Category Archives: Family

A Mother’s Day Extravaganza

Janis Van Keuren

Preparations for Mother’s Day and the celebrations that accompany it range from simple to extravagant. A Mother’s heart treasures the phone call from a child far away, scribbled notes with lopsided flowers filled with love and the family meal at home as much, if not more than the extravagant dinner at a 5-star restaurant. But an extravaganza prepared by your kids–well that’s another story. A friend of mine, Vicki Andrews found a unique way to help her young grandchildren present … Continue reading →

Mom~A Word Full of Many Meanings

Janis Van Keuren

Mom–the word conjures up memories, feelings, longings, blessings, and sometimes regrets or grief. On the most difficult of days, sometimes, I wish I could just call up my Mom or step in the next room and collapse on her bed with my burdens from the day. My Mom was a good listener. I was her only child, though, which made it easier for her to accomplish this. But this was really my Mom’s heart. She was a good listener for … 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 →

Friendship, Heritage, and a Lemon Tree

Janis Van Keuren

Climbing the hills on the Isle of Capri in Italy on a funicular, I saw them almost everywhere. Sprouting from square patches of small backyards, this fruit tree graced the hillsides of the Italian island. In what seemed like a postage-stamp-sized growing area, these garden lovers planted vegetables, herbs, colorful flowing flowers, and lemon trees. They are the Blue Ribbon plant of these Southern boot dwellers. Lemons abound in Southern Italy. Not only fresh ones in menus, gracing tables, and … 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 →

Giving Thanks

Janis Van Keuren

 “Give thanks with a grateful heart, Give thanks to the Holy One Give thanks because He’s given Jesus Christ, His Son And now let the weak say, “I am strong,” Let the poor say, “I am rich Because of what the Lord has done for us.” Lyrics by Don Moen (c) 1986 Hearing the words wash peace and trust over me. I see myself standing shoulder to shoulder with our first Christian community of brothers and sisters. Hands raised in … Continue reading →

Easy Crock Pot Beef Stew

Janis Van Keuren

     Autumn is in the air even in the desert. Cooler evenings and mornings that stir up warmth in me and give me a desire for all things hearth and home. As we take out the throws and snuggle up on the sofa, making the evenings cozy, I take out my fall and winter recipes. Family favorites.    Aromas of meat cooking and sauces bubbling fill the kitchen as hubby comes home from work. The warmth of those foods spread a … Continue reading →

A New Chapter in His Majestic Creation

Janis Van Keuren

Four nights under the His canopy of stars. Almost five days of trekking through His forest of towering pine trees. In awe of God, I spread open His word and worshiped Him for His glorious creation that brought me peace.

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The Holiness of Rest

Janis Van Keuren

My feet touch the criss-cross brick pavers with sentimental recollection. Memories of salt air brushing against my face. Walking hand-in-hand with the man I’ve loved for more years than I thought I could count. Sunsets sinking into the ocean’s horizon while we cuddle on Hawiian, floral beach towels. In this quaint, artistic town sculpted around a God-carved nook in the ocean, we once again feel the

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The Man Who Trusts in the Lord

Janis Van Keuren

        “But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green….”  Jeremiah 17:7 and 8 NIV       It may have been Father’s Day but it felt like Mother’s Day to me. Our family was together~those of us still living here at home. We … Continue reading →