Author Archives: Janis Van Keuren

Bearing Ripe Fresh Fruit

Janis Van Keuren

      I’m surrounded by friends who have been ministering for the Lord for years. Teaching Bible Studies, hosting home groups, holding Christian financial series in their home, mentoring young women, working with pregnancy centers, or serving across the seas in Uganda or Europe on short-term mission trips. However, my life has not been that full of defined consistent ministry.     Oh, I’ve taught some Sunday school classes, had a neighborhood Bible Study meet in our dining room for a short while, … Continue reading →

Seek Him While He May Be Found

Janis Van Keuren

Carmel, CA 2010      “Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain.      Turn my eyes away from worthless things; renew my life according to       your word.” Psalm 119:36-37 NIV             In His light, we see light; in His love, we are saved; in seeking Him, we are restored. He sends wisdom on the lips of His godly counselors.     With gratefulness for His love and mercies that are new every morning and for those who bring His … Continue reading →

Counting It Joy

Janis Van Keuren

Decorating the Garden         During these difficult days as I struggle through the changes, I am trying to remember:      “…whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything. If you need wisdom – if you want to know what God wants you … Continue reading →

Waiting on the Lord

Janis Van Keuren

       “I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope. My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning.” Psalm 130:5-6 NIV      I am not a patient person. I do not like to wait. When an idea grabs me, I want to take action immediately or blurt out the thought and words that have just come to mind. Sometimes, without … Continue reading →

Sunrise Omelet–Can Be Elegant or Casual

Janis Van Keuren

         We celebrated Teacher Appreciation Week last Friday with a Breakfast Brunch courtesy of the classified staff (that included me). I was all set to bring muffins or some sweet treat, figuring I could squeeze that into my tired schedule. When I arrived in the office to sign up, these pleading eyes kindly asked me to please bring something with eggs. I saw all the blank lines next to egg dishes, counted up the number of people on staff, and … Continue reading →

Grace for the Day

Janis Van Keuren

Youngest on his first Mother’s Day with us. We had just adopted him.         I think I have bought my last shopping cart of sports drinks. Only youngest gulps them to rehydrate after basketball or a hard day at work. And the day for youngest to move out is around the corner.     It seems like months since I felt my insides gnawed and ripped apart as youngest announced his decision to move out, become independent, experience life free from … Continue reading →

Giving Thanks for the Abundant Blessings from His Hand

Janis Van Keuren

Mother’s Day Brunch by the Guys      My heart is full today as I watch my guys outside shooting baskets. What could make a mother’s heart more grateful than to see her family together, happy, playing around, glad to be there. My heart swelled with joy as all my men goofed around (even Chip, the wonder dog played ball). This was celebration. For this my heart longed. For this my heart rejoiced.      Temperate breezes whispered through wind chimes while … Continue reading →

A Mother’s Day Remembrance

Janis Van Keuren

         When Oldest was in kindergarten, the students made a Mother’s Day present that included their handprints and part of a little one’s poem. I still have those handprints framed and hanging on the wall that leads up to our bedroom. It was a special reminder today of pudgy loving hands, warm hugs, and bedtime stories that never seemed to end. Cuddling up with my memories. My little hands reach up to you for hugs before I sleep … And … Continue reading →

A Feast Fit for Watching the Royal Wedding

Janis Van Keuren

         It was pure feminine indulgence. Both in taste and viewing. A couple of girlfriends came over for an English Tea Party and viewing of the “Royal Wedding.” (click on highlighted area to read more) Well, I’m not sure how English the genteel food was but it definitely qualified as feminine, light, frilly, and accented with an assortment of tea and a variety of teacups.     To start things off, one friend brought a tray of sliced cheese and turkey trimmed … Continue reading →

Time to Humble Ourselves and Pray

Janis Van Keuren

     Today we pause in reflection and prayer for our country. This is a significant time in our country’s history with the events that have taken place this week. These events should rend our hearts even more to seek the Lord’s face in thanksgiving for His protection over our nation and His mercy upon our nation which has forsaken His sweet love for the pleasures of the world.     But let us not be quick to judge. As Christians, we also … Continue reading →