March 16, 2026

Overwhelmed

I see the work of Your Hands
Galaxies spin in a Heavenly dance, oh God
All that You are is so overwhelming

And I hear the sound of Your Voice
All at once it’s a gentle and thundering noise oh God
All that You are is so overwhelming

I delight myself in You
Captivated by Your beauty
I’m overwhelmed, I’m overwhelmed by You

And God, I run into Your arms
Unashamed because of mercy
I’m overwhelmed, I’m overwhelmed by You

I know the power of Your Cross
Forgiven and free forever You’ll be my God

And all that You’ve done is so overwhelming
I delight myself in You
In the Glory of Your Presence
I’m overwhelmed, I’m overwhelmed by You

And God, I run into Your arms
Unashamed because of mercy
I’m overwhelmed, I’m overwhelmed by You

You are Beautiful, You are Beautiful
Oh God, there is no one more Beautiful
You are Beautiful, God you are the most Beautiful

You are Wonderful, You are Wonderful
Oh God, there is no one more Wonderful
You are Wonderful, God You are the most Wonderful

Yes, You are Glorious, You are Glorious
Oh God, there is no one more Glorious
You are Glorious, God you are the most Glorious

I delight myself in You
In the Glory of Your Presence
I’m overwhelmed, I’m overwhelmed by You

And God, I run into Your arms
Unashamed because of mercy
I’m overwhelmed, I’m overwhelmed by You
I’m overwhelmed, I’m overwhelmed by You

There is no one more Beautiful
God You are the most Beautiful  

 Sung by Big Daddy Weave  (Music and Lyrics by Mike Weaver/Phil Wickham)

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Have you ever just heard God’s voice so clear, over the noise of all that is around you?  As we were coming home the other night from our anniversary dinner, kids included, this very song came on and I felt His presence.  I heard His voice and I was overwhelmed.  I immediately went to iTunes and found it and downloaded it so I could be taken away to that place again. A place that I literally felt like I was sitting at His feet and looking at the glory that shone around Him and I was calm. Isn’t He just amazing?

Just to see the work of His hands, the green grass and color splashes all over in the different flowers. To see the oceans and the sandy beaches and the sea shells that make perfect homes for the sea critters. Only God. And to hear the sound of His voice, in loud yet gentle ways, is so overwhelming. The thunder and lightning and rain at just the right times. I’m in awe of our Creator.

“Lord, the way You wait patiently for us to find our way home after a hard, tiring road we took, and the grace and mercy that are ours for free, a gift from You, the Lover of our souls. The Cross that Your Son died on to save us from our sins, so that we could live free here on earth and one day go to Heaven to be with You for eternity, is so overwhelming and we are forever grateful!”

When the chorus plays, I turn it up really loud and I can’t help the tears that fall at the sound of His name, “God, all that You are, is so overwhelming…I delight myself in You, captivated by Your beauty, I’m overwhelmed by You…God, I run into Your arms, unashamed because of mercy, I’m overwhelmed by You…You are beautiful, oh God, there is no one more beautiful…You are wonderful, oh God, there is no one more wonderful, You are the most wonderful!”  Chills run down my spine that the Lord of everything is in love with me and that He is overwhelmed by me and I by Him. And He loves you so much.  So today, find a phrase of this song, write it on a notecard in big letters, and place it somewhere that you will see it and be reminded of all that He is and all that He has done and the love He has for all of us and the love you have for Him. I pray you hear Him today….

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Let us pray:  Oh Lord, all that You are is overwhelming. Your beauty is beyond compare and Your mercy is so freely given even though we don’t deserve it. Thank You for open arms that wrap us in them and shelter us from this world that sometimes is too much. And may someone hear today from this song, the hope and the message that You want for them to hear. We love You and we praise You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Your Healthier Options and What Would You Rather?

Quinoa Salad

This past weekend, I went on a camping trip with my family and some friends. We had a great time sitting around the campfire playing the game “Would You Rather…?” It consists of one person giving someone two unfavorable scenarios to decide which he or she would rather do. With four kids asking the questions, it can go something like this,“Would you rather…eat a big bowl of broccoli for every meal for one week or eat out of a garbage can for one day?”

As I thought about it, there were a few questions and scenarios that came to my mind. So many times, I hear women say, “I struggle to consistently eat healthy and/or exercise. I know I should, but I just can’t seem to do it.” I hear the heart of women who desire to be a good example to their children and grandchildren; to be active and have fun with their husband and kids; to feel confident in who they are on the inside and out.

So here a few questions. (I apologize in advance if this seems harsh.)

  • Would you rather find 30 minutes a day to exercise at your own choosing, or be forced to do it one day by your doctor?
  • Would you rather learn how to eat healthy now and reduce your risk of certain diseases, or miss having a higher quality of life with your kids and grandchildren one day?
  • Would you rather learn how to prepare foods at home, even with a busy schedule, or hear that you have heart disease one day from eating too much fast food?
  • Would you rather be fit and healthy to enjoy activities with your family and friends, or instead sit on the side as a spectator?

Proverbs 21:5 says, The plans of the diligent lead surely to his advantage.

What we do today, prepares us for the quality of life we will have for the future. Let us be wise with our time and resources.

I understand that it can be a challenge to figure out what you should eat and not eat,  and how to fit in exercise along with the busyness of life. So here is another question…

Would you rather spend valuable time trying to figure out HOW to eat healthy and exercise with your busy lifestyle, or would you rather make it easier on yourself and have someone coach you to make the right decisions to attain results?

I know before I buy a house, invest my money, or make a life decision, I look to those who are educated and trained to help me. The same is true for your health. I want to help you learn how to meet your fitness, nutrition, or weight-loss goals and learn how to have a balanced life physically, mentally, and/or spiritually. If you are interested or have been thinking about it, email me today for a FREE consultation at crystal@yourfitnessdesigner.com.

camping

In Good Health,
Crystal

Knowing When…

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I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad.
Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together!
Psalms 34:1-3

Many Bible versions carry an introduction to Psalm 34, similar to this: “A psalm of DAvid when he feigned madness before Abimelech, who drove him away and he departed.”  How many of us could act deranged, as David did? I would think it would be hard to carry out. But David had the forethought to act crazy and get out of his precarious situation. We may think that we would not be creative enough to get out of dangerous situations but we all are. We have lived life enough and have friends whom we have watched get themselves out of trouble.

David talks about blessing the Lord and praising Him. What does that look like to you? Do you think you can do it? It takes practice and conscious thought which will turn into unconscious actions. Speaking scripture, praying, especially when someone enters your thoughts, and relying on the Holy Spirit, our Helper, will enable us to pray and praise continually. If you are like me, you get started and then forget. Do not be discouraged. God understands and is waiting patiently for us. Practice, Practice, Practice.

“My soul makes its boast in the Lord” (verse 2). Have you had a miracle in your life? Each of us have circumstances in our lives that could have broken others. But because of our faith in our Lord, we have overcome. We have turned from victim to survivor! We can boast in our Lord, for He has been faithful to place people in our lives to lift us out of that pit. However, if you are currently in a time of testing or trial, keep your eyes fixed and focused on God. As Psalm 46:1 states:God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”  Know, feel God’s Presence, seek Him when you become desperate. The Bible records in several different books the words of God assuring us He will never leave us. In the Old Testament, when encouraging Moses, God assured him he would not be alone (Deuteronomy 31:5-7). When Joshua took over after Moses died, God assured him that He would be with Joshua just as he was with Moses. (Joshua 1:5). And in the New Testament, Paul reminds us to keep ourselves free from the love of money and to be content with what we have because of God’s promise in Deuteronomy (Hebrews 13:4-6).

Corporate worship. We can receive the joy of the Lord when we praise and worship Him by ourselves. But there are times when we are to share our joy and become encouraged by participating in worship as a group with like-minded people. Philippians 2:1-3 says:

Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.

Coming together to worship and praise allows opportunities to fellowship with each other. Often we get stuck in our own world and tend to not see others who are suffering and who need a caring touch, an encouraging word, or just a smile. Today, find that person. Even one who appears odd. Show them God’s love a few times and see if their demeanor changes. They may be odd because of walls placed to shield them after years of hurt, disappointment, and resentment. Who knows, you may be their angel.

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Father, help us to be more like Your servant David. Allow the Holy Spirit to show us areas to shine in others lives and where we need to let Your light shine in us! Help us to leave our pain, resentment, disappointment, any negative thought at the foot of the Cross where Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice so that we may be free. Thank You for loving us and grafting us into Your family. We love You and praise Your name today and forever more!  In Jesus’ name, Amen!!!!

Glorify God

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I will extol the Lord at all times;
His praise will always be on my lips.
I will glory in the Lord;
let the afflicted hear and rejoice.
Glorify the Lord with me;
let us exalt His name together.
Psalms 34:1-3

Glorifying the Lord in our current age is becoming harder and harder. Technology, money, and other ways to keep up with the “Jones,’” is starting to take more and more time away from just about everybody. It feels like we need more time in the day to just accomplish three or four things on our daily to-do list. (This does not include the regular 9-5 job.)  Many of us are losing precious time with our families and our Lord because of everything that we are letting take us away from them.

However, we can find ways to glorify God during the day. We can pray anytime we want. It is part of the freedom of living in the U.S. This past weekend (Fourth of July) my family started what will hopefully become a new tradition for us of taking a week (maybe two weeks after talking with the reservation lady) to spend the holiday at Wind Creek State Park in Alabama. (If you ever need a nice place to go camping, we highly recommend Wind Creek State Park.) We caught up on some much needed family time. With my husband’s job, along with my work and school schedule, too, it is hard to fit in time as a family. It is hard to find time for God every day, but we pray every day and try to read a verse or two together. Life is hectic, but God can still be glorified in it.

Glorify God in your work. Glorify God in your family time. Admire His glorious work in you and around you. Be thankful for the blessings He gives you. In the blink of an eye, it could be over. Glorify the Lord at all times—through thankfulness, praise, prayer, and devotion.

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Dear Heavenly Father: Thank You for Your blessings. We praise You with each action. We will praise You through our lips and heart. In Jesus name, Amen.

Broken Hallelujahs

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I can barely stand right now
Everything is crashing down
And I wonder where You are

I try to find the words to pray
I don’t always know what to say
But You’re the one that can hear my heart

Even though I don’t know what Your plan is
I know You’re making beauty from these ashes

I’ve seen joy and I’ve seen pain
On my knees, I call Your name
Here’s my broken hallelujah
With nothing left to hold onto
I raise these empty hands to You
Here’s my broken hallelujah

You know the things that have brought me here
You know the story of every tear
‘Cause You’ve been here from the very start

Even though I don’t know what your plan is
I know You’re making beauty from these ashes

When all is taken away, don’t let my heart be changed
Let me always sing Hallelujah
When I feel afraid, don’t let my hope be erased
Let me always sing Hallelujah
Let me always sing Hallelujah

I will always sing
I will always sing
Here’s my broken hallelujah

Writer(s): Josh Havens/Matt Fuqua/Jordan Mohilowski/Dan Ostebo
Performed by The Afters

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The first time I heard this song, I cried.  Wept uncontrollably.  This was my journey.  I had walked this path.  I have seen joy and pain.  I still get a lump in my throat every time I hear it.  Often I will find myself singing it in my head.

We have all been there…

  • Replaced in the life of someone you thought was a friend
  • Rejected by someone who mattered
  • Betrayed by one closest to you
  • Made a mistake so grievous you believed it could never be atoned
  • Mired in the pit of despair
  • Broken into so many pieces you feel beyond repair
  • Unable to stand, barely able to think
  • In intense pain

So what do we do? Here’s what one great man of God did:

Job stood up and tore his robe in grief.
Then he shaved his head and fell to the ground to worship.
Job 1:20 NLT

Six years ago I found myself in just such a place. I felt I had lost everything that mattered. What I did surprises me as I look back. I turned to my only source of comfort—the only One I could truly trust—Jesus.  I would have never thought my faith was that strong.  As I cried out to Him, I didn’t realize I was offering Him the one thing He desired…a broken hallelujah.

brokenpiecescynda
God knows what the plan is. Only He can make beauty from the broken pieces of our lives. In fact, He sees beauty in the broken. Being broken can lift us up if we lift up our broken hallelujahs to Him.

To grant [consolation and joy] to those who mourn in Zion—
to give them an ornament (a garland or diadem) of beauty instead of ashes,
the oil of joy instead of mourning,
the garment [expressive] of praise instead of a heavy, burdened, and failing spirit—
that they may be called oaks of righteousness [lofty, strong, and magnificent,
distinguished for uprightness, justice, and right standing with God],
the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.
Isaiah 61:3 AMP

I have been on my knees, empty hands lifted, calling out His name.  I don’t always have words to pray but God hears my heart.  He has captured EVERY one of the tears I’ve cried in a special bottle (maybe more like a barrel).  I am so very thankful He was with me from the start and never left my side.

When these times come, as I know they will, my one desire is that my heart won’t change and my hope won’t be erased, that I will always sing Hallelujah.

Grilled Chicken Supper Salad

What do you call the meal you eat in the evening…supper or dinner? Just curious! So it appears that this has turned into a mini-series…these last few recipes have focused on lighter meals that are easier to prepare and don’t heat up the kitchen.  Perfect for summer suppers!  (See, that’s what I call the evening meal.)

During these warmer months, I prefer to keep a tub of greens all prepared in the refrigerator to make it quicker to pull together one of these supper salads two or three times each week. Fortunately, Robert really enjoys salad for supper, too! And, like most men, he is very appreciative of something hearty either in or served along with the salad.  Oh, and bread too…really enjoys his bread!  So there is no excuse, as far as I can see, not to have the fixin’s for salad ready to go what with all the luscious produce available at the grocery store AND local farmer’s markets. This week, one meal we had was topped with grilled chicken breast…yum! This fits well into our healthy but oh-so-yummy POV! Low in fat, high in protein!

I have a tip that you might find helpful: when I purchase chicken breast, I repackage them into meal-size portions to store in the freezer. And, most times, before freezing it, I pound or flatten them so that they are similarly thick throughout the whole piece. I find this makes them cook more evenly when used whole; and also are easier to dice or slice when you need to cut them up. Here’s a tutorial you might check out...has some great ideas!

I would LOVE to hear of your favorite salad combinations!

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Grilled Chicken Supper Salad

ingredients:
—  chicken breast
—  2-3 tablespoons favorite marinade or salad dressing
greens:  choose your favorite combo of lettuces with a mixture of textures (bibb, butter, romaine, spring mix, radicchio, arugula, cabbage, spinach, kale, etc.
other veggies cut into bite-size bits:  carrots, tomatoes, cukes, celery, onions, sweet peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, etc.
additional add-ins:  olives, avocado, hard-boiled egg, artichokes, nuts, fruit (fresh or dried), fresh herbs
—  salad dressing
—  sea salt and freshly ground pepper

directions:

  • thaw chicken, if necessary.  pour marinade into bag or container along with the chicken and allow to rest for 30 minutes or so
  • grill chicken ‘til thoroughly cooked through (temperature of 160 degrees); set aside to rest ‘til balance of meal is prepared
  • add 2-3 generous handfuls (per serving) of the lettuces to a big serving bowl
  • throw in the veggies of your choice and toss together
  • top with any other add-ins you choose
  • serve with dressing on the side and s&p for seasoning

♥     ♥   ♥  

God loves you!    (Please don’t ever forget that!)

  coleen

EXALTATION

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I will bless the Lord at all times: His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad.
O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together.
Psalms 34:1-3

The writer of this psalm praises the Lord for a miraculous deliverance from great trouble. His testimony encourages all afflicted believers to believe that they may also experience the goodness of the Lord.

As we exalt the Lord we express our gratitude to Him for all that He has done. Praise and thanksgiving are basic elements in the believers life.

We must thank the Lord through His Son Jesus morning and evening for salvation, for His love and grace, and for His faithful guidance and care. We should express our gratitude for the Word of God and for His spiritual gifts.

We need to exalt God despite the circumstances we are facing. Just thinking of His wonderful deeds…hey!!! A song of praise should start on our mouth. And it feels good even to us as worshippers…what more for the One being exalted? I guess it is time we make a decision to exalt God since it is supposed to be a believer’s lifestyle. Praising Him and giving thanks in the name of the Lord Jesus.

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Lord, I thank You for all that You have done in our lives. We exalt You because You are a great God. We shall exalt You as long as we live. Be glorified Lord in Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen!!!

Names of God

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Elohim, the Creator
Jehovah-Shammah, the Lord is There
My Master, Adonai
El Elyon, the God Most High
Yhwh, You Are the Lord
Jehovah-Rohi, My Shepherd
Mekaddishkem sanctifies you
The Lord our Righteousness, Jehovah-Tsidkenu
Worthy is Your Name; Worthy of all my praise

El Roi, the God Who Sees
You are My Banner, Jehovah-Nissi
The All Sufficient One, El Shaddai
Jehovah-Jireh, You Will Provide
Rapha, the Lord Who Heals
Shalom, You are my Peace
The Lord of Hosts, Jehovah-Sabaoth
El Olam, the Everlasting God
Worthy is Your Name; Worthy of all my praise
Worthy is Your Name; Worthy of all my praise

 

Our God is worthy of our praise! We all need to remember these wonderful name for which we are to call upon our Lord. He is faithful to be there, even when we do not expect it. Copy these names and remember them. Who knows when we are in a place to encourage and share the names of the Most High with others.

 

His Eye Is On The Sparrow

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Why do I feel discouraged, why do the shadows come
And why does my heart feel lonely and long for heaven and home
When Jesus is my portion… a constant friend is He
His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches me

So I sing because I’m happy
And I sing because I’m free
His eye is on the sparrow
And I know He watches me

Whenever I am tempted, whenever clouds arise
When songs give place to sighing, when hope within me dies
I draw the closer to Him, from care He sets me free
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me


Songwriters: Mrs. Civilla Martin, along with Charles Gabriel, Sr. and Peter Matz
Performed by: Sandi Patty

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Perhaps the psalmist was in the same praise-filled frame of mind as Mrs. Martin the day she penned the poem which became this classic song.  David wrote,

The Lord is my light and my salvation;
whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life;
of whom shall I be afraid?
When evildoers assail me
to eat up my flesh,
my adversaries and foes,
it is they who stumble and fall.
Though an army encamp against me,
my heart shall not fear;
though war arise against me,
yet I will be confident.
One thing have I asked of the Lord,
that will I seek after:
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord
all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord
and to inquire in his temple.
Psalms 27:1-4

David knew, through his vast experience of being sought after to harm and kill by Saul and his men, that evil comes against us and that people will seek to hurt us…whether it be physically or emotionally, financially, or in other ways. But David sung his confession of trust in His God. He was assured that, because the Lord was his Light, his Salvation, his Stronghold—his Refuge and Strength—that he need not have fear.

Jesus spoke to His disciples, soon before He would be taken from them and crucified, telling them this Truth also. He endeavored to give them courage telling them of the great value that they had to His, and their, Father.

And do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul;
but rather be afraid of Him who can destroy both soul and body in hell (Gehenna).
Are not two little sparrows sold for a penny? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground
without your Father’s leave (consent) and notice.
But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
Fear not, then; you are of more value than many sparrows.
Matthew 10:28-31

We, in our day and time, have the Scriptures to turn to and receive MUCH inspiration and encouragement! One of my most favorite passages is in the Book of Habakkuk. If you know this record, perhaps you are thinking “NOT the most inspiring record to pick, Coleen!” This short three chapters tell of worry and fear…except if you take it all together in context…including the praise of chapter 3!

The book of Habakkuk shows a picture of prideful people being humbled.  It reminds us that while God may seem silent, He always has a plan to deal with the evil and He always works out justice. Habakkuk the prophet gives a wonderful example encouraging us to wait on the Lord, expecting that He will indeed work all things out and that He always has a plan to take care of His people.

Here is the very last bit of the Book of Habakkuk:

Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines,
Though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food,
Though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls,
Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.
The Sovereign Lord is my Strength; He makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
He enables me to tread on the heights.

Habakkuk 3:17-19

As such should be our own confession and praise!  Just as the psalmist David and Mrs. Martin wrote of their own trust and confidence in God’s goodness, so should…so CAN…we.  ‘His eye IS on the sparrow…and I KNOW He watches me!’

No Matter What

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No matter what…God deserves to be praised.  Regardless of what we are going through or how we feel, God deserves to be praised.  This makes me think of the U.S. Postal Service—rain, snow, sleet or shine they deliver the mail.  And, like them, in rain, snow, sleet or shine, we should speak our praises to the Lord.

I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak His praises.
I will boast only in the Lord; let all who are helpless take heart.
Come, let us tell of the Lord ’s greatness; let us exalt His name together.
Psalms 34: 1-3

Psalms 34:1-3 petitions the helpless to tell of the Lord’s greatness. The ‘helpless’ are the last people you would think of who would be speaking praises to God. You would  expect them to be shouting demands and asking for help, not speaking praises. I mean who really feels like praising anything when things are crumbling around them? I’ll be the first to say…’not me’. The thing is this—praise is more than just words. Our praise is evident in our actions and our attitudes.

Look at the widow in Mark 12:42, “Then a poor widow came and dropped in two small coins….” This poor widow came to the temple and gave (according to my Study Bible) the equivalent of a day’s wages. Talk about having the opportunity to not want to do something! I think that this widow was able to give as she did because she knew that God is a good God and that He would provide for her.

When our praises seem to be costing us much is when the true test begins. How hard is it to give 10 dollars when you have $1000.00? Would it not much more difficult to give 10 dollars when 20 dollars is all we had? And what of preaching the gospel? Some people face prison, exile, and even death to share the good news! And yet we, who have freedom of speech and no such impending doom to linger over our heads, why do we not share the gospel more?

Praise. God is worthy of our praise…all day, every day!

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Lord, I pray that I will praise You not only when doing so is easy or convenient but continuously…regardless of the circumstances.  In Jesus’ name, amen.