone mad (unless it's me or her sister). She's the one that worries dogs will freeze to death although Google says it's impossible. She's the one that makes herself sick wringing her hands with a flushed face if she feels she said the wrong thing. She's the one always buying gifts, sending thank you cards and making sure to include everyone or exclude everyone mutually. She taught me how to be considerate. Her people skills continually amaze and humble me. I ;love the way people love Sloane!
Then, there's my grand, Lisette. Everything about her is special. She is honestly the most caring individual I know. She's the one that says "Granmom, you be careful" if I'm doing something that concerns her. She's the one that includes me in her prayers every night. She's the one who makes me tear up when she looks at me with pure innocence.. She's the one I want Jesus to call to when it's time. How she loves me right now is like running water without a cutoff switch. Oh how I want to nurture that love! I never thought it possible but she has taught me to love more deeply than ever before..
.
To my girls.
Proverbs 31:29
Proverbs 31:29
Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
All my love, Mom
All my love, Mom
Thankful for my girls 365,
I'd love to hear what your kids have taught you. Share with me in a comment...
Friday, July 8, 2016
Free Hugs
I learn something from every adventure. I learned something extra special on this outing, from this woman...
This lady has been standing on this corner at various times for the past seven years giving free hugs. Sloane spotted her first and said "Let's get a free hug!". I was apprehensive. I can hug. I like to hug but it's not a common practice for me with total strangers. Also, short in stature does not a good hugger make. You can get a little more insight into short hugger thoughts here. Since I'm always willing to experience something new and different, I hugged her.
She may be the reason my trip to Victoria was so overwhelming? Her hug was the sweetest, most exhilarating, non-invasive hug ever! She cooed to me in a bird-like song as our arms met and embraced thanking me for stopping to hug her telling me "You're such a good hugger" and "Bless you". Uh, no, Free Hug Lady, thank you! The experience of that hug still lingers in my heart.
Yesterday, God used that experience in a way I didn't see coming. Steve and I were at Emory for his checkup. A young woman in a wheelchair with oxygen was leaving the office when the doctor came out and whispered something to her. A few minutes later, I saw this same lady wiping tears from her face as she and her male companion waited for the elevator. I wondered if the doctor had told her bad news about her health. In the same instance, Godly compassion filled my heart and I began to pray for her lifting her needs to our Heavenly Father.
Can you guess what happened next? That's right. God nudged me to hug her. I gave him all the reasons why I couldn't. She's a stranger. She's black. She don't want no white girl getting in her face. There's eight people waiting in this tiny area for an elevator! My heart started POUNDING! Just as her friend was moving her toward the elevator, I did it! I asked if I could hug her, she nodded and I did it. It wasn't awkward or strange in any way. It felt good to extend the love of the Father to a fellow being. I saw her again in the lab. She looked at me and smiled. Her entire countenance had changed. She seemed more peaceful, more content.
You may hug strangers all the time, but I usually don't. God showed me that to experience him, you must seek that which is alive. I loved the beautiful scenery in Victoria. The flowers are alive now but will soon die. People are alive now but will soon die but their souls are alive forever. I Corinthians 15:22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. God's love is alive! Share the love whenever and wherever you get the opportunity... especially to strangers.
Sharing the love,
Tammy
The Happy Handicap
Feel free to leave a comment with hugging tips or experiences.
Saturday, April 23, 2016
One Thing God and Donald Trump Do Alike
Have you seen The Apprentice? Donald Trump is
the star of the show. He is looking for a good worker. He always finds that one
person who completes their given tasks well, after he's sifted through the rest
of the crowd. When you don't do your job well, Donald Trump pronounces
"You're Fired!".
Now you may be thinking God never fires anyone. I agree, partly. God never fires anyone who has truly accepted his free gift of forgiveness. However, the Bible says in Luke 13:23-24 Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them, Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.
That is a pretty intense scripture. I audibly heard God say the other day "People should quit trying to do my job and do the job I called them to do." How can you and I know we are doing our job correctly?
Now you may be thinking God never fires anyone. I agree, partly. God never fires anyone who has truly accepted his free gift of forgiveness. However, the Bible says in Luke 13:23-24 Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them, Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.
That is a pretty intense scripture. I audibly heard God say the other day "People should quit trying to do my job and do the job I called them to do." How can you and I know we are doing our job correctly?
- Realize
we can't save ourselves or anyone else. Ephesians 2:8 For
by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves:
it is the gift of God...
- Remain
humble in well doing. Ephesians 2:9 Not of works, lest any man
boast.
- Judge
ourselves, not others. I Corinthians 11:31 For if we would judge
ourselves, we should not be judged.
- Stay
on task. Luke 14:23 And the lord said unto the servant, Go out
into the highways and hedges, and compel them to
come in, that my house may be filled.
- Be his
workmanship. Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ
Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk
in them.
How do we work and be his workmanship? We become what Christ
is. Galatians 5:22-23 tells us "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy,
peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance:
against such there is no law."
In The Apprentice, Trump tells the eager workers what
not to do. God tells us what not to do also. Galatians 5:19-21 instructs us
"Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery,
fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred,
variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders,
drunkenness, revelings, and such like of the which I tell you before, as I have
also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit
the kingdom of God.
God and Donald Trump use different words but the meanings are the same. Be sure you are serving your fellow man from the goodness of your redeemed soul. If you're of Christ, let your work be from Christ! If not, you may find yourself like the folks in Luke 13:27 who tried to tell their Master what they had done for him. His answer was this: But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity. In other words, You're Fired!
God and Donald Trump use different words but the meanings are the same. Be sure you are serving your fellow man from the goodness of your redeemed soul. If you're of Christ, let your work be from Christ! If not, you may find yourself like the folks in Luke 13:27 who tried to tell their Master what they had done for him. His answer was this: But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity. In other words, You're Fired!
God always, Trump 2016
Tammy
The Happy Handicap
Sunday, April 10, 2016
Wanna Trade Seats?
I saw this truth on a church sign in Florida yesterday. For years, folks used bumper stickers to communicate the thought "God is my copilot". In all sincerity, this is the correct thought "God is my pilot". Any idea how things have gotten turned upside down in our country? We must allow God to be the driver in our life, not a passenger along for the ride.
Job 5:6-8 -
Although affliction cometh not forth of the dust, neither doth trouble spring out of the ground. Yet man is born unto trouble, as the sparks FLY upward. I would seek unto God, and unto God would I commit my cause:....
Life is like an airplane ride.
1. You take off. / I equate this to spiritual morality and understanding you're a sinner.
2. Reach the perfect flying altitude. / Spiritually when you accept Christ.
3. Land safely when your journey is over. / Enter into perfect rest in heaven.
The "flight" is your life journey. Some flights are long, some are short. Your flight may be turbulent and even smooth at times. If the cabin loses pressure, you'll need oxygen to survive. Just like when you sin against God, you need forgiveness to survive! During your flight, you have no control other than to trust your pilot. This example shows how we should trust Jesus, completely, relinquishing our life to him.
"We are now boarding rows 17-34." "Boarding all rows all seats." You have an assigned seat. Be sure you're in it!
1. You take off. / I equate this to spiritual morality and understanding you're a sinner.
2. Reach the perfect flying altitude. / Spiritually when you accept Christ.
3. Land safely when your journey is over. / Enter into perfect rest in heaven.
The "flight" is your life journey. Some flights are long, some are short. Your flight may be turbulent and even smooth at times. If the cabin loses pressure, you'll need oxygen to survive. Just like when you sin against God, you need forgiveness to survive! During your flight, you have no control other than to trust your pilot. This example shows how we should trust Jesus, completely, relinquishing our life to him.
"We are now boarding rows 17-34." "Boarding all rows all seats." You have an assigned seat. Be sure you're in it!
Only a co-pilot,
Tammy
The Happy Handicap
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