Author Archives: Janis Van Keuren

Memories Like Gentle Rolling Waves

Janis Van Keuren

        Our family just returned from a four-day escape to cool ocean breezes ruffling our hair and the sounds of the rhythmic, gently splashing surf massaging away stress-strung muscles.  As we drove along the coast, I found myself recounting stories to my young men of how my Father would cram our extended family–an aunt, uncle, and at least one cousin–into our family car and drive 150 miles from our home to San Diego.  Those precious memories painted warm colored pictures … Continue reading →

Character Recognized by All

Janis Van Keuren

      While recognition for John Wooden continues to pour in and the sports world relates quotes from coaches, players, statesmen, even the president, I thought it would be a genuine touch to hear comments from two not-so-famous people who knew Coach Wooden on a personal level. These memories speak volumes about the character of the person when the spotlight was not “on”.  I thought they deserved their own post.          The first recollection is from a friend’s … Continue reading →

Helpful Hints from the Housewife’s Diary

Janis Van Keuren

  Photo from Crestock      Shower walls streaked with soap scum screamed at me, “We’ve been Neglected”.  Dreading the job ahead, I donned an ugly pair of shorts and a shirt now dubbed “for cleaning”.  Armed with sponges, cloths, cleanser, and a blue bucket half full of water, I shored up my confidence and attacked those walls with all the wisdom of an imaginary “Helpful Housewife Hints” book.     Squishing the rectangular sponge in the water, I liberally covered it … Continue reading →

A Man of Honor

Janis Van Keuren

Coach Wooden Memorial from ESPN Basketball site      You have probably heard me refer to our home as “Sports Central”, where ESPN runs 24/7.  That may be a slight exaggeration, but sports do rule the family room in our home.  Basketball ranks as No. 1 among our sports enthusiasts, so it is no surprise that our family grieved the passing of Coach John Wooden on Friday evening.  We have had the privilege of learning about this outstanding man mostly through … Continue reading →

Are you looking for peace?

Janis Van Keuren

     by ANGEL346ram     What is riddling your heart with worries today?  Do you have a loved one who has walked away from the Lord?  Is your marriage not what you hoped it would be?  Does a spouse or child have a terminal disease?  Are you grieving?  What is your hurt and pain?      Come to Jesus and drink of His peace moment by moment.  We all need His peace.     “There is a future for the man of peace,” Scripture tells … Continue reading →

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Janis Van Keuren

  WARNING:  THIS SITE MAY CHANGE APPEARANCES AT ANY MOMENT!!!! Please be patient with us as we readjust our looks. Shouldn’t take too long.  Just about the same amount of time as any woman takes getting ready for a special date! From my heart to yours,Janis

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Remembering Why We Remember

Janis Van Keuren

     Remember, the Lord cautions us.  Remember the wondrous works He has done for us.  Let there be markers in our life where we pause, reflect and share with our children the meanings behind the recollections.  Why do we spend time remembering?     In Joshua 4:4-7, the Lord commands the Israelites through Joshua, to “Go over (the river) before the ark of the Lord your God into the middle of the Jordan.  Each of you is to take up a stone … Continue reading →

Time for A Review

Janis Van Keuren

     Welcome Friends from 31dbbb and Readers,      Pull up a chair, sit right down, and let’s have a cup of coffee together this morning.  I am really looking forward to comments, suggestions, ideas, tips, and techniques for creating a better blog.  So here come the questions: What is your opinion of the design layout?  Do you like the borders or should I find something else to frame the sides?  Does the color complement my theme? What suggestions do … Continue reading →

Women of Faith Worship CD

Janis Van Keuren

             Songs of worship piped into my ear buds lifted my soul while I stared at the computer screen, previewing Women of Faith’s newest worship CD.  Just bleeps of the songs tantalized my desire to drift away on a gentle cloud of melodic tunes.     Yes, readers.  This is my first ad.  I receive the Women of Faith Newsletter through my email and there was a contest.  The first 20 people to sign up for the CD and leave … Continue reading →

Watch a First-Time Reader Use Your Blog: Your Turn to Vote–Day 17 of 31dbbb

Janis Van Keuren

             Wrote the guest post today at  http://blog.ourchurch.com/2010/05/25/31dbbb-day-17-watch-a-first-time-reader-use-your-blog/ .  My friend and neighbor, Joyce, volunteered to play guinea pig and help me with this project by reviewing my blog.  She is almost a first-time reader.  Would have been until I asked her to participate in my project.  However, she is new enough to qualify.     Joyce and I spent about a half hour together Sunday afternoon while she scoured my blog.  She used a  gentle cleaning agent.  I peered … Continue reading →