Category Archives: Christian Inspiration

The Lord’s Lilies of the Fields in Alaska

Janis Van Keuren

Frigid Arnica       “… See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.” Matthew 6:28-30 NIV      I’ve chosen only this portion of the Lord’s words encouraging us not to worry because I wanted to emphasize how God’s creation of wildflowers exceeds anything beautiful that man can create.We just imitate the beauty that we have already witnessed … Continue reading →

Freedom Find Its Source in God

Janis Van Keuren

     All around us we see celebrations of our country’s freedom. From the local grocery store to our neighbor’s home. Yet, the true celebration is found in our hearts. A rejoicing for the freedom we enjoy in our country because so many have given their lives that we might be free. And the gratitude that God has provided freedom for those who are covered in the red of Christ’s blood.      Quotes on freedom to ponder while your heart celebrates.      “We find freedom when … Continue reading →

All Things Beautiful in His Time

Janis Van Keuren

Glacier Bay, Alaska         The thermometer is sizzling at 113 degrees and the coolest place in the desert is the freezer section of the grocery store. I walk out into the night heat of 97 degrees thinking perhaps it should be nighttime for three months in the summer desert instead of dark for three months in the Alaskan winter. Waterfall into Mendenhall Glacier       What would it be like strolling the dimly lit streets of northern Alaska in frigid … Continue reading →

Just the Beginning of Overflowing Gratitude

Janis Van Keuren

      The Alaska Journey continues with just a tip of the gratitude iceberg that goes deep into my soul. Just a list and photos today.      Thank you, Lord, for     621) praying friends who hold you tight through storms and rejoice with you when you dance     622) thoughtful friends who surprise you with an anniversary cake on your cruise and share in your joy      623) kind and generous friends who share their homes, their hearts, their struggles, their faith–all … Continue reading →

The High One

Janis Van Keuren

Denali, “the High One,” capped in glacial white. Known today as Mt. McKinley.      “You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.” Isaiah 55:12 NIV      It was our 35th anniversary and the mountains were replete with forest green pines and shimmering aspens. Our hearts warmed with joy and memories. As we stood on the … Continue reading →

Do Miracles Still Happen? Prayer Series; Part 4

Janis Van Keuren

The Rose Bush Donated and Planted in Our Garden in Honor of  Mom      Tubes hung from my mother’s limp body while monitors beeped and clicked the hidden conditions of her heart, lungs, respirations, blood pressure, and other bodily functions.  I stared blankly out the window of her Intensive Care room and then looked lovingly back at her.     It was not supposed to go this way.  Although the surgery was complex, especially for an 84-year-old woman, the surgeon had … Continue reading →

Spiritual Journaling–Prayer Series, Part 3

Janis Van Keuren

                Taking pen to paper helps me focus during my prayer time with the Lord.  A leather bound journal cracked open or the squeaky sound of pages flipping over a spiral bound notebook invite me to reveal the depths of my heart to our God who listens.     Most of the time, I begin with praises or thanksgiving to our Lord.  And on the lines, I realize how He has blessed me from day to day. Sometimes, I cry … Continue reading →

Prayer–A Gift of God

Janis Van Keuren

     This week, I will be reposting my series on Prayer.     Our pastor addressed an eagerly sought after topic yesterday, yet one that does not have easy answers.Prayer–Asking and Receiving from God.     I was alert, not drifting in and out. The congregation, unusually still, hanging on his every word. All hoping to find that magical formula that guarantees answered prayers. Prayers answered according to our heart’s desire.     The foundation for prayer was established first by our pastor.     “The Lord … Continue reading →

Asking in Prayer

Janis Van Keuren

 Google Images from cvsfkuantan.blogspot.com      This is the second part of the series on Prayer.     Prayer is the ultimate privilege of speaking to God as our Father, our Daddy.  Jesus referred to this relationship with God as one that is as personal as the one we would have with our own Dad.  When Jesus taught His disciples how to pray, He said to address God as “Father”, using a word that translated in English means “a nourisher, protector, upholder”* (Matthew … Continue reading →

When the Unexpected Happens

Janis Van Keuren

    Where our worries piled up      The evening had a peaceful demeanor as the family huddled around the computers crammed into our box-sized loft.  No plans.  No deadlines.  No must-dos.  Just unwind and fall into dreamland.      My cell phone chimed that a text message was coming through.  Only the youngest was out of the house, so it was probably a note as to when he’d be home.  I flipped open my pink phone nonchalantly, pressed the center … Continue reading →