Author Archives: Janis Van Keuren

Day 4 of 31 dbbb–Critique Some Blogs In Our Niche

Janis Van Keuren

My blog fits the niche of Christian Inspirational.  I follow many blogs with the same theme.  My top three are:www.aholyexperience.com                                      by Ann Voskampwww.claireburge.com/                                             by Claire Burgehttp://gettingdownwithjesus.blogspot.com                 by Jennifer Lee Ann Voskamp’s site features posts that emphasize God in the everyday life, marriage,gratitude, Christian seasons of the year, and grief.  It is writen in the first person and she does not have a place to comment.  You can email her.  Her design is elegant yet strikingly simple.  The black background is … Continue reading →

Let’s Pray for the Grand Old Flag

Janis Van Keuren

     Running errands yesterday, my eyes took note of the many places waving the “high flying flag”. That would be the one George M Cohan wrote about.  The one that symbolizes this great free country of ours–the Grand Ole USA.      Flapping in the mild desert wind, the flag flew high on many posts.  Singing patriotism in front of a gas station. Pointing the way home at the entrance of an apartment complex.  Declaring freedom at a medical facility. Proudly … Continue reading →

Submission Meets Love–Day 3 of 31 Days to Building A Better Blog(dbbb)

Janis Van Keuren

     On Day Three of the workshop, we are to promote a post on our blog.  I will be attempting to do this through Facebook and through our Email contacts.      There are few times where my husband has imposed his will upon mine, but they stand out in our marriage as times where the mighty hand of God was moving.      One such instance occurred on a cozy winter evening while I was cuddled up with my plans for … Continue reading →

Becoming A Better Blogger Workshop

Janis Van Keuren

        This is the first day of a 31-day workshop on how to become a better blogger.  So, you might see some of my projects posting here in my blog.       The first assignment was to write a pitch about your blog–it’s called an elevator pitch.  Something to catch the reader’s eye or listener’s ear quickly.  Interesting, yet to the point.  Here is my description:      My blog is designed to encourage and inspire other Christian women with … Continue reading →

Every Good and Perfect Gift

Janis Van Keuren

     Blustery, cool May days blew across this desert yesterday.  Unseasonal for this time of year when temperatures hover in the high 90s.  How refreshing for us desert dwellers.  A few more days before the 6-month summer highs hit.     Still time to enjoy lavish flowers, spin around on the freshly mowed lawn, bake one more sweet cake, and cuddle on the sofa.      Wrapped in spring’s sweet memories, I give thanks today on Multitude Monday:     11. for cool days … Continue reading →

When Life Unravels

Janis Van Keuren

             Life is not perfect.  Only God is perfect!      But that is not the way I have lived.  I have looked at every circumstance, every event, every decision I make, and every one of my actions as necessitating perfection.  Or it couldn’t possibly be the right one~or the one from God.     My way of thinking has bound me up in knots, stifled my ability to make decisions, helped me procrastinate, and attempted to put me in control instead of … Continue reading →

Give Thanks With A Grateful Heart

Janis Van Keuren

Today, I’m joining the Gratitude Community at Ann Voskamp’s site Holy Experience.  We are counting on Monday’s 1000 gifts from God to be thankful for.  For today, this will be just a list, however, if a story weaves in with my heart of gratitude, you can find it here in my post.1)for family gathered round the dinner table2)for a heart of appreciation as I do the dishes3)for God’s mighty provisions for our family 4)for sons who help me on the … Continue reading →

Refreshing Rains

Janis Van Keuren

     Refreshing rains fall from the heavens above and wet this desert land.  A late spring rain gives the earth its last free drink of water until the summer monsoons sizzle on the hot dirt.     The chilly air blows in and I wrap myself in the warmth of a fuzzy sweatshirt.  Probably my last chance until temperatures drop again next fall.      The air smells clean and free.  My heart dances as the rain washes away the dirt-clogs of my … Continue reading →

A Stream in the Desert

Janis Van Keuren

          Like three giddy girls, we begin our day of exploring Arizona’s Sabino Canyon. We long to hike beside the stream that hopefully still holds water from winter snow and heavy rains.  Unlike most years, this spring the desert is ablaze with flowers–blue lupines, desert marigolds, purple-pink penstemon.  I hold a map of the canyon’s hiking trails and attempt to lead our trio on an unforgettable hike.      Two steps and one of us stops to snap a picture.  … Continue reading →

PhotoPlay

Janis Van Keuren

Orange blossoms draped across our tree sing a song of praise to their Creator.  Their praise is the fragrant aroma they lift up to God.  Like wisps of smoke their praise reaches the throne of our Father.  A honeybee buzzes by and draws the sweet nectar from the blossom.  The blossom and bee have joined together in their song of praise as they merely carry out God’s purpose for their lives.  In my heart, I witness this miracle of  how … Continue reading →