Author Archives: Janis Van Keuren

FONDLY KNOWN AS “THOSE POTATOES”

Janis Van Keuren

         Around certain holidays of the year, our family has come to expect that their popular potato dish will find its way to the dining room table. Known in other circles and among other cooks as “Hash Brown Potato Casserole,” the history of how this dish made its way into our family is as infamous as this mouth-watering taste treat.     While scurrying through the grocery store one year during a pre-holiday food-prep frenzy, youngest (who was in middle … Continue reading →

Christ Has Risen–The Victory is Ours

Janis Van Keuren

            He is not here; He is risen, just as He said…Matthew 28:6 NIV           The morning began under a shady tree on a grassy slope as strains of worship filled the air. While a whisper of wind built hopes of keeping the outdoor service cool, the Arizona hot ball of yellow soon beamed steamy rays on our church family.  But the worshipers were undaunted as their hearts lifted praises to the Risen Savior.           Greetings rang out. “He is … Continue reading →

Italian Easter Bread–Once Again

Janis Van Keuren

      Each year on Holy Saturday, we have a family tradition. The making of Italian Easter Bread. This mildy sweet breakfast bread with its creamy, sweet glaze and five colored eggs poking up is a symbol of the Risen Christ. For our family, for my parents before me, and for my grandparents before them, it was a sacred Holy Saturday tradition to prepare the bread for Easter morning.  Much like Christ’s body was prepared for burial–only to rise on that … Continue reading →

Christ Died For the Ungodly

Janis Van Keuren

“Jacob’s Dream”, a sculpture at Abilene Christian University, Texas draws one to the Light breaking through the sculpture that forms a cross.            “You see, at just the right time, when we were powerless, Christ died for the ungodly…”Romans 5:6 NIV      So often we hear Scriptures about Christ’s love for us even before we were saved but like words we’ve heard so frequently, they fail to register with our hearts. Yesterday, the Scriptures in Romans 5:1-11 struck a … Continue reading →

Joys Abound

Janis Van Keuren

     It’s been a while since I’ve listed the many joys the Lord has lovingly spread across my path. To see His hand turn the simplest moment into a joy has filled my heart with delight. When I forget to write down the day’s joys, I look back later at that day and am amazed at how many things He has turned into a joy. I still need to train myself to see the joys as they are happening.     What … Continue reading →

Come Away With Him

Janis Van Keuren

Along the hiking path      The airplane ticket had been purchased during the long weeks of silence and wondering. I knew that I would need to escape the walls that closed in around me every weekend. A full week of Spring Break would either provide rest or more turmoil. I wondered, though, if distance, a change of environment, and time spent with my best friend could really grant me the peace I sought from the thoughts that assailed me. Hiking … Continue reading →

Heart to Heart He Speaks

Janis Van Keuren

      I’ve heard His voice while pouring out my pleas, the desires pounding deep within my heart, the prayers crying out for the one who has walked away. He has whispered to my spirit while I’ve knelt before the altar. His voice has been heard through friends’ wise counsel.     It’s time to turn my heart toward Him. To forsake all others who have been the center of my attention, the desire of my mother-heart.     I have said, “yes,” yet … Continue reading →

“Be Not Afraid”

Janis Van Keuren

The Empty Tomb stained glass inside the chapel at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton’s Church          “But now, this is what the Lord says–he who created you, O Jacob (fill in your name), he who formed you, O Israel; “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you … Continue reading →

Joys Sprinkled Throughout the Days

Janis Van Keuren

     Searching for His joys throughout the day changes my perspective. I begin to see the blessings in my life and how the Lord is working. Joy refocuses my attention on the beauty the Lord is giving me for the ashes of broken dreams, anxiety, and fear. In these past two weeks, the Lord has poured out blessings in unexpected places. Everywhere, I’ve seen His hand from celebrating a birthday with a dear friend to a class trip to the … Continue reading →

Touches of Joy

Janis Van Keuren

     Woven through the storm clouds, God threads moments of sunlight. Rays that splinter the darkness, calm the anxious heart, refresh us with rest, and touch our spirits with His Joy. This week the Master’s golden threads were interlaced abundantly throughout my life. Praise God for His glorious touches of Joy and His mercies.      763) flowers from a friend to say she cares and that she is praying      764) cards that arrive daily from friends reminding me … Continue reading →