Author Archives: Janis Van Keuren

The Ever-Changing Butterfly

Janis Van Keuren

     I love working back in the classroom. There’s so much to learn and experience all over again. Assigned to one student as a special ed teaching assistant, I get more of the experience and less of the preparation.      So, just like the kids, I anxiously awaited the arrival of our butterfly kit with the caterpillars, food, and plastic see-through container. It was thrilling to watch the students marvel at the different stages of development in the life cycle … Continue reading →

We are Princesses

Janis Van Keuren

Prince William and Princess Kate; Royal Wedding; Credit: Toby Melville/Reuters/Landov      We gathered our plates filled with crab quiche, fresh fruit, tossed salad, tuna in tomato cups, and made a beeline for the family room to sit amongst friends and watch the wedding of the century. Just us girls, our tea and chatter, laughter and a few tears permeated the room as we bubbled over with excitement as the recording of the wedding transported us to the steps of Westminster … Continue reading →

He Will Care for Us

Janis Van Keuren

        “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father.” Matthew 10:29 NIV      Hubby found this baby bird smack dab in the middle of our front walkway on Holy Saturday. Worried that someone or something might harm this little creature, he carefully moved it to the gravel in our front yard. Later, when Hubby found its abandoned nest, we tucked the … Continue reading →

A Season of Rejoicing–A Multitude of Blessings

Janis Van Keuren

     In these weeks following Easter up to the commemoration of Jesus’ ascension into heaven, the time is designated as a season of rejoicing. Following this lead, I am going to just list the many blessings the Lord has bestowed on me these past two weeks. Praying your Easter season holds much joy and that you find blessings in the simple, ordinary events of each day.      533) Celebrating Christ’s Resurrection Freedom for all who believe in Him     534) Forever … Continue reading →

He Is Risen

Janis Van Keuren

         Two of Jesus’ disciples were walking on the road to Emmaus, just talking when a “stranger” joined them. The third person asked them what they were talking about, and they were dumbfounded.     “Are you the only one living in Jerusalem who doesn’t know the things that have happened there in these days?” Luke 24:17 NIV     “What things?” the stranger asked.     As Jesus’ downcast disciples explained the events of what we now call Holy Week, the stranger had some revealing … Continue reading →

Italian Easter Bread–A Tradition that Captures the Meaning of Easter

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 →

Worlds Apart

Janis Van Keuren

West Coast Redwoods      The East Coast is only a 3 hour time difference from the West Coast but they are worlds apart. The East Coast is steeped in history–for that is where our country began. The West Coast is often referred to as a youngster–immature, fun-loving, lacking in traditions, and somewhat disrespectful.     The pride of the East rests on its cultural offering, its sophistication, formality, experience, knowledge, and wisdom. After all, the seat of our government is there. International … Continue reading →

How Great is His Goodness

Janis Van Keuren

     Heaven-sized cotton ball clouds danced across the azure sky. The bright, brisk day captivated my senses and I drank deeply of the celestial portrait. It was His gift to me. The painting. The dew-washed air breathing relief to my recently stress-tightened chest. The chatter of friends–we women who celebrate our annual gathering with laughter, silliness, long talks, encouragement for the dark moments in each other’s lives, time basking in His creation, and, of course, shopping. Each moment was His … Continue reading →

The Joy of His Salvation

Janis Van Keuren

“Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.” Pslam 51:12      Confession, repentance, and a desire to please the Lord restores the  joy of His salvation to us. From My Heart to Yours, Joining Scripture and a Snapshot

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Apricot Chicken–At Last

Janis Van Keuren

       Our Oldest had been requesting Apricot Chicken for nearly a year. Yes, that very same son who said that if he was engaged to a girl and she served chicken–the wedding was off. However, this chicken dish topped his favorites list.     So, after a year of putting off frying chicken (with little oil) in the deep frying pan, I made the time for one of Oldest’s delectable dishes. Approved by the American Heart Association and listed in their cookbook, … Continue reading →