Author Archives: Janis Van Keuren

A Moment of Silent Reflection–Our Visit to Ground Zero

Janis Van Keuren

Photos from our trip to Ground Zero in 2003      It was just two years after 9/11 and the reverence of Ground Zero reverberated in the silence on the lips of passersby. Honor for those who gave their lives to save the lives of thousands. Respect for the hallowed ground where heroes were buried on that day. Prayers for the families left behind. All spoken only by the heart.      Ten years have passed since terror struck our nation, vengeance … Continue reading →

As High As the Heavens

Janis Van Keuren

        “For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His love for those who fear me.” Psalm 103:11 NIV      Staring  into the vastness of the celestial blue space above draws me into wonder at the greatness of our God. A God who compares His love to the never ending blue expanse that stretches beyond our sight. Beyond space shuttle journeys. Beyond the stars and planets that dangle suspended as buoyant jewels in … Continue reading →

Between the Cloud and the Pillar of Fire; the Sunrise and the Sunset

Janis Van Keuren

Sunrise            The the Lord will create over all of Mount Zion and over those who assemble there a cloud of smoke by day and a glow of flaming fire by night; over all the glory will be a canopy. It will be a shelter and shade from the heat of the day and a refuge and hiding place from the storm and rain.” Isaiah 4:5-6 NIV      Because I am not an early-morning riser, I have missed the … Continue reading →

Cheese and Vegetable Squares

Janis Van Keuren

         Another potluck at school as we gathered to say “so long for a little while” to our outstanding Administrative Assistant and fellow Christian . She is that kind of person who greets the day with a smile. She makes you feel special–just because you’re you. The love of the Lord flows through her to everyone’s life she touches. And she had a pulse on everything happening in our school. She made it all flow smoothly.     We will miss her … Continue reading →

On Eagles Wings and Prayer

Janis Van Keuren

     Hidden off the main route was a pristine lake ringed by pine-forested hills. Majestic bald eagles swooped overhead as we stood mouths agape with wonder. Their giant wing span, strong grasping talons, and tenacity on display before us.      Watching them pierced my heart with an ache reminding me of mother eagles pushing their young out of the nest. It had only been a few months since I experienced my youngest fledgling jumping out of the nest. This mother … Continue reading →

The Pleasures of Starting School

Janis Van Keuren

         It has been two weeks since school started here, but it feels like the first day to me. I have assessed my student’s need, and with an enthusiasm that comes with the start of each new school year, I scoured the local teacher supply store and Michael’s. My eyes dart around the store, blinking at the shiny and slick–flashcards, stickers, posters, games for learning. The smell and feel of  “New” ways to teach causes excitement to bubble up within … Continue reading →

The Promise is in the Clouds

Janis Van Keuren

       I’m looking heavenward again. My eye and heart are on the sky. I catch the rainbow pushing upward and I chase it, hoping to find its source and the depth of its color. But I only see a fraction of what lies ahead. Then like a shade, a curtain of clouds are pulled across the heavens and my heart sinks. The hope of seeing the rainbow in its glory is fading. Only darkness remains.      I snap the cover … Continue reading →

The Valuable Seed

Janis Van Keuren

          “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you.” Luke 17:6 NIV      The pine cones on these trees are almost miniature, but the seed they carry will produce life as they fall to the ground. We I need to have that small seed of faith. That trusting of the Lord and His Word will make me … Continue reading →

Playing in the Street

Janis Van Keuren

          Standing on the side of the road in the golf cart path, I noticed a familiar car coming toward me. Curious, I watched the approaching vehicle until I recognized its owner. Our friend slowed down and poking his head out the open window, he jokingly asked me what I was doing in the street.     Camera in hand, I teased back, “I’m playing in the street!”     Carefree laughter spilled out from within me.     “You’d better be careful, there,” he scolded … Continue reading →

The Price of Purple

Janis Van Keuren

      Delicate purple flowers adorn our streets again as August blasts its torrid heat against our skin. Blistering temperatures, suffocating heat boils the air encased in one’s car. Windows rolled down, air-conditioning running full tilt to blow out the stifling contents, I pull out of the school’s parking lot and head for home. Then I see the desert bushes beckoning with their purple August dance.      As intense as the sun that scorches one’s face like an oven, these purple … Continue reading →