The Legacy of Chalet Shalom

It grips my heart every time we return to Chalet Shalom: the essence of loved ones that lingers on in what they left behind. They are gone. But it’s their song they carefully recorded here in this lakeside home, built and put together as a legacy for us. And that it is. This space isContinue reading “The Legacy of Chalet Shalom”

That Unnoticed Pulsating Joy

You start a new day feeling neutral: much to do, energy low. Where is joy? But then you feed on the Bread of Life, contemplating the words of the Son, and strength infuses your soul. You bow your heart to the Holy One,grateful and reaching out in praise,remembering all he’s done for you,all that heContinue reading “That Unnoticed Pulsating Joy”

My Psalm of Praise

I will sing about you and to you, Yahweh, worshiping you in good times and hard times.When I tell others how you have acted on my behalf,may those with little hope be encouraged to trust you.May their faces light up with hope and joy!So come, friends! Let’s lift him up in praise, let’s sing!He hasContinue reading “My Psalm of Praise”

Magnify!

“Magnify the LORD!” they said, “Exalt his name together!” “Which name?” I asked, to understand this better. ‘He has a great collectionall explaining his perfection!”And “magnify?” Can I make lettersbigger, clearer, bright and legible?I stretch out the arms of my soulholding a magnifying glass,straining to understandthe many pieces of the whole:the essence of the Trinity,graciousContinue reading “Magnify!”

Morning Praise

As I wake up to morning— to the last bat ping, first bird song, paling of the sky— let my heart wake up to you, open wide to take in light, listening for the welcome in your voice and then breaking into praise! Is praise the first impulse that sunrise and a new morning bringsContinue reading “Morning Praise”

Cloudy Sunrise

Sunbeams gleam across the field as the invisible orb rises, traced only by the way the clouded sky goes luminous, unable to completely mask the light. The grasses glow, lit by the current and transformed to green lampposts, arms lifted in silent praise. A breeze blows through, dancing them, unable to hold back from joiningContinue reading “Cloudy Sunrise”

Sensing God

We worship in a cloud, unfocused though we strain to see and feel yet worship what we know within unknowing, all our senses clamoring for the Real: — the One who touches hearts with joy, whose fingers reach to heal the blinded eyes, deaf ears; who feels our hurts because he hurt as human-Godson, heartContinue reading “Sensing God”

I Need to Breathe

Like the geese hopping through dead grass looking for treasure, my thoughts skip about, grabbing a seed thought here and there, pausing occasionally to ponder or wander. I am Abba’s daughter, loved, chosen. I need to sit still and rest, listening. I feel his Presence, know He is here. May I wait in silent expectationContinue reading “I Need to Breathe”

Worship in my Offering

He makes his home in me.And I, I live insidethe house of love,his banner flapping bright above,his pleasure my desire.I bring him blooms to gracethe place he sets for me(no matter that, outdoors,corruption slimes the worldand evil lurks in gray).I will not fear. For he is here,my God, and where he iswe live in love.Continue reading “Worship in my Offering”

To Know the King!

(Photo by Daniel Reche, pexels) To know you is to know the King! To love you is to learn to sing the praise song that will never end! You’ve called me daughter, servant, friend! I’ve longed to find you, so I ran this strong pursuit—into your hand! Holy One, you draw me in, and cleanContinue reading “To Know the King!”