Give Me Grace – Janis Van Keuren

Looking for Abundant Life

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

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 →

Did Black Friday Surprise You?

Whether you looked at a newspaper, watched a television program, walked into a store or talked to a friend, the chances you heard about Black Friday and the anticipated sales are close to 100 Percent! No surprise here! It’s doubtful that the advertised, over-the-top sales caught you by surprise. Coupons were crammed in your mailbox so that no one had an excuse to miss out on what businesses labeled “the year’s biggest sales.” As the day approached, I felt my … Continue reading →

Light the Darkness

“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 →

His Peace is Not Fleeting

“You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.” Isaiah 26:3 NKJV Photo and words © From My Heart to Yours, Linking with Sunday Stillness; Scripture and a Snapshot, Give Me Grace

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Nesting In

The “Nesting Season” has settled in. Instinctively, birds everywhere are gathering twigs, moss, cotton, string–whatever will pad their nest with comfort. Us humans feel that same need in spring to make our homes a comfortable place. Windows are thrown open releasing the stale air of winter. Closets are cleaned and organized. Walls, windows, baseboards, blinds and everything that captures dust is scrubbed down. Colors capture us, and we have a newfound fascination with paint swatches. We save magazine pages displaying … Continue reading →

Snowflakes Whisper in the New Year

Large flakes spaced far apart drifted down from the heavenly night sky creating a sense of newness. The Old Year was passing away. The slate was being purified and created for a New Year. As hubby and I looked at our unusual desert wonderland, we were as excited as little kids. The heart that Jesus wants coming to Him. We joked with our neighbors out in this barren wilderness a little before midnight they engaged in a snowball fight. Then … Continue reading →

Loved Beyond Measure

“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 →

Friendship Grows Together and Apart

“Hand grasps hand, eye lights eye in good friendship, And great hearts expand, And grow one in the sense of this world’s life.” Robert Browning This past week our eyes lit up as we shared laughter and learning, Pinterest kitchen delicacies and memories of a good friendship that started long ago in that far away land of California. Beth and I were editor and writer on our Christian community’s publication more than 30 years ago when life was exploding with … Continue reading →

Janis Van Keuren

Writing Heart Filled Moments

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