Category Archives: Christian Inspiration

Christ Died For the Ungodly

Janis Van Keuren

“Jacob’s Dream”, a sculpture at Abilene Christian University, Texas draws one to the Light breaking through the sculpture that forms a cross.            “You see, at just the right time, when we were powerless, Christ died for the ungodly…”Romans 5:6 NIV      So often we hear Scriptures about Christ’s love for us even before we were saved but like words we’ve heard so frequently, they fail to register with our hearts. Yesterday, the Scriptures in Romans 5:1-11 struck a … Continue reading →

Joys Abound

Janis Van Keuren

     It’s been a while since I’ve listed the many joys the Lord has lovingly spread across my path. To see His hand turn the simplest moment into a joy has filled my heart with delight. When I forget to write down the day’s joys, I look back later at that day and am amazed at how many things He has turned into a joy. I still need to train myself to see the joys as they are happening.     What … Continue reading →

Come Away With Him

Janis Van Keuren

Along the hiking path      The airplane ticket had been purchased during the long weeks of silence and wondering. I knew that I would need to escape the walls that closed in around me every weekend. A full week of Spring Break would either provide rest or more turmoil. I wondered, though, if distance, a change of environment, and time spent with my best friend could really grant me the peace I sought from the thoughts that assailed me. Hiking … Continue reading →

Heart to Heart He Speaks

Janis Van Keuren

      I’ve heard His voice while pouring out my pleas, the desires pounding deep within my heart, the prayers crying out for the one who has walked away. He has whispered to my spirit while I’ve knelt before the altar. His voice has been heard through friends’ wise counsel.     It’s time to turn my heart toward Him. To forsake all others who have been the center of my attention, the desire of my mother-heart.     I have said, “yes,” yet … Continue reading →

“Be Not Afraid”

Janis Van Keuren

The Empty Tomb stained glass inside the chapel at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton’s Church          “But now, this is what the Lord says–he who created you, O Jacob (fill in your name), he who formed you, O Israel; “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you … Continue reading →

Joys Sprinkled Throughout the Days

Janis Van Keuren

     Searching for His joys throughout the day changes my perspective. I begin to see the blessings in my life and how the Lord is working. Joy refocuses my attention on the beauty the Lord is giving me for the ashes of broken dreams, anxiety, and fear. In these past two weeks, the Lord has poured out blessings in unexpected places. Everywhere, I’ve seen His hand from celebrating a birthday with a dear friend to a class trip to the … Continue reading →

Touches of Joy

Janis Van Keuren

     Woven through the storm clouds, God threads moments of sunlight. Rays that splinter the darkness, calm the anxious heart, refresh us with rest, and touch our spirits with His Joy. This week the Master’s golden threads were interlaced abundantly throughout my life. Praise God for His glorious touches of Joy and His mercies.      763) flowers from a friend to say she cares and that she is praying      764) cards that arrive daily from friends reminding me … Continue reading →

Learning to Let Go; Still Wanting to Hang On

Janis Van Keuren

      On a mild December afternoon, a sparkle in the yard caught my eye. It seemed to come from the orange tree. And although I knew it was too early for blossoms on the tree, I tip-toed out to the tree with curiosity.     No blossoms greeted me, but the tree had green, golf-ball sized oranges perched on scattered limbs. I was stunned. I had never seen a blossom in the spring after our frigid winter that nearly killed the fruit … Continue reading →

In His Shelter

Janis Van Keuren

    Dwelling in His presence, there is strength for today and hope for tomorrow. While resting in Him, I couldn’t help but notice the glorious creation He had painted here in the desert. Equipped with only my meager, inexpensive cell phone camera, I snapped away at His majesty as I looked up.  AUTUMN IN ARIZONA      “You have been a refuge for the poor,      a refuge for the needy in his distress,      a shelter from the storm      … Continue reading →

Building A New Life for Others

Janis Van Keuren

       “… I tell you the truth whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.” Matthew 25:40 NIV      Last week, our church teamed up with AMOR Ministries and built three houses for families in Mexico. The families who are recipients of the new homes have been identified by a local Christian church as being in desperate need of a new dwelling. While living in leaky, clapboard houses, camper … Continue reading →