Live Well. Live Right.
Discover how ancient wisdom can lead to modern peace, purpose, and unity. Janis L. Talsma’s debut book offers a positive, common-sense perspective on the Ten Commandments—without judgment, just truth.
About The Author
Janis Talsma was born and raised on the South Side of Chicago. After becoming a young widow with two daughters, she relocated to Southwestern Michigan—an area that held a special place in her heart from childhood vacations. She later earned her degree in Social Work and Humanities from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo.
Her professional journey includes many years working alongside a Chiropractor/Kinesiologist in Grand Rapids. Today, she continues to serve her community through volunteer work at University of Michigan Health-West in Wyoming, MI, where she also holds roles on both the Patient/Family Advisory Council and the hospital’s Safety Council.
Janis’s lifelong love for music has been a defining part of her identity. A former choir director and soloist for 35 years, one of her most cherished memories remains singing solo at Orchestra Hall in Chicago as a teenager.
Faith is at the core of Janis’s life. She currently co-directs the Women’s Coffee Break Bible Study at her church in Byron Center, MI. Now retired, she enjoys life in Grand Rapids with her husband, Dutch, and their adopted calico cat, Callie.
Book
A Common-Sense Look at the Ten Positive Nos
What if the Ten Commandments weren’t just ancient moral codes—but timeless principles that lead to a life of blessing, purpose, and peace?
In this refreshingly down-to-earth and biblically grounded guide, Janis Talsma offers readers a new way to see the Ten Commandments—not as restrictions, but as invitations. Without preaching or finger-pointing, she explores each command as a “positive no”—a life-affirming boundary that points us toward deeper relationships, stronger communities, and a more meaningful walk with God.
With warmth, clarity, and wisdom, A Common-Sense Look at the Ten Positive Nos reminds us that God’s commands were never meant to weigh us down. Instead, they serve as a roadmap to the good life we’re all seeking—a life marked by love, freedom, and unity.
This is a timely message for anyone longing for spiritual grounding in a fractured world. Whether you’re a faith leader, a Bible study group, or an individual exploring the deeper meaning behind familiar truths, this book offers something vital: hope rooted in practical, everyday wisdom.
This book reminds us of the benefits we all receive when people keep the 10 Commandments. I would not want to live in a country where these commandments are ignored.
