Category Archives: Gratitude Community

Grace, Previous Grace

Janis Van Keuren

     Rays from heaven broke through the cloud-filled sky like a beam of God’s glory and grace pouring down on the earth.  Sun’s light piercing the clouds splintering into ray’s streaks have impressed my soul with spiritual significance since childhood. Rollerskating round the corner or jumping rope with friends, the slats of light brought my heart to worship the Holy God from whom this radiance seemed to emanate.  My childhood imagination captivated by the wonder.     Tonight, as rays streaked across … Continue reading →

Rest–For It Is Rare To Rest

Janis Van Keuren

     Time alone.  Just the two of us.  Time to refresh our spirits, our marriage, our romance.     From the airport, we took the scenic, woodsy route to our destination.  A road that shifted gears from the racing daily pace and gently eased us into neutral, calmer moments. Stands of Coastal Redwoods lined the narrow winding road beckoning us to roll down the windows and let the surrounding beauty fill our minds with wonder and praise. They marked the … Continue reading →

Did you “Ooh” and “Ah” ?

Janis Van Keuren

            “Has everyone practiced their ‘oohs’ and ‘ahs’,” he asked our group, grinning as we settled into cloth or plastic bound chairs.   Happy faces smiled and voices chattered up there on the knoll that stared across to the majestic Pusch Ridge Mountains. Anticipation of the show to come sparked a myriad of conversations.  People standing in the Wisconsin snow for the world’s best-tasting custard.  The most beautiful spot to camp in South Dakota. The snooty RV sites … Continue reading →

Rocks Got In The Way–An Unforgiven Mess

Janis Van Keuren

     “The God of the Universe knows you and STILL loves you.”     Our pastor’s words were a soothing balm to my heart and soul this Sunday.  Only the Lord knew all the ugly thoughts and feelings that had raged through me on Friday.  They were thoughts far from praise for our Lord, far from the joy I had felt the last week, far from the rest and peace that had flowed through me.  They were angry thoughts full … Continue reading →

Sing for Times of Relaxation

Janis Van Keuren

               Relaxation can become “relaxertion”–a term coined by Hubby to describe those vacations when everyday is scheduled.  When every side road, museum, and natural wonder must be seen.  When you come home and need a vacation from your vacation!     These were the kind of vacations we took in the not so long ago years.  And for most of our marriage.  We were adventure lovers, just aching to explore every nook and cranny of our new destination.  … Continue reading →

The Storm Rages

Janis Van Keuren

    Google Images      The storm clouds have swirled around me, clung to me, laid damp and dreary against my chest.  I had no weather warning that a storm was brewing.  All I saw was bright blue sky dappled with feathery light clouds.     How did it arise so quickly?  How did I miss the signs?  I should have run for shelter sooner, sought the Chief Weatherman’s advice.     Now I’m cloaked in dreariness, looking for the storm to pass. … Continue reading →

Giving Thanks Forever

Janis Van Keuren

  “O Lord my God, I will give You thanks, forever!”  Psalm 30 ends with this proclamation from the depths of the writer’s heart.  What gives rise to such overwhelming thanksgiving to the Lord?  Does it come from a life where every circumstance and event has turned out as we hoped or expected?      This kind of thanksgiving only comes after a period of trial.  After the Lord has pulled His child from the pit.  After one’s life has been … Continue reading →

Every Good and Perfect Gift

Janis Van Keuren

     Blustery, cool May days blew across this desert yesterday.  Unseasonal for this time of year when temperatures hover in the high 90s.  How refreshing for us desert dwellers.  A few more days before the 6-month summer highs hit.     Still time to enjoy lavish flowers, spin around on the freshly mowed lawn, bake one more sweet cake, and cuddle on the sofa.      Wrapped in spring’s sweet memories, I give thanks today on Multitude Monday:     11. for cool days … Continue reading →

Give Thanks With A Grateful Heart

Janis Van Keuren

Today, I’m joining the Gratitude Community at Ann Voskamp’s site Holy Experience.  We are counting on Monday’s 1000 gifts from God to be thankful for.  For today, this will be just a list, however, if a story weaves in with my heart of gratitude, you can find it here in my post.1)for family gathered round the dinner table2)for a heart of appreciation as I do the dishes3)for God’s mighty provisions for our family 4)for sons who help me on the … Continue reading →