Author Archives: Janis Van Keuren

I Think I Need a Little Help Here

Janis Van Keuren

     The sign greets you entering and exiting our neighborhood.  A clever twist on “Smokey the Bear” commercials.  “Only You can prevent Forest fires.”  Those were meant to instill a principle with a cuddly bear posing as your friend.  This is a warning!  If you (the collective you who live in this neighborhood) do not slow down, you will pay a hefty price.  Speed bumps to jar your car’s suspension, rattle your brains, and make your morning commute even longer.  … Continue reading →

A Profusion of Blessings

Janis Van Keuren

     August in the monsoon desert brings a mixture of blessings and stifling heat.  I search for godsends round the corner,  gasping at the purple profusion of blossoms dripping from roof-high bushes.  A gasp that draws in the hot, thick, humid breath fills my lungs.  The beauty washes the August air with a refreshing breeze.      Swiftly, ominous desert clouds smother the sun-soaked sky, rolling gray clouds cross the horizon.   Temperatures drop, humidity rises, hope for rain abounds.      … Continue reading →

Cloud Hopping

Janis Van Keuren

Weekends are for hopping clouds across the sky for floating on feathery wisps of imagination for landing on mattresses of marshmallow froth and for wiggling toes in white sifted sand. May your weekend be moments of life captured in love with family and friends.      “But may the righteous be glad and rejoice before God;may they be happy and joyful.”  Psalm 68:3 NIV      What joy will fill your weekend?

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Asian on The Menu–Indonesian Beef Cooked at Home

Janis Van Keuren

     I found out this week that my family does not like Vietnamese food.  I picked some up–at their request–from a local downtown restaurant near the University.  I had tried the famous restaurant’s Spring Rolls prior to inviting the family to join me in this new adventure.  They were eager to try a new Asian food entree, being lovers of most Oriental dishes.  However, after I brought the white Styrofoam boxes home and we sat down to eat, there were … Continue reading →

Just One Day in His Court

Janis Van Keuren

St. Patrick’s Cathedral, New York City      “Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere;” Psalm 84:10 NIV                 In the Old Testament, the Lord’s temple and His courts was a physical dwelling place.  It was here that the psalmist longed to dwell, near the presence of the Lord in the Holy of Holies.  For here God’s people could find peace within their souls and peace from their enemies that surrounded them.  Here, they whispered their … Continue reading →

Toting Rebellion

Janis Van Keuren

              I tucked my head in against my shirt to keep the light drizzle from falling on the library books I had just checked out.  As I scurried to the car, I wondered why I hadn’t thought ahead to bring a tote bag to protect the books–just in case.  The sky was overcast, and although it’s unpredictable to determine where and when the rain will fall during the Monsoon, I could have been prepared–just in case.      My … Continue reading →

Heaven’s Bounty Gushes Forth

Janis Van Keuren

Monsoon Raindrops Gushing Down from the Patio      Rain poured from the heavens saturating our parched desert the other night.  With delight we flung open the door and stood transfixed on the patio, rejoicing at the refreshing blessing.  Plants covered in the dirt and grime of summer’s dust and heat were washed clean.  Mini lakes quickly formed at the edge of the patio as the earth gasped to gulp in the water.      Water, that brings life to the … Continue reading →

Chicken Alfredo–The Guys’ Rendition

Janis Van Keuren

        I went grocery shopping with our youngest son just before Hubby and I left on vacation earlier this month.  He was stocking up on food for he and his brother during Mom’s cooking absence.  It was quite fun to see this mature, capable side of my son.     I pushed the grocery cart.  He threw in the items.  Boxed Mac and Cheese (of course), frozen chicken tenders, brats, gatorade, seasoned chicken breasts, bottled Alfredo sauce, and pasta.  I was amused, … Continue reading →

Love in the Kitchen

Janis Van Keuren

      We were meandering down the floral-lined streets, poking in and out of those boutiques you only find on vacation. Hoping to not test Hubby’s patience, I drew him into one of the tiny shops by remarking about some unique items displayed in the window. Tall vases with long stems of colorful, elegant flowers flowed into the aisles. Tiny lights embedded in the flowers made them even more appealing.     “Couldn’t you picture these in our entry way?” I invited … Continue reading →

The True Fountain

Janis Van Keuren

“For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.” Psalm 36:9 NIV    Today’s post is part of the Internet Cafe’s Word-Filled Wednesday.

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