Category Archives: Sunday Stillness

A New Year’s Resolution with Purpose

Janis Van Keuren

“and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.” Col.3:10 Wrapped in snowman throws, hubby and I curled up to watch a 3D version of the movie “Hugo.” Woven into the French tapestry and ambiance was an unexpected New Year’s quote–a theme woven into the fabric of our human DNA. Purpose. We must have purpose. Little Hugo, part urchin, part heart-tugging waif who keeps the clocks running in the train … Continue reading →

Feel the Nudge?

Janis Van Keuren

     “I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest. 1 John 4:35b NIV      Perplexed, I stood in the book aisle wondering what would be the perfect retirement gift for the head of our public relations department. He was a crusty, old journalist with a newspaper background. But he had the heart of a teddy bear. I was a relatively new Christian and I wanted to leave this man with words that … Continue reading →

Watching and Waiting

Janis Van Keuren

      I was standing over the stove top cooking the Chicken Tarragon when I felt my impatience grow. The timer was set to brown each breast filet for 4 minutes on a side. The three boneless breasts huddled next to each other in the cast iron frying pan while I watched the timer tick away the minutes. I had already measured and set out the other ingredients so the only thing left to do was WAIT.      The timer … Continue reading →

Seek and Find

Janis Van Keuren

     …”you will call upon me and come and pray to me and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. ‘I will be found by you,’ declares the Lord, ‘and will bring you back from captivity.’” Jeremiah 29:12-14 NIV         Lord, touch my heart that I will seek you with all of my being. Let me desire to see You and live in freedom. From My Heart … Continue reading →

In His Light, We See Light

Janis Van Keuren

        The darkness shrouds me once again. The all-too-familiar squeezing of the chest and gnawing at my stomach have made their presence known again. And I cry out to God in my pain. How long, Oh Lord? Will the guilt always been a mantel that I wear? Will I ever find beauty for ashes? I’m holding on by only a thread as the second day draws to a midnight close.      I know there is only peace in You … Continue reading →

Learning to Abound in Hope

Janis Van Keuren

          The chatter of more than a hundred women filled the air as we gathered for our annual retreat. Tables aglow with candles burning through hurricane holders bedecked in raspberry and black ribbons set a soft reflective mood as we meandered to our seats.     We came expecting God to touch our lives, transform our hearts, and heal our hurts. We desired to grow closer to Him We left anointed and brimming over with new found hope and joy.      … Continue reading →

His Mercies Are New as We Need Them

Janis Van Keuren

This I recall to my mind, Therefore I have hope. Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “Therefore I hope in Him!” Lamentations 3:21-24 NKJ

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He Danced Into Our Garden

Janis Van Keuren

“Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths, guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my savior, and my hope is in you all day long.” Psalm 25: 4-5 NIV While sitting on our family room sofa during my quiet time with the Lord, I saw His creatures flit, hum, and chirp about our floral garden. His creation dancing through our yard filled my heart with joy and praise for the Lord. I … Continue reading →