Category Archives: Essential Things

A Time for Rejoicing

Janis Van Keuren

Yesterday, I was baking cookies for an evening Christmas Sing-Along at our church while trying to create the mood for a heavenly time of rejoicing. Even if I didn’t have the energy. Morning worship had whetted my appetite as we sang some traditional Christmas carols. But when I started baking, the tension to perform began choking my meager enthusiasm. You would think that after making some of these Christmas delights year after year, I could whip them out in my … Continue reading →

Preparing Your Heart

Janis Van Keuren

We’re halfway through the second week of Advent. A time of preparing our hearts for a renewed focus on the reason Christ became man. In the midst of the busyness we call Christmas, our hearts get tangled up in where to put the focus. Is it on creating a warm and decorative atmosphere in our homes? Or is it on preparing a feast to welcome family both far and near? And if we’re people pleasers, are we caught up in … Continue reading →

Taste and See

Janis Van Keuren

Hubby and I just returned from a whirlwind vacation in Europe. And if I had to re-title this tour, it would be known as a “A Taste of Europe.” We covered 8 countries (itinerary says 9, but not really) in 21 days. That is monumental and exhausting. We stopped in most cities only one night. Just enough time to march through the city with a tour guide trying to communicate with us through audio headphones that crackled, chopped off words, … Continue reading →

Reporting Comes to Life

Janis Van Keuren

This is Part I of a story about God’s dream and plan for my writing. Part II is here. The line stretched down a long boulevard and wrapped around the school.  I swung my car onto the gravel parking space across the street, grabbed my notebook, phone, and pen. Sucking in a big breath I glanced across the street and wondered if any media had reporters on the scene. Slightly nervous, I carefully crossed the major street and smiling at … Continue reading →

Loved Beyond Measure

Janis Van Keuren

“I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.” Jeremiah 31:3 ESV The alarm interrupted my morning slumber, and seconds later hubby was nudging me to crawl out of bed. Even though I had eagerly anticipated our women’s retreat, the temptation to just stay in bed after a long and tiring week was pulling me back under the covers. Once my feet finally hit the floor, I moved through the motions of getting … Continue reading →

Are You Heading Down a Dead End?

Janis Van Keuren

Have you ever wanted to drive right past that sign that says, “Dead End” ? Maybe the palatial mansions ahead beckon you to venture a safe distance down the road. Or maybe you are a dyed-in-the wool risk takers or adrenaline junkie that just loves the rush of an unknown adventure, figuring you’ll stop just before you spin the wheels into a screeching halt. What is it that entices us down that road? Could it be our basic, rebellious, fallen … 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 →

Approval-Seeking Dreams

Janis Van Keuren

College was drawing to a close for me. I stood on the edge of my senior year gazing into the future with wild imaginations of where I hoped my career would lead me. I loved the heartbeat of a big city. The hustle and bustle beckoned me. Buildings reaching for the sky just like my dreams. (Giveaway) (Click to Tweet) I was a journalism major with high aspirations. I was clicking out words in downtown Los Angeles as a columnist … Continue reading →

Friendships That Go the Distance

Janis Van Keuren

One of the biggest blessings in my life is sharing time with family and friends, especially when they come to visit at our home.  “Friends and family make time spent together a beautiful treasure.” Lisa Blowers (click to tweet) The times are marked with laughter, reminiscing, a tour of some favorite spots in town, and the sharing of Godly wisdom. Many times, these friends have shared the wisdom gained from their own journeys with the Lord, speaking directly to the … Continue reading →

Provided Once Again

Janis Van Keuren

Just a few months ago, Hubby retired from the company in which he had worked for more than 40 years. It was a time of great anticipation coupled with warnings that the man of this castle would probably be working harder at home than he had at his full-time job. His castle needs much

Continue reading →