Category Archives: Creation

Nesting In

Janis Van Keuren

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 →

Resting in His Autumn Artwork

Janis Van Keuren

  Poster courtesy of 4Tucson Resting in the stillness of my favorite season of the year. It seems so natural to connect with Jesus as the crisp air tickles the leaves and the signs of frost paint rich hues across the landscape. For just a few moments, we slow our pace before the rush of holiday madness siphons us into its dizzying cyclone. Here beneath a cozy throw, I imagine the changing scenery on a mid-western day and gaze upon … Continue reading →

Camping in His Glory

Janis Van Keuren

Rain pounded the metal room of our pop-up tent as we relaxed inside to the comforting sound while we read. It’s that forced moment of rest that we all long for but fail to create in our busy schedules. (Click to Tweet) After the summer monsoon passed, the pungent aroma of pine trees permeated the air. We stepped outside to a carpet of wet grass and wild brilliant daisies bursting forth from the soft ground. White clouds drifted across the … Continue reading →

His Desert Majesty

Janis Van Keuren

Breathtaking views explode around every neighborhood in the Sonoran Desert. And the majesty of God is displayed for all to see! How majestic are your wonders, Oh Lord. We rejoice in the splendor of His creation. The bushes and trees burst forth in praise to give glory to their Creator, not to bring glory to themselves. May our hearts do the same! “Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. One generation will … Continue reading →

Blooming in Barrenness

Janis Van Keuren

Each day I drive by these botanical symbols of life in the springtime desert. The ocotillo dressed in statuesque elegance with its plumes of red flowers sways in front of the Sonoran Desert hallmark, the giant Saguaro. I drink in this fleeting beauty which will fade as spring turns up its heat and all that will be left are the spiny thorns which make these sentinels unapproachable. Still I marvel at God’s artistic majesty to create striking beauty in a … Continue reading →

“The Wilderness Will Lead You”

Janis Van Keuren

I long for this time of year where once again I steal into our backyard to inhale the aroma of springtime. The orange tree decorated with its pristine white blossoms beckons me to breathe deeply of the hope wafting through the air on the season’s scent. While I linger close enough to be covered in its aroma, I remain a safe distance from the busy, hard-working bees. While hope dances in the promise of these blossoms, hope is also found … Continue reading →

“His Eye is on the Sparrow”

Janis Van Keuren

“My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord my heart and my flesh cry out for the Living God. Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young– a place near your altar, Lord Almighty, my King and my God. Blessed are those who dwell in your house they are ever praising you.” Psalm 84:2-4 NIV The sparrow, the swallow, and the little humming bird above … Continue reading →

God Rules Over All Things

Janis Van Keuren

“You rule over the surging sea; when its waves mount up, you still them.” Psalm 89:9 NIV       From My Heart To Yours, Linking with Scripture and a Snapshot; Sunday Community

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Love~The Word

Janis Van Keuren

His Creation Reflects His Love — squint and you’ll see a heart “Let them give thanks to the Lord  for his unfailing love  and his wonderful deeds for men,”  Psalm 107:8 NIV (and recurring throughout the Psalm)  The word kept ringing in my ears. It was shouted from the rooftops and whispered from the pastor’s podium. It was tucked in every encouraging note that slipped across my table. It was spoken as wisdom from those closest to me and even … Continue reading →

A New Year’s Resolution with Purpose

Janis Van Keuren

“and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.” Col.3:10 Wrapped in snowman throws, hubby and I curled up to watch a 3D version of the movie “Hugo.” Woven into the French tapestry and ambiance was an unexpected New Year’s quote–a theme woven into the fabric of our human DNA. Purpose. We must have purpose. Little Hugo, part urchin, part heart-tugging waif who keeps the clocks running in the train … Continue reading →