Author Archives: Janis Van Keuren

Did you “Ooh” and “Ah” ?

Janis Van Keuren

            “Has everyone practiced their ‘oohs’ and ‘ahs’,” he asked our group, grinning as we settled into cloth or plastic bound chairs.   Happy faces smiled and voices chattered up there on the knoll that stared across to the majestic Pusch Ridge Mountains. Anticipation of the show to come sparked a myriad of conversations.  People standing in the Wisconsin snow for the world’s best-tasting custard.  The most beautiful spot to camp in South Dakota. The snooty RV sites … Continue reading →

The Land of the Free and Home of the Brave

Janis Van Keuren

     Last summer, we had the unique privilege of providing a home, a nesting spot for a Morning Dove and her two fledglings.  Perched in a crook of our front door wreath, the mama created her home, gathering extra twigs and dried grass to loosely pad the floor.  Above the flaming red roses and delicate,white poppies, the mama dove settled in. Twisted garland of sparkling stars added a touch of elegance to her newly made home. Behind a mini … Continue reading →

Panting for Water

Janis Van Keuren

     In this dry, parched desert, water is a necessity, not just a fashion statement that you carry with you. The thermometer streaks red to 109 degrees.  Leaves on the trees shrivel under the blazing sun’s heat.  Birds take refuge in the shade of scrub bushes and the streets and sidewalks are barren of people as everyone hides in air-conditioned homes, stores, or places of work.     Water, the life-quenching drink, glides over prune-like lips.  It slides over the tongue, … Continue reading →

Creation Speaks

Janis Van Keuren

Ocean off Carmel from Point Lobos      Creation speaks loudly of God and His characteristics.  It is here that I experience Him most deeply.  But to those who stand in awe and wonder at the crashing waves or a summer sunset or tremble at the thundering power of a storm, their inmost being declares to them that there is a God.  No matter how hard they try to resist.        “since what may be known about God is plain to … Continue reading →

Tasty Tuesday

Janis Van Keuren

     Welcome to the new Tasty Tuesday feature.  Each week, we will highlight a family favorite recipe or one from our kitchen that we are trying out.  My friend, Karen, will be joining me on this project.  If you have a recipe that you would like us to feature, just click the contact tab on the top banner.  Hope you enjoy this new addition to the blog. Bearnaise Sauce                This tangy sauce delights the taste buds with … Continue reading →

Rocks Got In The Way–An Unforgiven Mess

Janis Van Keuren

     “The God of the Universe knows you and STILL loves you.”     Our pastor’s words were a soothing balm to my heart and soul this Sunday.  Only the Lord knew all the ugly thoughts and feelings that had raged through me on Friday.  They were thoughts far from praise for our Lord, far from the joy I had felt the last week, far from the rest and peace that had flowed through me.  They were angry thoughts full … Continue reading →

The Sea is His

Janis Van Keuren

 Carmel from Pt. Lobos State Park      Framed for my memory is this scene among the cypress groves overlooking the Northern Coast of California.  Colors of aqua, blue, and white were churned by the day’s blustery winds, but the only thing my heart grabs is the beauty of the Creator’s hand.  His creation touches my inmost being, which echoes with love and praise as the waves crash against the rocks.  Here I find His strength, peace, and magnificence.        … Continue reading →

Are you plagued by perfection?

Janis Van Keuren

Hubby and Our Two Sons      For Father’s Day, I made my husband’s favorite Bearnaise Sauce to top the steaks barbecued by our oldest.  It had been years since I attempted to make this sauce.  Every attempt in the past 34 years failed in my estimation.  But as far as Hubby was concerned, the homemade sauce tasted wonderful.  To him, the taste was all that mattered.  To me, making it to perfection, producing a thick creamy sauce like the one … Continue reading →

Sing for Times of Relaxation

Janis Van Keuren

               Relaxation can become “relaxertion”–a term coined by Hubby to describe those vacations when everyday is scheduled.  When every side road, museum, and natural wonder must be seen.  When you come home and need a vacation from your vacation!     These were the kind of vacations we took in the not so long ago years.  And for most of our marriage.  We were adventure lovers, just aching to explore every nook and cranny of our new destination.  … Continue reading →

Restored in the Dark

Janis Van Keuren

         Evening twilight had cast its long shadow across the desert as I began wrapping up the day’s work on our home computer.  A sudden hiccup in the electrical power blinked the computer screen and darkened the house for a second.  A surge of power flicked the lights and computer screen back on–then everything turned to dusk.  Inside and outside our home.      READ MORE at Jennifer Janes blog, where I wrote the guest post for today.  You will … Continue reading →