Category Archives: Spiritual Sundays

Nesting In

Janis Van Keuren

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 →

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 →

The Writing Connection

Janis Van Keuren

This is Part II of a story about God’s dream and plan for my writing. Part I appeared two days ago here. It began last year with the American Christian Writers Conference. I was dragging my feet about going as my writing was a ringer for the round file. Then I heard that another blogger Janis Cox had arrived in Phoenix to spend her winter months away from the depths of snow in Canada. We began chatting online, and I … Continue reading →

God’s Gracious Blessings

Janis Van Keuren

The Lord said to Moses, ‘Tell Aaron and his sons, “This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them   ‘”The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”‘   So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.” Numbers 6:22-27   When I read these words, my heart was … Continue reading →

Are You Heading Down a Dead End?

Janis Van Keuren

Have you ever wanted to drive right past that sign that says, “Dead End” ? Maybe the palatial mansions ahead beckon you to venture a safe distance down the road. Or maybe you are a dyed-in-the wool risk takers or adrenaline junkie that just loves the rush of an unknown adventure, figuring you’ll stop just before you spin the wheels into a screeching halt. What is it that entices us down that road? Could it be our basic, rebellious, fallen … 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 →

Unwrap the gift

Janis Van Keuren

“Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will never count against him.” Romans 4:7-8 ref. Psalm 32: 1-2 NIV An overcast sky greeted a normally sunny spring day in Arizona. My friend and I chatted as we left our Zumba class. The subdued sky was a welcome sign to us. It was Good Friday and the whole desert mirrored the heavy hearts that stood at the cross that … 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 →

“His Eye is on the Sparrow”

Janis Van Keuren

“My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord my heart and my flesh cry out for the Living God. Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young– a place near your altar, Lord Almighty, my King and my God. Blessed are those who dwell in your house they are ever praising you.” Psalm 84:2-4 NIV The sparrow, the swallow, and the little humming bird above … Continue reading →

A New Home

Janis Van Keuren

My keyboard clicks out the first few words in my new surroundings and I feel the excitement. Those butterflies swirling around with anticipation of walking out onto a new stage–a new platform. I gaze up at the blue ribbons dancing above my head and floating around my side. And once again, I’m a self-conscious teenager gliding across the gym floor, dressed for the winter ball in a stylish smooth satin bodice with a poofy skirt. The crystal globe sparkles light … Continue reading →