Category Archives: Faith Barista

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 →

Hope Blossoms

Janis Van Keuren

     There’s something about Spring, about seeing the new life bud forth that instills in us a sense of hope.When I walked to my favorite spot in our backyard, I looked up at the green leaves sprouting from our orange tree. But what I desperately wanted to see was some sign of an orange blossom, no matter how small. I crooked my neck back, staring into the twisted branches, just hoping that our tree would hold the promise of a … Continue reading →

Recording His Benefits

Janis Van Keuren

     The orange glow of the sun ball slipped behind the ocean, streaming gold and apricot rays across the Western horizon. We curved across Pacific Coast Highway into the restaurant parking lot just in time to see the sun draw a magnificent close to this special day.      The timing was impeccable as we watched the magic of velvet hues in lavender and sherbet pink layer upon gold and flaming orange. The horizon a reflection of the Master’s palette. He … Continue reading →

Finding Rest in Friendship and Slowing Down

Janis Van Keuren

          When I first started making plans for Spring Break, I realized my family and I did not have a break at the same time. This break would not be an opportunity to pack up and vacate for even a few days. I was not overly disappointed, however, because hubby and I have some special summer plans that are developing.     So I immersed myself in Plan B with a cleaning schedule to rival the power of the “white tornado.” … Continue reading →

The Rest That Refreshes

Janis Van Keuren

          Feet tucked under me, I curl into a cozy position on the sofa with book in lap. At last, I am relaxed–resting. The house is quiet and the last rays of day slant warmly across the family room carpeting. Lost in the pages of a Christian novel, the week’s cares melt away.     Youngest falls into the recliner across the room and a gentle conversation emerges. The words flow between us as if time is taking a breather, nothing … Continue reading →

Fitting Two Feet Into One Shoe

Janis Van Keuren

         When Bonnie at “Faith Barista” decided to ask us to write on, “What I wish someone told me about Marriage” or “Thoughts on Love and Marriage,” I recalled the hard lessons I’ve learned throughout our 34 years of marriage and the ones I still keep learning.      I’m an independent thinker who usually believes she has the right answer for most situations. I’m also an only child who went to college, has a stubborn streak, wasn’t afraid … Continue reading →