Category Archives: Christian Inspiration

Being Intentional

Janis Van Keuren

Photo credit: Jennifer A. Janes      Today we are privileged to have Jennifer as our featured guest-post writer.She is a stay-at-home mom to two young daughters and writes a blog at Jennifer A. Janes. She is involved with a program for young writers in her area and is a teacher-consultant with the local site of the National Writing Project. She is also an advocate/case manager for her younger daughter, who has chronic health issues, sensory processing disorder, and dyslexia. Jennifer … Continue reading →

The Peace of God

Janis Van Keuren

      Today we have the pleasure of reading the wit and wisdom of Sharon, my friend and author of the blog, “Sharon Sharing God”.   Sharon is a married, 50-something, mother of two grown sons – and also the grandmother of a delightful beagle! She loves to share what God is doing during this time of great transition in her life. Sharon has graciously agreed to share the pearls she has garnered from the Lord about His peace. I know you will enjoy … Continue reading →

The Earth is Full of His Glory

Janis Van Keuren

     May you find the glory of the Lord this weekend as you gaze upon His creation. May your heart and soul be filled with praise for Him. “Praise him, you highest heavens and you waters above the skies. Let them praise the name of the Lord, for he commanded and they were created. “you mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars, wild animals and all cattle, small creatures and flying birds,“Let them praise the name of the … Continue reading →

Fortune Cookie Tells The Truth

Janis Van Keuren

Photo Credit: Scribblage           We ordered Chinese take-out food tonight as our week has been jam packed with activities. With family style, you get egg roll–and crab puffs. The fried nuggets of pork were dripping with sweet and sour sauce, while the cashew chicken was filled with slices of white breast meat and lots of veggies. Hubby’s beef and broccoli was smothered in a savory brown sauce with fresh flowerets and oldest dined on curried shrimp. Of course, all the bowls … Continue reading →

Recognize Danger When You See It

Janis Van Keuren

Ocotillo on the left, Saguaro on the right does not have arms yet          The Ocotillo and Saguaro stand like sentinels at the gate to Springtime in the Desert. However, as anyone knows, these desert dwellers do not invite an up-close and personal experience. Their needles could draw a profuse amount of blood if one would become entangled in these cacti, especially the Ocotillo.When we first moved here 17 years ago, our landscaper recommended against putting one in our backyard … Continue reading →

Soothing the Soul Storm

Janis Van Keuren

     Clouds roll in and I watch the storm gathering momentum. When the pitter patter of raindrops start on my patio, I can usually snuggle under a comforter in winter, or open the blinds in summer to watch the sky pour out its heavenly drink for the parched earth.     But this storm is brewing in my soul. It’s in my bones and there is no cozy place to curl up. The lightning strikes and the thunder crashes standing my nerves … Continue reading →

America~A Land Brimming With Blessings

Janis Van Keuren

      From sea to shining sea, God has poured out His blessings on America. Waves crash white droplets against the bluffs and cliffs of the Pacific Coastline. Redwood forests rise and fall on a journey to the sea while soft white sand dunes create a pristine carpet hugging the Oregon coast.     Warm waters squish between wiggling toes along the Atlantic seaboard. Sparkling white sand beaches dance with lush marshlands and flow between sandy barge islands as the Atlantic Ocean winds … Continue reading →

Bearing Ripe Fresh Fruit

Janis Van Keuren

      I’m surrounded by friends who have been ministering for the Lord for years. Teaching Bible Studies, hosting home groups, holding Christian financial series in their home, mentoring young women, working with pregnancy centers, or serving across the seas in Uganda or Europe on short-term mission trips. However, my life has not been that full of defined consistent ministry.     Oh, I’ve taught some Sunday school classes, had a neighborhood Bible Study meet in our dining room for a short while, … Continue reading →

Giving Thanks for the Abundant Blessings from His Hand

Janis Van Keuren

Mother’s Day Brunch by the Guys      My heart is full today as I watch my guys outside shooting baskets. What could make a mother’s heart more grateful than to see her family together, happy, playing around, glad to be there. My heart swelled with joy as all my men goofed around (even Chip, the wonder dog played ball). This was celebration. For this my heart longed. For this my heart rejoiced.      Temperate breezes whispered through wind chimes while … Continue reading →

Time to Humble Ourselves and Pray

Janis Van Keuren

     Today we pause in reflection and prayer for our country. This is a significant time in our country’s history with the events that have taken place this week. These events should rend our hearts even more to seek the Lord’s face in thanksgiving for His protection over our nation and His mercy upon our nation which has forsaken His sweet love for the pleasures of the world.     But let us not be quick to judge. As Christians, we also … Continue reading →