Category Archives: Creation

How Great is His Goodness

Janis Van Keuren

     Heaven-sized cotton ball clouds danced across the azure sky. The bright, brisk day captivated my senses and I drank deeply of the celestial portrait. It was His gift to me. The painting. The dew-washed air breathing relief to my recently stress-tightened chest. The chatter of friends–we women who celebrate our annual gathering with laughter, silliness, long talks, encouragement for the dark moments in each other’s lives, time basking in His creation, and, of course, shopping. Each moment was His … Continue reading →

He Calms the Storm

Janis Van Keuren

          “The disciples went and woke him (Jesus), saying, ‘Master, Master, we’re going to drown!’     He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm.      ‘Where is your faith?’ he asked his disciples.     In fear and amazement they asked one another, ‘Who is this? He commands even the winds and      and the water, and they obey him.’” Luke 8:24, 25 NIV      The ocean waves rolled in amidst the stormy … Continue reading →

There is Life in the Dying

Janis Van Keuren

        Rounding the corner into our development, I notice the abundance of green leaves shimmering in the afternoon sunlight. At first, I’m mesmerized by the beauty of the tree-lined street. Then it hits me as I catch a glimpse of a few barren branches hiding behind the bounty of spring’s green adorned trees.      Wasn’t it just last week or two weeks ago that this same street looked bleak? Trees stripped of their glory resembled petrified sticks protruding from the … Continue reading →

Proclaiming His Goodness

Janis Van Keuren

     Spring breathes her beauty in the pastel floral colors that dot the earthen pots. With gentle wispy breezes, she carries through the air the lighthearted, airy feel of hope, anticipation, and promises fulfilled.      For this new season, I thank the Lord:      510) for an exciting basketball season, even though our team did not jump into the Final Four     511) for the joys of friendship mixed with rest and beauty     512) for snatches of time to clean the … Continue reading →

Growing Tulips In The Desert

Janis Van Keuren

     How does one grow tulips in the desert? These delicate, translucent ladies with their hearts spread open to the sun. Like several pink brush strokes rising from yellow centers streaked with black stamen, they sing their spring songs.     “With lots of love and care,” answered one of the women at work.     Bewildered, I pictured our Arizona clay earth with sandy soil giving way only to jackhammers, not dainty dressed-for-spring tulips. Even with mulch and peat moss and hauled in … Continue reading →

Hope Springs Anew–And A Giveaway

Janis Van Keuren

Orange leaves unfurling            Like a mother checking on her babes as they rest peacefully, I tiptoe out to the garden. Not wanting to disturb the hopes within me, I measure my steps to our injured, dormant citrus trees. Could there be any signs of growth, yet?     I peek through left over leaves and freeze-dried branches, gazing upon my “babies” as a mother pulls back the blanket to behold her sweet one’s angel face. There I find the hope … Continue reading →

Dusting of Love and Joy

Janis Van Keuren

        Rejoicing in the snow that scattered its white crystals over the desert floor. A welcome back to Arizona, saved in pictures by hubby and formed in the likes of a miniature snowman in our backyard. Backyard The front bushes looked like frosted cupcakes   Hubby’s handmade snowman, still standing in the afternoon        The snow refreshes, cleans, and covers so that every bristly bush sparkles with the Lord’s radiance. When heavenly dustings are so rare, they are … Continue reading →

The Richness of His Name

Janis Van Keuren

          The jet taxied to the runway as we prepared for takeoff. Over the roaring engines, the smoothly rolling wheels down the runway and the quick ascent into the crisp celestial blue peaked my emotions more loudly. As the plane banked to the south, I was awed by the velvety sapphire ocean below me. A frothy ribbon of white foam hugged the coastline as the pilot eased the plane round the Palos Verdes Peninsula. My eyes were riveted on the … Continue reading →

All Creation Sings His Praise

Janis Van Keuren

    Praise the Lord, my soul Praise the Lord, my soul All that is within me, The deepest of my being Praise the Lord, my soul Everything that breathes,  All that eyes can see, Giving testimony to His greatness only, Bless the Lord, the Maker of all, Only He is worthy! With the angels we must fall to our knees. Even the rocks cry out His name,  All creation sings His praise! Words and Music by Dick and Melodie … Continue reading →

The Harvest That Nourishes

Janis Van Keuren

        It’s the season of harvest here at our home. We have waited longingly for the time to come when we could pick the sweet, juicy oranges and the tart lemons. We have waited for this moment for 12 months. The time of the last picking of fruit.      It seems like an eternity since we inhaled the first blush of promised fruit from the trees. Fragrant white blossoms filled the air with their heady scent. Enthralled, we hope-counted how … Continue reading →