Category Archives: Woman to Woman

A Mother’s Day Extravaganza

Janis Van Keuren

Preparations for Mother’s Day and the celebrations that accompany it range from simple to extravagant. A Mother’s heart treasures the phone call from a child far away, scribbled notes with lopsided flowers filled with love and the family meal at home as much, if not more than the extravagant dinner at a 5-star restaurant. But an extravaganza prepared by your kids–well that’s another story. A friend of mine, Vicki Andrews found a unique way to help her young grandchildren present … Continue reading →

Looking for Abundant Life

Janis Van Keuren

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 →

A Time for Rejoicing

Janis Van Keuren

Yesterday, I was baking cookies for an evening Christmas Sing-Along at our church while trying to create the mood for a heavenly time of rejoicing. Even if I didn’t have the energy. Morning worship had whetted my appetite as we sang some traditional Christmas carols. But when I started baking, the tension to perform began choking my meager enthusiasm. You would think that after making some of these Christmas delights year after year, I could whip them out in my … Continue reading →

Light the Darkness

Janis Van Keuren

“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 →

Growing in Grace

Janis Van Keuren

“Don’t ever say to the Lord that it’s too late–for anything,” the speaker addressed a roomful of women’s hearts eager to grow in God’s grace. “It’s never too late for our Lord. He’s the mercy giver,” (Click to Tweet) said Shirley Suedkamp, author, storyteller, humorist, and lover of the Lord Jesus. The occasion for Shirley’s winsome sharing was our annual Women’s Retreat, the highlight of our year. This year’s theme was “Grow in Grace.” Shirley presented two examples of “Failed … Continue reading →

Friendship, Heritage, and a Lemon Tree

Janis Van Keuren

Climbing the hills on the Isle of Capri in Italy on a funicular, I saw them almost everywhere. Sprouting from square patches of small backyards, this fruit tree graced the hillsides of the Italian island. In what seemed like a postage-stamp-sized growing area, these garden lovers planted vegetables, herbs, colorful flowing flowers, and lemon trees. They are the Blue Ribbon plant of these Southern boot dwellers. Lemons abound in Southern Italy. Not only fresh ones in menus, gracing tables, and … Continue reading →