Blog – Page 9 – Janis Van Keuren

Friendship, Heritage, and a Lemon Tree

Climbing the hills on the Isle of Capri in Italy on a funicular, I saw them almost everywhere. Sprouting from square patches of small backyards, this fruit tree graced the hillsides of the Italian island. In what seemed like a postage-stamp-sized growing area, these garden lovers planted vegetables, herbs, colorful flowing flowers, and lemon trees. They are the Blue Ribbon plant of these Southern boot dwellers. Lemons abound in Southern Italy. Not only fresh ones in menus, gracing tables, and … Continue reading →

“Let Creation Sing”

This past spring, we traveled across our great land blessed by God, and we saw some of His glorious creations. Join us on this trip as we feature the majesty of Niagara Falls and the beauty of this worship song, “Let Creation Sing,” lyrics by Hillsong. The whole earth Overflowing With Your Power And Your Glory There is no one like You God There is no one like You God Mountains bow Nations tremble At Your feet we cry Holy … Continue reading →

Nesting In

The “Nesting Season” has settled in. Instinctively, birds everywhere are gathering twigs, moss, cotton, string–whatever will pad their nest with comfort. Us humans feel that same need in spring to make our homes a comfortable place. Windows are thrown open releasing the stale air of winter. Closets are cleaned and organized. Walls, windows, baseboards, blinds and everything that captures dust is scrubbed down. Colors capture us, and we have a newfound fascination with paint swatches. We save magazine pages displaying … Continue reading →

A Comfortable Place

“It’s what you read when you don’t have to that determines what you will be when you can’t help it.” Oscar Wilde Just returning from a prolonged visit to the dentist with a half-numbed face, I picked up a cozy book I had been reading and tucked myself into the corner of our blue tweed sofa. Comfort time and just what the dental assistant had recommended. Actually she had suggested a nap and ibuprofen. I felt woozy but knew a … Continue reading →

Meeting our Heaven-Bound Baby

I slid into the salon chair, hung my jacket and purse on the spur-like cowboy hook, and glanced at my long-time hairdresser in the mirror. After more than 15 years of having her beautify my hair, we never lack for conversation. Our families are at the heart of our conversation because, well, because we are mothers! Other than Jesus, is there anything closer to a mother’s heart than her family? All the

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Snowflakes Whisper in the New Year

Large flakes spaced far apart drifted down from the heavenly night sky creating a sense of newness. The Old Year was passing away. The slate was being purified and created for a New Year. As hubby and I looked at our unusual desert wonderland, we were as excited as little kids. The heart that Jesus wants coming to Him. We joked with our neighbors out in this barren wilderness a little before midnight they engaged in a snowball fight. Then … Continue reading →

Taste and See

Hubby and I just returned from a whirlwind vacation in Europe. And if I had to re-title this tour, it would be known as a “A Taste of Europe.” We covered 8 countries (itinerary says 9, but not really) in 21 days. That is monumental and exhausting. We stopped in most cities only one night. Just enough time to march through the city with a tour guide trying to communicate with us through audio headphones that crackled, chopped off words, … Continue reading →