Uncategorized

WHY DOES IT HURT SO MUCH? By Tammy Glover

by balm4thesoul1 Comment on WHY DOES IT HURT SO MUCH? By Tammy Glover

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7 NIV

Why does it hurt so much to worry? Why does my head throb and my stomach stay tied up in knots? Why does my back ache and my neck feel tight? It’s as if I have the weight of the world sitting on top of my shoulders.

Every possible negative outcome races through my mind. When someone attempts to give me a word of encouragement, I shoot them down. I have everything under control. I can manage worrying about my hectic life and worry about you too with my hands tied behind my back.

Denial can only last but so long. When I go home my worries follow me. They wake me up in the middle of the night and torture me. Why? In the darkness, a voice says, “worry is a burden that you were never meant to bear.”

God provides for all the needs of His children so that they don’t have to worry. Life presents challenges but He has promised to never leave us alone. When the worries of this world start to weigh you down, lay them before the Lord and watch Him perform miracles in your life.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 NIV

Uncategorized

The Mighty Fist By Tammy Nicole Glover

by balm4thesoul2 Comments on The Mighty Fist By Tammy Nicole Glover

“But these people have stubborn and rebellious hearts.” Jeremiah 5:23 NIV

Look at my mighty fist. It may look small but it can hold so much. It can hold anger and bitterness. It can hold fear, annoyance, frustration and every hurtful word that was spoken against me. It’s all held securely inside my mighty fist. I admit it’s a lot to hold in my grasp but I don’t want to let go. I want to keep my control over it. My mighty fist allows everyone to see how I was mistreated. They can understand why I can’t trust them. They can understand why I can’t completely open my heart to them.

The problem with this is that no one really sees any of that. They can never see the pain that I have balled up in my fist, because they are too consumed with whatever they are keeping inside of their own mighty fists. We are all desperately holding on to fistfuls of pain.

Now, we may feel safer with our mighty fists held high, but we forget that we can’t reach out and hold on to God’s hands with them. We can’t grab a hold of our brother or sister’s hands. We can’t give or receive a comforting embrace. We can’t receive our blessings.

I don’t want to miss out on my blessings, so I close my eyes and take a deep breath. I lift up my mighty fists to God and let go of the anger. I let go of my bitterness. I let go of my fears. I let go of the pain. I let go of all of it until my hands are free to receive God’s grace and mercy. I’m safely in my Heavenly Father’s arms.

It stings when I let go of my mighty fist. I cry but with every tear I shed, I release God’s healing and forgiveness. My heart opens wider. I am free to love as Jesus loves me.

“Come near to God and he will come near to you.” James 4:8 NIV

Uncategorized

OLD ENOUGH By Tammy Glover

by balm4thesoul2 Comments on OLD ENOUGH By Tammy Glover

“When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.” 1 Corinthians 13: 11 NIV

I’m not too old to watch cartoons. I’m not too old for big fluffy slippers. I’m not too old to catch a snowflake on the tip of my tongue. I’m not too old to throw my head back and laugh at the top of my lungs. I’m not too old to count the stars. I’m not too old to chase butterflies. Even though I may look crazy, I’m not too old dance in the rain. I’m not too old to cry. I’m not too old to accept sound advice, even if it comes from an unexpected source.

I am, however, too old to withhold my forgiveness. I’m too old to allow anger to rule my life. I’m too old to not accept God’s healing. I’m too old to worry about what man thinks of me. I’m too old to keep trying to prove to the world that I’m worthy. I’m too old to walk in fear. I’m too old to not accept responsibility when I make mistakes.

I’ve been blessed to live long enough to learn to trust God in all situations. I’ve learned to stay in praise even when I don’t feel like it. I’ve learned that even though I fall sometimes, God is still there to pick me back up. I’ve learned to step out on faith. I’ve learned that God truly loves me. There are so many people who will not be given the chance to learn these things. They will not be given a chance to grow older. If you’re one of the people blessed with this knowledge, share it with someone else and thank God.

Uncategorized

IN WEAKNESS, I AM STRONG By Tammy Glover

by balm4thesoul1 Comment on IN WEAKNESS, I AM STRONG By Tammy Glover

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV

 

 

 

I may not know the right words to say. I may not speak eloquently. I may not have a lot of charisma and charm. My voice my be soft and mild, but when I speak the words that God has placed inside my heart, I’m always heard loud and clear. The words flow freely and smoothly from my mouth. Even when I don’t understand what I’m saying, I’m still understood by the one listening.

 

 

 

I’m not a scholar, complex theories and equations elude me. I don’t have several degrees displayed on my wall. I certainly don’t have the answers to life’s mysteries. I do have the wisdom of God that helps me solve problems that the best minds in the world can’t solve.

 

 

 

I’m not an athletic. I can’t shoot a hoop or catch a baseball. I can’t run a marathon and I can’t climb a mountain but with my faith in God, I can tell the mountain to move and it will obey.

 

 

 

I may be up against the biggest giant, who is proficient in the most advanced weapons. He may be an expert at hand to hand combat. I, on the other hand, may only have a slingshot and a rock, but because I have the power of God and an army of angels on my side, I am a warrior who can slay any giant.

 

 

 

I may be weak on my own but with God I am strong. Praise God, that there is no obstacle that He can’t overcome. There is no battle He can’t win. There is no sickness He can’t heal and there is no problem that He can’t solve. He is God Almighty.

 

 

 

“My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:2 NIV

 

 

 

 

 

 

Uncategorized

NOT IN CRISIS, IN CHRIST by Tammy Glover

by balm4thesoul3 Comments on NOT IN CRISIS, IN CHRIST by Tammy Glover

“With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.”  Mark 10:27 NIV

I am not in crisis.  I am in the one that at the mere mention of His name, demons tremble.  Every knee bows in heaven, on earth and below the earth.  Jesus.

I’m in the one who died on a cross, so that I may be saved.  He was raised from the dead.  No, I’m not in crisis.  I’m in the one who conquered death.  Jesus.

I make mistakes.  Sometimes, I trip over my own two feet.  I never stay down for too long because I’m in the one whose blood washes away all my sins.  Jesus.

I walk in dark places.  I have an enemy that wants to harm me.  He lies, steals and tries to kill me every chance he gets.  I’m not afraid because I’m in the one who is the Light and the Truth.  He protects me, avenges me and returns all that is stolen from me in double.  Jesus.

I may not have anyone to talk to sometimes.  At times, I may feel betrayed or get my feelings hurt by people close to me.  I’m not alone though, I’m in the one who everyone must go through in order to get to the Heavenly Father.  Jesus.

I’m exposed to deadly viruses and diseases.  I unknowingly breathe in toxic fumes and ingest poisonous chemicals.  I’m still standing because I’m in the one by whose stripes I am healed.  Jesus.

Nope, I’m not in crisis.  I’m in Jesus Christ.  If you see tears in my eyes, they are tears of joy.  I have joy because he loves me.  I ask and receive because I believe.

If you hear me shouting Hallelujah, I’m praising him because I have overcome.  When I am on his side, I am always victorious, even when it doesn’t look like it.  I think I’ll say it again. HALLELUJAH!

If you see me with my arms outstretched towards heaven, I’m receiving comfort and strength from him.  Nobody’s arms are stronger and nobody gives better hugs.

If you hear me singing at the top of my lungs.  I’m just singing his praises.  To you, my life may look like it’s falling apart but I’m still in Christ and he’s always worthy to be praised.

If you see me dancing around like a fool, don’t call the doctors.  I’m just crazy about Jesus.  I may not be graceful or have any rhythm but that’s ok because I’m in Christ.  It’s ok for you to praise him too.  Lift your hands, raise your voice and do a little dance because Jesus is Lord.  He’s coming back whether you believe or not.  The benefits for believing far outweigh the struggles.  He’ll even be with you during your struggles.  You can’t lose.  If you haven’t already, accept him into your life today.

“Don’t be afraid; just believe.”  Mark 5:36 NIV

Uncategorized

ENCOURAGEMENT FOR THE WEARY by Tammy Glover

by balm4thesoul1 Comment on ENCOURAGEMENT FOR THE WEARY by Tammy Glover

“Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.”  Psalm 9:10

Lord, when I lost my voice, you spoke up for me.  When I was sick, you healed me.  When I was lost, you guided me back home.  When I was in danger, you protected me.  When I started to fall, you caught me.  When my worries started to overwhelm me, you gave me peace.  When no one would listen, you heard me.  When I became weary, you strengthened me.  When I was broken-hearted, you dried my tears.  When I was lonely, you were with me.  When I was in need, you were my provider.  When I was discouraged, your love encouraged me.  When I was confused, you gave me wisdom.  When I wanted to give up, you enabled me to keep fighting.

Lord, with all the things that you’ve done for me and all the things that you continue to do for me, how can I ever say no to you?  How could I have ever turned my back on you?  How can I not get down on my knees to praise you?  My life is not my own, it’s yours to do as you will.  I know that I can trust you because you only have good intentions for me.  It would be foolish of me to stop trusting you now.  I will endure and continue to fight the good fight of faith.  My strength is in you.  You are the source of my peace and my joy, now and forevermore.  Thank you!

Uncategorized

LET ME TELL YOU WHAT MY HEAVENLY FATHER HAS DONE By Tammy Glover

by balm4thesoul1 Comment on LET ME TELL YOU WHAT MY HEAVENLY FATHER HAS DONE By Tammy Glover

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” psalm 107:1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Let me tell you what my Heavenly Father has done for me. He had the birds sing me a good morning song when I woke up. Although, I didn’t want to open my eyes, he still gave me sight. I stumbled over a shoe as I rushed to get ready, but he didn’t let me fall.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When I stepped outside of the house, he shined his light on me and he caressed my cheeks with the wind. His favor was upon me as he turned the traffic lights green at just the right time. He kept an army of angels around me to watch over and protect me.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When I arrived at work, I was knee-deep in chaos. Problems sprang up one after another. I started to worry. I called out to him in my frustration and he calmed my spirit. He comforted me and renewed my strength. He restored order to my chaos. He replaced my confusion with his wisdom.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the evening, he lit a path home with the light of the moon and stars. Although, the birds were asleep, he still had crickets to sing me a goodnight song. Though I was surrounded by darkness, I was still protected. My body was weary but he let me rest in his arms.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Before I drifted off to sleep, I thought about how all day long, my Father’s grace and mercy were with me. I thought about how he protected and guided me. When I felt sick, he healed me. When I ignored him or rebelled against his will, he patiently waited for me. When I whined and grumbled because I didn’t get my way, he never stopped loving me. He never stopped blessing me. He always helped me. This is what my Heavenly Father has done for me. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Uncategorized

WARNING: DEADLY OUTBREAK by Tammy Glover

by balm4thesoul2 Comments on WARNING: DEADLY OUTBREAK by Tammy Glover

“Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life…” Philippians 2:115-16 NIV

It starts off small, a slight grumbling in the pit of your stomach. Then, your heart starts pounding. You can’t stop tapping your foot on the floor or drumming your fingers on the desk. Your cheeks become flushed. Your blood pressure rises.

It’s an airborne virus and it rapidly spreads from one person to another. Many people don’t know they have contracted it until it’s too late. If left untreated it can lead to depression, isolation, cardiovascular disorders, weakened immune system and possibly death.

Few people recognize the seriousness of this virus and too many people don’t even know it exists. It’s called Chronic Complaining. You might know someone afflicted by this. This person won’t realize that they have it. They will read this and start complaining about all the people that they think should read this.

Please, don’t get mad at me. I know we all get frustrated and complain about things to vent. I’m guilty of it too. However, complaining becomes a problem when the first thing out of your mouth, after you say hello, is a complaint. It’s a problem if the only things that come out of your mouth are complaints. It’s a problem when your complaining outweighs your praising.

Have you ever noticed when one person in a room starts complaining about something, everyone in the room ends up joining in shortly after? The next thing you know the whole group is complaining and angry about everything. The room fills up with a suffocating negative energy that remains long after the complaining stops. There is nothing positive about complaining–it only stirs up anger, causes people to become stressed out and it takes the focus off of finding a possible resolution.

As believers, we’re supposed to be spreading encouragement. We’re supposed to bring light to the darkness not add to it. Can you imagine the good that could be accomplished if instead of focusing our energy on complaining, we focused it on finding the solution? There would be no stopping us.

There is no problem in this world that God does not already have the solution to. So, next time you feel like you’re coming down with a case of Chronic Complaining, stop, take a breath and ask yourself if complaining will help the situation or add to the chaos. Never let your complaining outweigh your praising.

Uncategorized

Is There Something in My Eye? By Tammy Glover

by balm4thesoul2 Comments on Is There Something in My Eye? By Tammy Glover

“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye?” Matthew 7:3-4

 

It’s confession time. Now, this is going to sting a bit but just bear with me. I’m going to take a deep breath and please feel free to do the same before you read on. Now, exhale.

 

It all started last week. Someone that I consider a good friend said something to me that I took offense to. I thought that it was hurtful and thoughtless. The person was completely clueless as to how upset I was too. I let it go for the moment and kept it safely hidden away in my mind. Later, as I was in prayer, the memory of what was said earlier popped into my mind. The enemy likes to use those things that we think we have hidden to distract us. This eventually led to other memories of hurtful things other people said. 

 

I was thoroughly into a tirade of self-righteous indignation when the Lord stopped me. He calmly and gently said, ” I hear you daughter but have you noticed that big two by four in your eye?”

 

“Ouch!”

 

He continued on by saying, “do you know how many times you’ve said something stupid and no one called you out? Do you know how many times your words have hurt someone? Do you know how many times other people have shown you mercy and still love you even in spite of yourself? Do you know how many times I have shown you mercy? Beloved, you need to love and show mercy to others, just as I have shown you love and mercy. ” 

 

“Double ouch!” 

 

It’s time to get the planks out of my eye. What about you?

 

 

 

Uncategorized

Don’t Be Fooled! by Tammy Glover

by balm4thesoul3 Comments on Don’t Be Fooled! by Tammy Glover

“Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.” Proverbs 13:12

Whether you believer or not, there is an enemy that does not want to see you prosper.  He is intent on getting you off the path that God has laid out in front of you.  He does not want you to fulfill the Lord’s plan for your life.  He doesn’t fight fair and his attacks aren’t always blatant.  Sometimes, the subtle attacks are his most affective.  He uses your thoughts and even well-meaning friends and family. 

DON’T BE FOOLED!  God has a purpose for your life.  No matter how loud the voices in your heard are telling you that life is pointless.  It doesn’t matter if your friends and family are telling you that you can’t.  If  God has called you to do something, do not veer from His plan.  Trust in the Lord.  What God has meant for you is for you alone.  Don’t let anyone or anything try to steal it away from you. 

God has given you everything you need to fulfill His purpose for you.  Whatever you may be lacking, be patient, He will provide it.  Whenever doubts smack you in the face, knock them out with God’s Word. 

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13

“The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me.” Psalm 138:8

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”  Jeremiah 29:11