Blog – Page 39 – Janis Van Keuren

Worlds Apart

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

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

“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

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 →

The Pleasure of Spring Flowers at the Market

A gentle breeze rustled through my fine strands of hair as I hurried into the grocery store to pick up a cinnamon coffee cake for our classroom pod. The air felt cool against my face, a pleasure in itself for this time of year in the desert. Last week, the temperature hovered in the dry, warm 90s–a far cry from Spring. With almost a jog in my step, I rushed toward the market when Spring, in all its floral … Continue reading →

He Calms the Storm

“The disciples went and woke him (Jesus), saying, ‘Master, Master, we’re going to drown!’ He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. ‘Where is your faith?’ he asked his disciples. In fear and amazement they asked one another, ‘Who is this? He commands even the winds and and the water, and they obey him.’” Luke 8:24, 25 NIV The ocean waves rolled in amidst the stormy … Continue reading →

There is Life in the Dying

Rounding the corner into our development, I notice the abundance of green leaves shimmering in the afternoon sunlight. At first, I’m mesmerized by the beauty of the tree-lined street. Then it hits me as I catch a glimpse of a few barren branches hiding behind the bounty of spring’s green adorned trees. Wasn’t it just last week or two weeks ago that this same street looked bleak? Trees stripped of their glory resembled petrified sticks protruding from the … Continue reading →