Category Archives: Celebrations

Growing in Grace

Janis Van Keuren

“Don’t ever say to the Lord that it’s too late–for anything,” the speaker addressed a roomful of women’s hearts eager to grow in God’s grace. “It’s never too late for our Lord. He’s the mercy giver,” (Click to Tweet) said Shirley Suedkamp, author, storyteller, humorist, and lover of the Lord Jesus. The occasion for Shirley’s winsome sharing was our annual Women’s Retreat, the highlight of our year. This year’s theme was “Grow in Grace.” Shirley presented two examples of “Failed … Continue reading →

God’s Perfect Timing

Janis Van Keuren

On our ride back from a San Diego weekend that glistened with joy, the love of family, and the closeness of friends, I carefully pulled my Bible with its broken binding out of the red tote bag and read the day’s Scripture to our family. It seems the only time we do this though, is when we are tucked in our car together on long trips where no one can escape. That Monday, June 16, was our oldest son Tim’s … Continue reading →

Does Your New Year Hold Promise

Janis Van Keuren

                A New Year opens up like the budding of a new blossom. Some blossoms are filled with a sweet fragrance. Some blossoms have large, colorful petals. Some blossoms unfurl with spots, scars from pest-infested days. And some blossoms open quickly, announcing their presence to the world, then suddenly the petals fall off in rapid succession. The memory of the flower is gone.      We cannot predict how the New Year will unfold anymore than we can predict … Continue reading →

The Man Who Trusts in the Lord

Janis Van Keuren

        “But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green….”  Jeremiah 17:7 and 8 NIV       It may have been Father’s Day but it felt like Mother’s Day to me. Our family was together~those of us still living here at home. We … Continue reading →

A Delectable Anniversary

Janis Van Keuren

               Fondue, once a trendy dish of the 70s and 80s, is making a comeback. Last fall I prepared two fondue pots for our family shortly after our son came home on leave after boot camp. There were 5 of us hunched over an old glass-topped coffee table, also from the 70s. But it was an evening to remember. Fondue forks with tender chunks of filet piercing each other’s meat as they boiled in the fondue pot. Forks got … Continue reading →