Category Archives: Gratitude Community

We are Princesses

Janis Van Keuren

Prince William and Princess Kate; Royal Wedding; Credit: Toby Melville/Reuters/Landov      We gathered our plates filled with crab quiche, fresh fruit, tossed salad, tuna in tomato cups, and made a beeline for the family room to sit amongst friends and watch the wedding of the century. Just us girls, our tea and chatter, laughter and a few tears permeated the room as we bubbled over with excitement as the recording of the wedding transported us to the steps of Westminster … Continue reading →

A Season of Rejoicing–A Multitude of Blessings

Janis Van Keuren

     In these weeks following Easter up to the commemoration of Jesus’ ascension into heaven, the time is designated as a season of rejoicing. Following this lead, I am going to just list the many blessings the Lord has bestowed on me these past two weeks. Praying your Easter season holds much joy and that you find blessings in the simple, ordinary events of each day.      533) Celebrating Christ’s Resurrection Freedom for all who believe in Him     534) Forever … Continue reading →

How Great is His Goodness

Janis Van Keuren

     Heaven-sized cotton ball clouds danced across the azure sky. The bright, brisk day captivated my senses and I drank deeply of the celestial portrait. It was His gift to me. The painting. The dew-washed air breathing relief to my recently stress-tightened chest. The chatter of friends–we women who celebrate our annual gathering with laughter, silliness, long talks, encouragement for the dark moments in each other’s lives, time basking in His creation, and, of course, shopping. Each moment was His … Continue reading →

Drinking from the River of Delights

Janis Van Keuren

         Sliding across the soft leather back seat of our friends car, my emotions bounced between guilt and giddy. I was driving away from our home with chores still hanging on my “to do list” and no dinner prepared for my young guys. Not that they can’t find something in the frig to cook. It’s just the “Mom Guilt” nagging my mind.     Yet, the spontaneous pleasure of an evening with hubby and our friends, escaping from responsibilities like a carefree … Continue reading →

Proclaiming His Goodness

Janis Van Keuren

     Spring breathes her beauty in the pastel floral colors that dot the earthen pots. With gentle wispy breezes, she carries through the air the lighthearted, airy feel of hope, anticipation, and promises fulfilled.      For this new season, I thank the Lord:      510) for an exciting basketball season, even though our team did not jump into the Final Four     511) for the joys of friendship mixed with rest and beauty     512) for snatches of time to clean the … Continue reading →

We Are The Champions–And I’m Not Just Talking Basketball

Janis Van Keuren

University of Arizona Wildcats fly into the Sweet Sixteen           March Madness has spread throughout our home. In case you do not have a houseful of men or boys, I’ll explain a little bit about this disease. (Now, don’t click away from this article, yet. I really am going someplace spiritual with this topic, so stay with me.)      The madness (sort of like mad cow disease with its snorting, outbursts, angry pumping of fists and yelling at TV … Continue reading →

Hope Springs Anew–And A Giveaway

Janis Van Keuren

Orange leaves unfurling            Like a mother checking on her babes as they rest peacefully, I tiptoe out to the garden. Not wanting to disturb the hopes within me, I measure my steps to our injured, dormant citrus trees. Could there be any signs of growth, yet?     I peek through left over leaves and freeze-dried branches, gazing upon my “babies” as a mother pulls back the blanket to behold her sweet one’s angel face. There I find the hope … Continue reading →

The Richness of His Name

Janis Van Keuren

          The jet taxied to the runway as we prepared for takeoff. Over the roaring engines, the smoothly rolling wheels down the runway and the quick ascent into the crisp celestial blue peaked my emotions more loudly. As the plane banked to the south, I was awed by the velvety sapphire ocean below me. A frothy ribbon of white foam hugged the coastline as the pilot eased the plane round the Palos Verdes Peninsula. My eyes were riveted on the … Continue reading →

All Creation Sings His Praise

Janis Van Keuren

    Praise the Lord, my soul Praise the Lord, my soul All that is within me, The deepest of my being Praise the Lord, my soul Everything that breathes,  All that eyes can see, Giving testimony to His greatness only, Bless the Lord, the Maker of all, Only He is worthy! With the angels we must fall to our knees. Even the rocks cry out His name,  All creation sings His praise! Words and Music by Dick and Melodie … Continue reading →

A Taste of Love

Janis Van Keuren

         Last night, we celebrated our Valentine’s Day event with a midwestern style roast, Italian wedge-shaped potatoes baked in the oven and a homemade chocolate cake. Well the cake was from a mix but the frosting was more than homemade. It took two recipes to find the right consistency for the semi-sweet chocolate frosting.     While I planned on posting the picture of the cake decorated with candy hearts and hugged by Valentine Hershey kisses, I forgot and began serving … Continue reading →