Category Archives: Faith-Filled Friday

Looking for Abundant Life

Janis Van Keuren

After a little more than a week of being laid up from one of those old-age illnesses, I ventured into our backyard aching to get my first up-close glimpse of our orange blossoms. They did not disappoint. In abundant array, they crowned nearly every branch stretching its glory into the sky. The closer I approached, the stronger the heady scent of citrus perfumed the air. What a welcome it offered to leaving behind sickness and stepping into health again. Just … Continue reading →

Peace is that One Word

Janis Van Keuren

My husband flipped over the month on the calendar this morning and I gaped in shock at how much time had passed since the beginning of the year. The beginning–the time you assess last year’s progress toward your goals, set new goals or measurements for the next 12 months~ and most importantly seek the Lord for that “Word” that speaks to His upcoming work in your life this year. In late December, as our family crossed the Colorado River on … 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 →

Light the Darkness

Janis Van Keuren

“The sun will no more be your light by day, nor will the brightness of the moon shine on you, for the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory.” Isaiah 60:19 NIV Fireworks exploded in brilliant colors across the darkened sky scattering not only streaks of light but a sense of joy and exhilaration. As the colors dripped through the sky like melting candle was, another burst of green, gold, and blue lit up … Continue reading →

Growing in Grace

Janis Van Keuren

“Don’t ever say to the Lord that it’s too late–for anything,” the speaker addressed a roomful of women’s hearts eager to grow in God’s grace. “It’s never too late for our Lord. He’s the mercy giver,” (Click to Tweet) said Shirley Suedkamp, author, storyteller, humorist, and lover of the Lord Jesus. The occasion for Shirley’s winsome sharing was our annual Women’s Retreat, the highlight of our year. This year’s theme was “Grow in Grace.” Shirley presented two examples of “Failed … Continue reading →

Meeting our Heaven-Bound Baby

Janis Van Keuren

I slid into the salon chair, hung my jacket and purse on the spur-like cowboy hook, and glanced at my long-time hairdresser in the mirror. After more than 15 years of having her beautify my hair, we never lack for conversation. Our families are at the heart of our conversation because, well, because we are mothers! Other than Jesus, is there anything closer to a mother’s heart than her family? All the

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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 →

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 →

Peace With Yourself

Janis Van Keuren

Well, here I go for a second time writing this post. Somehow Blogger decided to publish–without my knowledge or even pushing the publish button. Of course at that time, there was nothing on the page!! And then I wrote for two hours…..And. It. Was. All. Gone! When autumn winds began to blow before the crush of the Christmas panic, I met an incredible writer at a Christian writers conference. And I made a promise. A promise to post a review … Continue reading →