Janey's News

Why Christians Don't Pray

2008-10-02T12:27:00.000-07:00

Ever thought about why Christians don't pray? I have. Plain Truth recently published my article, Why Christians Don’t Pray! You can read it here.

Thanks for stopping by. Keep praying.

Janey L. DeMeo M.A.

Presidential candidates on movies

2008-09-23T22:08:00.001-07:00

Fascinating. On CBS News tonight Katie Couric asked the 2 main presidential candidates what’s their favorite movie – and their favorite scene in that movie. I found their answers interesting.

McCain cited Viva Zapata, and described it as a movie of heroism, honor, sacrifice, selflessness. His fave scene? One in which the hero’s newly-wed bride reads him the Bible. Wow!

Obama, on the other hand, likes The Godfather – because it’s about “old world gentility and ritual, with this savagery underneath. It's all about family.” OK, it's about family (and definitely savagery). But not exactly a family I’d want to emulate.

Should a candidate’s choice in movies influence our vote? Perhaps not. But it should not be ignored either. One of the reasons we write our fave movies on our websites (blogs, myspace, facebook etc.) is because movie choices reveal a lot about who we are.

Funny how we all see differently (I wrote a book about that called Women & Men in Dark Glasses!) We could all see the same movie and see it differently. What we take away from the books we read and the films we see tells a lot about what is dear to us.

So, I won’t cast my vote here – even though the choice is pretty clear according to my values. But hopefully, we are all watching vigilantly, weighing up what we see – and praying for God to guide us according to His will.

You can read the full transcript of Katie Couric’s interview with the two presidential candidates here.

Janey DeMeo © Copyright September 2008

Debunking the best dressed, worst dressed bunk

2008-09-17T22:52:00.000-07:00

So, best dressed, worst best huh! Maybe it’s a matter of opinion. Partisan opinion.

As an artist, I love fashion. I wear it. I design it. (Sssshhh! Not everyone knows that). Fashion is art. So, of course I’m interested in what people wear. But this year’s People’s worst dressed, best dressed list disgusts me. And I don’t use the word lightly.

Why should I be surprised? Mrs. Obama made the best dressed. And of course, Mrs. McCain & Mrs. Palin made the worst dressed. Yet, Cindy McCain is one of the most elegant, beautifully dressed women out there. She’s a model of glamour. And as for Sarah, well, given that she’s drop-dead-gorgeous, I don’t blame her for dressing a tad frumpy at times. Attention to her beauty could detract from her message.

But the bottom line is that Cindy & Sarah didn’t stand a chance. Let’s face it: The media has it in for the Repubs. They have an unhealthly obsession for Obama and seem bent on promoting their bias at every opportunity. Even when it comes to promoting fashionistas.

Maybe the liberal media can brainwash some. But not me.

This is not a political blog. But since politics is today’s hot topic, it’s time to address media-mania and say, “enough is enough!” when it comes to endless, mindless bias, propaganda, slant, brainwashery etc.—and to present another perspective.

A kind reader of an earlier post corrected me when I quoted a friend’s opinion on the race to presidency. While I greatly appreciated her comment, I feel compelled to present the other side, the opinions of those who rarely are given a chance to express them -- and yet they protect our country.

Consider this home made YouTube of a young soldier, Joe, addressing today’s most mediatized presidential candidate.

Palin pales her opponent – a voice in the wilderness.

2008-09-03T22:32:00.000-07:00

Just when I was tempted to think there’s no hope left for America, a voice in the wilderness comes forth to speak some words of wisdom: Sarah Palin.

No, I’m not good with politics. But I’m not stupid either (dah!) While I don’t believe all the propaganda that flies around – whether regarding Democrats or Republicans or even Hollywoodians for that matter – I know when something clashes with Bible values, or supports them. Sarah Palin’s speech at the Republican Convention rang true to me. I hope it did to you too.

So far, I’ve been more impressed by Cindy McCain than her husband. But since Palin’s been brought into the picture, I’m much more confident that McCain could step up the plate if he is voted in. (No, I’m not a feminist at all, but with two wonderful women to back him up, John McCain’s surely gained points.)

I wonder if Mrs. Palin is an answer to prayers. Is she a sort of Deborah, a voice in the wilderness during dark times? So many Christians are disgusted by the over-indulgent spotlight on the Democrats – and are concerned about what this party’s leader promises Maybe their concern made them pray more? I don’t know. But I’m encouraged. But let’s not let up praying. May God’s will be done. And His alone. And may He find us obedient to do our part in ushering it in.

Janey L. DeMeo © Copyright September 2008
www.JaneyDeMeo.com
www.OrphansFirst.org

Broken Angel

2008-08-25T16:07:00.000-07:00

This month’s Christian Science Fiction & Fantasy (CSFF) blogtour features Broken Angel by Sigmund Brouwer—an action-packed, character-driven fantasy novel full of suspense. Please enjoy the following interview with Mr. Brouwer. It will no doubt whet your appetite to read the book.

JD - Mr. Brouwer, Broken Angel intrigued me right to the end and kept me reading. Yet, it was very different from one of my favorite books written by you, The Weeping Chamber. How different were these books to write? Do you feel more akin to one genre than another?

SB - Thank you for commenting kindly on The Weeping Chamber. It’s a special book to me because the research helped me learn so much about the historical background to the gospels. Technically, because of the setting and because of how booksellers categorize, yes, it is a different genre.
Sometimes when I am at schools, though, I ask the kids if they’d like to read a book about a man who was accused of working with the devil, who was hailed as a man who could lead a country to freedom from an evil empire, who was betrayed by one of his best friends, then tortured to death in public, then reappears after he was buried so deep in a tomb that it was impossible to get out. It’s fun to get their reaction, because they immediately think it’s a supernatural kind of thriller. Because in a sense, the events before and after the crucifixion are taut with suspense and the eerie feeling that comes when the fabric of the supernatural wraps a place and time on earth.
In that way, Broken Angel was not that much different to write.
I always try for suspense, no matter what genre. At this point, after 18 novels, I can see that I’ll continue with what my editor, Shannon, calls visionary suspense -- what if stories set in the near future that explore concepts that are hopefully unexpected, yet plausible.

JD - I enjoyed the different characters in Broken Angel, especially Caitlyn. But Mason Lee's cruelty gave me the creeps. I'm curious as to what inspired his character. Did you research cold-hearted criminals, watch horror movies or just conjure Lee's character up in your imagination?

SB - Unfortunately, I think villains are the easiest to create, and I say ‘unfortunately’ because I think it’s a simple matter of taking a vice that most of us have to resist -- selfishness -- and allowing a character to pursue his or her own goals without any regard or compassion for anyone who gets in the way of that self centered pursuit.

JD - I noticed Bill Myers endorsed your book (which is right up his alley). Bill is a personal friend and also on the advisory board of my non-profit organization, Orphans First (orphansfirst.org). Bill also spoke at the Commencement Ceremony of the Bible College my husband founded in France (we were church-planting missionaries there for 22 years). Do you know Bill? Has his work inspired you in any way?

SB - I have a great deal of respect and affection for Bill. We’ve worked together at workshops with kids (literacy) and he’s a profound thinker and compassionate man who is also capable of enjoying life like an eight-year-old boy. His work is inspiring because he sets the bar so high that it gives other writers a standard to follow.

JD - I love Cindy's accompanying song @ brokenangelsong.com. (Cindy may be blessed to know that I used to buy her soundtrax and sing her songs in our church in France.) Do you and Cindy often work together on projects?

SB - Cindy and I have only worked together on one other project -- The Weeping Chamber, and her album, The Loving Kind.

This time, many years later, the collaboration was not intentional. I had just finished my first draft of Broken Angel, and she played me a song she had been working on: Beautiful Bird.

It was as if Cindy had been inside my novelist mind for 10 months, because the song had the emotional resonance I wanted readers to take away from Broken Angel as Caitlyn finally takes flight for freedom.

I begged her to allow it to become part of the novel, but in a non-traditional sense. So readers can finish the book now, and go to www.brokenangelsong.com and hear the song and see the video that reflects the theme of the book: each of us are born to fly. (Our daughters are the angels in the video, and I hope this is something that readers might like, as despite the setting of Broken Angel, it really is a story about a daddy and his girl.)

JD - Thank you for taking time to bless my blogreaders with your answers. May God continue to bless you and Cindy--and your families--as you serve Him with your talents.

Check out reviews by some of my fellow bloggers.

*Participants’ Links:

Brandon Barr
Justin Boyer
Keanan Brand
Jackie Castle
Valerie Comer
Karri Compton
CSFF Blog Tour
Stacey Dale
D. G. D. Davidson
Janey DeMeo
Jeff Draper
April Erwin
Karina Fabian
Mark Goodyear
Andrea Graham
Katie Hart
Timothy Hicks
Christopher Hopper
Joleen Howell
Jason Joyner
Carol Keen
Magma
Margaret
Shannon McNear
Melissa Meeks
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Nissa
John W. Otte
Steve Rice
Ashley Rutherford
Hanna Sandvig
Chawna Schroeder
Mirtika or Mir's Here
Sean Slagle
James Somers
Donna Swanson
Steve Trower
Speculative Faith
Laura Williams

*Featured book, Broken Angel http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1400070325 .
Featured author, Sigmund Brouwer: Web site – http://www.coolreading.com/ .

You might want to also check out Bill Myers whose link is on the side of this blog with other links.

Janey L. DeMeo M.A.
www.orphansfirst.org / www.JaneyDeMeo.com

Moving Madness

2008-08-18T13:21:00.000-07:00

Ok, did I die? Is that why you haven’t heard from me? Obviously not since I’m writing this post. (Trust me, if I was in Heaven, I’d have a lot better things to do than blog). Nope! I moved. And moving is madness. Sheer madness.

Between packing up boxes, unpacking boxes, scraping walls, painting walls, and walking into tools which gouge chunks out of my leg, I’m exhausted. (Oh, and I still have to take care of my work for Orphans First – and everything else . . . ). But it’s all good in the end. Or, as one T-shirt reads, SAUL GOOD.

I have an interesting story about the T-shirt with the “Saul good” logo. I’ll have to tell it to you here on this blog someday. Or write an article on it. Trust me, it’s worth the telling. God has such wonderful ways of touching people’s lives. And He sometimes uses garb to do so. But, I still have boxes to unpack, so I must leave that for another day.

Thanks for stopping by. Please do so again soon. I’ll be posting a new book review this month, and much more. I may not have had time to post (for one thing, I didn’t have Internet connection for a few days), but I haven’t stopped pondering. Pondering is what I do best, so I’ll have lots of ponders to share in the future.

Janey

Janey L. DeMeo, MA © August 2008
.
Founder-director of Orphans First - orphansfirst.org
speaker, freelance writer, author - JaneyDeMeo.com
author of Heaven Help Me Raise These Children!
Biblical Direction for Practical Parenting Issues.

Shake-ups that Wake-up

2008-07-30T22:28:00.000-07:00

Yesterday the house shook. So did I. It took a while before I realized I had, once again, felt an earthquake. It’s only a matter of time before So Cal gets the big one – or so they say. Meanwhile, we’re all receiving our share of shake-ups. And I believe those shake-ups are sent to wake up.

Seems every day I meet someone else who’s struggling with depression from some unjust, unexpected divorce, or a deadly disease, or the loss of their house. Life is shaking them up.

This past week, the son of pastor-evangelist Greg Laurie – Christopher – died. He left behind his younger brother, Dad, Mom, wife, baby daughter and another daughter on the way. Who can explain such loss? As Greg Laurie in last Sunday’s sermon, quoting from Job 1:21, “Naked I came into the world and naked I’ll leave it. Blessed be the name of the Lord.”

He also said a lot of other inspiring things in that short, tear-jerking sermon. One thing’s for sure: when your faith is real, Christ is manifested and others can see Him through our response to the tragedies that rock our lives.

The weekend of August 15th, the Annual Harvest Crusade—founded by Greg Laurie—will take place again in the Angel Stadium near LA. These crusades draw thousands of people, and thousands get saved. (And you get to hear the coolest music.) I already know that Laurie’s messages will be the most powerful ever, and that there’ll be an incredible harvest of souls. God will use that pain for His gain. For His glory.

During foster care awareness month (May), the Steven Curtis Chapman family lost one of their adopted children. The story is convoluted (and I’ve blogged on it before so I won’t repeat it here). Why? I don’t know. Seems God allows a lot of shaking up to happen and the shaking up will bring waking up. God will use this tragedy to His glory – and perhaps in some curious way to bring more attention to the needs of the orphans waiting to be adopted.

My prayer today is that we could draw closer to the one who does the shaking so that our lives will be grounded in what cannot be shaken—so that what cannot be shaken may remain (Heb.12:27)—Christ.

Janey L. DeMeo, MA © July 2008

Orphans First -- not last!

2008-07-23T22:09:00.000-07:00

A little boy’s heart is broken this week. Shattered in little pieces.

Allen expected to meet his adopting parents for the first time last week. He had already seen their photo and dreamed of the life he would share with them. But that all changed suddenly when . . . the parents changed their minds.

For reasons only they really know, they got cold feet. But now Allen is left with a cold future and possibly a cold heart.

The majority of people on the streets and in prisons were society’s rejects. They either didn’t have a family—like Allen—or their family was totally dysfunctional. That’s why I believe God would have us pray for the foster children and the world’s orphans. That’s why I do what I do with Orphans First—www.orphansfirst.org. That’s why I believe we should storm Heaven’s doors and ask the Lord what our part is in helping these children.

Let’s pray more than every before for a solution for Allen, and the many orphans who share his pain.

I don’t know about you, but I’ve got my work cut out. And a large part of that work is on my knees. If you’d like to join me praying for the needy children, you can subscribe to the Orphans First Prayer Chain (find it on the Orphans First website).

Copyright©July 2008
www.JaneyDeMeo.com

Love Lessons from Christian the Lion

2008-07-08T20:57:00.000-07:00

Tonight I heard of a teen boy torturing a baby—and laughing at it. Sure, the boy will be punished, but will the baby boy ever recover from his wounds ? We need to pray that he will.

In one sense, children can mend fast—if they’re loved. And a child who is loved will never forget those who love him, even if he doesn’t know how to respond and spends forever testing that love. It takes loving,loving and loving . . . and lots of prayer.

Here’s a clip on YouTube you don’t want to miss. Guaranteed to warm your heart: Christian the Lion. This is a true story. As a cub, Christian was nurtured and raised by two boys. When he reached a certain size, they were obliged to take him to Africa (on some kind of sarafi park I guess). A year later, they decided to visit him. They were told he wouldn’t recognize them. But . . . well, watch for yourself. And get your tissues ready.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zVNTdWbVBgc

and

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xmc8gDzk2sg&NR=1

Sentinel: City of Destiny by Landel Bilbrey

2008-06-24T20:19:00.000-07:00

As far as biblical analogy and teaching content are concerned,
Sentinel: City of Destiny by Landel Bilbrey is one of the finest children’s books I’ve read. (And, trust me, I’m really picky!).

Sentinel is written for both parents and sons (although I do believe girls would enjoy it just as much). Using creative biblical parallel, Bilbrey has woven a fantasy that any child would enjoy—one that keeps you wondering what will happen next and yet teaches you biblical truths along the way.

The book provides a beautiful story about two brothers, Jerol and Jadan, and the two opposing paths they choose. One listens to the King, and the other is drawn away to follow his own desires. But both are given equal opportunity to follow the path to Sentinel.

Sentinel helps parents shape character in their youngsters, and helps kids develop character as they apply what they read. As well as offering a good, fun story, Sentinel also supplies a study section at the back where readers can work out the practical sense of the story and apply it to their lives.

Sez Bilbrey: “Sentinel is a Christian fantasy novel ... a modern day allegory (Think The Chronicles of Narnia crossed with Pilgrim's Progress). Its story is aimed primarily at boys ages 8 to 12, but speaks to people of all ages. (There are suspense, battles with creatures, temptations, etc.) You might say it is an adventure story with a moral. It is currently available online at Amazon.com, Barnes&Noble.com, Borders.com, Walmart.com, etc. I wrote it to capture the attention of preteen boys and crafted the allegory to be a teaching tool for parents (there is a study guide in the back of the book).”

So, what more can I say? I’ve read a lot of children’s books. A lot. This is one I’d highly recommend. It has backbone, gutz, zeal, excitement, story, character and a wonderful allegory to help kids draw closer to Jesus. Thanks Landel Bilbrey.

Check out more info on Sentinel: City of Destiny, and other writing by Landel Bilbrey here.

Janey L. DeMeo M.A.
Copyright©June 2008

Orphans First in Benin Africa, Summer News

2008-06-19T18:41:00.000-07:00

Benin—the land where many of the African slaves were stolen and brought to America.

No wonder God is allowing Orphans First to make a serious dent for the Kingdom in that same country where we’re seeing children (& adults) become delivered from their carnal chains by the love of Jesus.

As I’ve shared before here—and on the Orphans First Prayer Chain—this year we hope to establish a new children’s home in Benin. (Prayers appreciated for this.) We already work with some seventy children there, teaching them about Jesus and providing some of their physical needs. But some of them need a home. And we’re trusting God to provide soon.

Koudjo, our key contact in Benin, is a Togolese man who was mentored in large by my husband through our Theological Institute in France. This summer, Koudjo celebrates the inauguration of the new Bible College. My husband and I are expected to attend. But the trip may possibly be postponed until later this year since we may be moving. We’ll see . . .

To read more on Benin—or any of our Orphans First ministries—check out the revamped Orphans First website: www.orphansfirst.org. (And check regularly since we’ll be adding more soon.) To find the page on Benin, click on: Our Work, then Africa, then Benin.

Thank you for your prayers.

Janey L. DeMeo, MA © June 2008

Of Dogs and of Men!

2008-06-12T23:45:00.000-07:00

It’s pretty sad when those who’ve accepted to defend our country—to protect the innocent and stand in strong integrity against evil—become evil themselves. Shame, shame, disgust to the marines who threw an innocent puppy over a cliff. (I won’t even include the link to the story because their gore deserves no more attention other than to remind us that there are dark spots in some human heart. No dog would act like these marines.)

I recently saw a photo of another dog—one who was apparently pregnant and found herself caught in a fire. She was saved by a fireman. Thank God for that fireman and other men of integrity who serve us, mere humans, blessing us with their brave integrity. As for the beautiful dog, she had a special thanks for this fireman. You can read and see it here.

On news tonight, we met Chester. Chester is a tiny dog who goes into hospitals and nursing homes pouring out his love and affection—and bringing healing because of it.

Meanwhile, my husband and I are meeting more and more disillusioned Christians. Disillusioned by the church. By Christians. By those who claim to know Jesus but whose actions show anything but. It’s a sad thing. Especially sad considering that, in France there aren’t even half a percent Christians, and most of the churches (the few there are), are dead. Here in America, there are churches on every corner. But so few are apparently really drawing people into a deep walk with Jesus. So few really coming alongside the people and licking their wounds—like a loving dog.

No wonder my husband, a pastor who truly loves people, finds his days filled as he pours out to hurting people hungry to know about Jesus. People have been through so much. They so need to be loved and heard.

I told a friend today, “Churches would have a lot less problems if they were filled with dogs.” Oh, those precious, humble, loving, giving dogs… They have a lot to teach us.

Janey L. DeMeo, MA © June 2008

www.orphansfirst.org / www.JaneyDeMeo.com

Prayer Vigil for Children at Risk -- So Cal

2008-06-03T09:02:00.000-07:00

Yes, yes, yes-—we can make a difference. And here’s one way to begin. Prayer.

I recently spoke about the Battle of Kruger, and how we can make a difference for the hurting children—-if we band together in oneness of purpose. To that end, we're organizing a Prayer Vigil for Children at Risk at North Coast Calvary Chapel for this Friday. All prayer warriors, and would-be-prayer-warriors, welcome.

For recent prayer requests for children in need, go to the Orphans First website, and click on Prayer. On top of our other children’s ministries and homes, we have recently taken on an orphanage in Romania that was started by Richard & Sabina Wurmbrandt—and that is in dire need. The children and workers no longer have consistent support. We have begun helping them, and hope to help them regularly.

Still, there are thousands of millions of children in need all over the world. Please join us this week in praying for them-—whether you pray from home, in your car, in small groups, in your church, wherever. Find out more here. Let’s band together and make a difference.

Janey L. DeMeo, MA © June 2008
www.orphansfirst.org / www.JaneyDeMeo.com

Author of Heaven Help Me Raise These Children!—biblical direction for practical parenting issues.

Tragedy strikes the Steven Curtis Chapman family

2008-05-22T18:20:00.000-07:00

Today, as we pray for foster children and orphans, I’m also praying for a teen boy whose world just fell apart—a precious young man who unexpectedly became a key player in a family tragedy that is shaking the world.

The young man, son of adoption advocate, and award-winning Christian singer/songwriter, Steven Curtis Chapman, ran into his youngest sister, five-year-old Maria, when driving his car in the family’s driveway. Maria later died.

Little Maria Sue was adopted from China, as were two of her sisters, also adopted by the Chapmans. The Chapmans' heart for adoption is depicted by the work of their nonprofit organization, Shaohannah's Hope, which serves to help Christian families to adopt by offering financial aid.

Read the entire story in the Nashville Tennessean.

Or read it on FOXNews.com."

See this moving video of Steven with two of his adopted daughter-—including little Maria-here.

url - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-eXJM4vVmQ

Ironic that this tragedy took place the same exact week that has been dedicated to praying to foster children? (See www.FamilyLife.com.) No, not ironic. Perhaps God will use this tragedy to make our prayers more powerful, to wake up the sleeping giant—the church—to grab hold of her responsibilities and reach out to orphans. Perhaps God will use this to raise up families to adopt and foster.

Yes, this tragedy will shake the world. But let’s pray that it will also wake it up. Let’s pray the world will be stirred so that the tears of a young man crying over the loss of his sister—tears mingled with sorrow, confusion, perhaps senseless all-too-human guilt—are not in vain. And let’s pray for this boy also.

May God use this calamity to open our eyes to those in need, to the beauty of adoption, and may He probe our hearts constantly so that we all do our part in helping the fatherless.

Janey L. DeMeo, MA © May 2008

United We Stand

2008-05-20T20:37:00.000-07:00

In my last blog post, I shared about the Battle of Kruger. That impactful video has not left my mind. I feel strongly that God has something to tell us. It’s all about being willing to fight for what is right, for what is biblical—by dropping our differences and being united.

I recently wrote an article on Tom Tancredo and how he fights for what he believes in—sometimes going against the status quo. (I’ll let you know when and where the article is published.) Tancredo, a friend, is brilliant. An inspiration.

Reading in the book of Judges recently about how the people of Laish were defeated confirmed my thinking. These people who lived peacefully, without contention, also lived isolated, without having direct connections with people around them (Judges 18:7 & 28). Thus, when they were attacked, they were easy prey because they couldn’t call on help. Isolation was their problem. It is often ours.

Foolish are we when we think we can live this life alone, isolated from others. And while I understand that people are often disappointed with church, I encourage anyone who knows Jesus to connect with His people in some way—on a regular basis. It’s the only way we’ll make it against the oncoming onslaught. And with elections as coming—and the feeble choices before us—the onslaught is surely coming.

Chapter 18 in my book, Heaven Help Me Raise These Children! focuses specifically on spiritual warfare: https://www.carepointministry.com/parenting.html. And it applies to every area of our life.

For those interested in Orphans First, please read the recent prayer requests as we consider partnering with an orphanage in Romania which was founded by Richard Wurmbrandt. Check out Prayer Chain: www.orphansfirst.org And, since this coming week, Prayer Vigils for Foster Children & Orphans will be held all over the country, let’s join together pray for orphans foster children this coming week: www.fostercareprayervigil.org. May all find godly forever families.

***I’m organizing a Prayer Vigil for Children at Risk on June 6th at North Coast Calvary Chapel for anyone in the area.

Janey L. DeMeo, MA © May 2008

www.orphansfirst.org / www.JaneyDeMeo.com

What can the Battle at Kruger teach us?

2008-05-09T21:18:00.000-07:00

The task of rescuing helpless children from the clutches of predators often seems hopeless. The enemy’s tactics to inflict pain on the little ones through abandonment, neglect and fear seem so powerful. Like lion’s teeth.

Many foster children are caught in the grips of a cruel system, dragged from one home to another, and viciously tugged away from any sense of home or belonging. They might as well be clamped between the teeth of lions and crocodiles, awaiting their doom. But we can change this. And there’s a video out there that shows us how.

Yep, I saw it on YouTube—an authentic safari video of the Battle at Kruger, where lions and croc fight over a baby buffalo using their bare teeth. Since the devil roams around like a lion ready to pounce and devour the innocent (1 Pet.5:8), the analogy is flagrant. The message couldn’t be clearer. The little ones are the devil’s primary target, and there’s only one way to release them from his clutches. Together. The battle is won as we join hands and fight together.

Before I say more on this, I highly recommend you watch this 8 minute YouTube for yourself: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LU8DDYz68kM
Or here: http://www.BattleAtKruger.com

What is God telling us?
This spontaneous video of nature reflects God’s thoughts. A pride of lions chases a troop of buffaloes. The baby buffalo, the obvious target, flees to escape and falls into the nearby water. Gripping him their teeth, the lions attempt to drag him out. As they try to extract him from the water, an enormous crocodile lunges at him, clamping deadly fangs around the baby buffalo’s legs. Then the torturous battle begins as lions and crocodile pull and tug together—each side greedy to devour the tender prey.

The lions manage to yank the little buffalo away from the croc’s grip, and then encircle the now-listless creature ready to devour him.

When all looks lost, out of the blue, the lions find themselves surrounded by a troop of buffalo. Together the burly beasts surround their foe, waiting (you’d almost think this was a prayer vigil). Some move to the back of the circle, as if afraid. Still, they remain together. United.

Suddenly, swat! One huge buffalo moves forward and kicks a lion. Another throws a giant feline up in the air. Some lions run away, pursued by angry buffalo. Others saunter into the background cautiously, but their distance only enrages the buffalo who chase after them with attitude: You will not take one of our little ones. For as long as we’re alive, we’ll fight for him.

Who could withstand such determination? Little by little, the lions withdraw. They are vanquished and forced to abandon their prey. But surely, it’s too late. the baby must dead by now.

As the video rolls, you can hear the cameraman’s friends saying, “It’s too late. They’re way too late now.”

But they were wrong. It was not too late.

Against all odds, the little one wobbles to his feet and scrambles back to his family. Everyone is stunned. Thrilled—and stunned. The situation had seemed hopeless, but a victory was won. A victory echoing the heartbeat of God.

God is speaking loudly through this video. He is telling us it is never too late. We should never give up. Never, no never. Not when it comes to a suffering child. (Chapter 18 of my book, Heaven Help Me Raise These Children!—biblical direction for practical parenting issues, is reveals how to fight so that the little ones will be delivered from the enemy’s territory. See here: https://www.carepointministry.com/parenting.html)

The struggle at Kruger dramatically depicts the message prevalent at the Orphan Summit I attended in Ft. Lauderdale recently. What God is sharing with us, the body of Christ, is that if we work together to help the little ones who are caught by lions and crocodiles—in foster systems, abused families or other seemingly desperate situations—then we’ll win the battle. We must band together, unite and fight. We must rise up and surround our enemy in prayer. And then we must act. No matter what it costs us. If we want to win the battle for the children, here’re some keys to implement:
Work together,
Surround the enemy together (in prayer)
Never give up, remain determined to go forward,
Be bold and fearless, even when we’re scared,
Be willing to give up our lives so the children might have theirs,
Lay down our agendas, logos and labels for a Higher Cause—that of saving the little victims,
Pray, pray and pray some more.

Prayer is a key component to usher in victory. To pray specifically and regularly, you can join the Orphans First Prayer Chain and receive prayer requests in your mailbox by going to www.orphansfirst.org and clicking on “join.” You can also be part of an upcoming Prayer Vigil this. Find out more here: www.fostercareprayervigil.org. There you will find materials to help you, as well as a registration page and map displaying local vigils throughout the nation. You can also participate or organize a prayer vigil during the first weekend of June, the National Day of Prayer for Children at Risk! Find out more here: www.viva.org.

Let’s take the bull by the horns and release him from the lion’s grip. Oooops, I mean baby buffalo. We can do it—together!

Janey L. DeMeo, MA © May 2008

www.orphansfirst.org / www.JaneyDeMeo.com

Expelled with Ben Stein, truth, free thinking & the end of America

2008-04-30T17:39:00.000-07:00

In France, they don’t train you how to think; they tell you what to think. If you think outside their box, you’re a weirdo. Somehow, I thought it’d be different here in America. But not so. America is waning and yielding to dictatorship thinking.

This weekend, I saw Expelled with Ben Stein. Without spoiling the joy of having your own brains delightfully challenged, let me simply encourage you to see this film. It’s well worth it. And it’s worth bringing as many people with you as you can.

You see, we often think we’re hearing the truth. We believe so quickly what reputed scientists, big-wig brains and our government tell us. But they’re not telling us everything. They’re actually often covering up the truth, bottling it and hiding the bottle. Worse still, there’s a label on the bottle which reads, “Open this & share it & you’re EXPELLED”.

If you want to do your own thinking—especially with regard to Darwinism—then you need to hear both sides of the story. If you want to know one of the strongest forces behind Hitler’s hideous evil, then please do me a favor and see the film. Here’s the trailer: http://www.expelledthemovie.com/playgroundvideo3.swf

And when you’ve seen it, check out some more cool stuff to help you think some more here: Answers in Genesis: http://www.answersingenesis.org/

Ken Ham’s blog: http://blogs.answersingenesis.org/aroundtheworld/

(Btw, Ken Ham was a frequent visiting speaker at our Theological Seminary in France).

And here’s another one to make you think, The End Of America by Naomi Wolf. 10 steps on how American’s democracy is on it’s way out. History proves it. See Stalin, Mussolini, Hitler…SCARY. Check out it out here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RjALf12PAWc

Finally, before hopping on a plane (yes, again! Can you believe it?), I’d appreciate your prayers for the ORPHANS SUMMIT in Florida this weekend. I will be attending to represent Orphans First (www.orphansfirst.org). It is my deepest prayer that many more children will find forever homes. And since May 1st, is the National Day of Prayer, let’s especially be praying for this.

Janey L. DeMeo

Copyright©April 2008

Separating children from mothers -- the polygamist cult

2008-04-24T21:11:00.000-07:00

I’ve worked with children for years. I’m probably more known as a child advocate than anything else. And one thing that stands out as lucidly clear to me is that Satan hates children and takes every opportunity to harm them. Oh, and he uses twisted adults and big-ego idiots to do so.

Sadly, serious damage is often done by those who should be protecting the children. I saw it in Europe. Now I see it in America.

Take, for example, the recent scandal of the polygamist cult, an extreme Mormon affiliate break-off. Does it make sense to remove every child from every mother because, apparently, a few children show signs of having been abused by men in the cult? Now, don’t get me wrong. Don’t twist my words to say I don’t believe in taking extreme measures when children are abused. I do. I most definitely do. Abused children should be removed from the abusers. And child abusers should be behind bars for a long, long time. Anyone who’s followed my work over the years knows that this is what I stand for. And anyone who knows me well also knows that I believe in removing children from families where they are in danger, neglected or abused. But that is not necessarily the case here. Let’s talk about what the media is now telling us.

According to today’s associate press articles*, and varying talk shows**, a phone call from a 16-year-old girl in the complex claiming to have been abused pushed the panic button. That girl has not been found. Still, some of the children apparently show traces of abuse so, without a doubt, something needs to be done to protect them. Let’s safely assume they were abused – a crime that reflects man’s deepest depravity – well, does that mean that the children should be further distressed by being separated from those they love: mothers, sibs, aunties, grandmother figures? Is it going to help them being put in another, extremely strange and possibly hostile environment (other children can be hostile – particularly toward children who are so very different from them)? Are all of those mothers systematically evil?

It seems to me it would be better to keep most of the children with their mothers in a controlled environment—particularly those who show no sign of abuse and where the mothers show no sign of having been accomplice to any abuse. Would that be so hard to organize? Meanwhile, there are thousands of children in homes where they should have been removed. That’s the painful irony.

I’ve seen children who showed signs of serious neglect, in terrible situations, and authorities stated that unless the children were actually on their deathbeds, they wouldn’t intervene. It seems to me that something’s amiss here. So what shall we do? I think we should voice our opinion when and where we can – but only after we’ve carefully and prayerfully considered the issues at hand. How do we do that? I believe that prayer is key. Let’s pray hard for these precious children. And let's pray also for the foster parents seeking to help them.

Janey L. DeMeo M.A. – www.orphansfirst.org / www.JaneyDeMeo.com

* http://news.aol.com/story/_a/sect-children-face-culture-shock/20080424090209990001
**Diane Sawyer today.

Young People -- You'll Like This

2008-04-17T10:23:00.000-07:00

Surprise! (At least, it was a surprise to me.) This week, right before my French radio broadcast began, I asked my son, Francesco, to share. I began the broadcast—but he finished it. And he did a great job. He spoke on Samson, relating the story about the lion's carcass to the pitfall young people often fall into. He spoke about the importance of being leery after a victory, and remembering that Christ is the victor in us. I was blessed.

So, if you speak French, or know anyone who does—especially young folk—you might want to tune in to hear this.

More blogging soon.

Janey DeMeo

REVEIL -- televised radio broadcast in French.

2008-04-15T15:44:00.000-07:00

On my French televised radio broadcast, we address culture, news and some hot items. Then, we dive into a brief Bible study. The study is theme oriented at this time and we're doing a series called, Building the Little House in Your Heart. It's been fun, and apparently helpful to some francophone friends who are hungry for sound, biblical teaching. Gloire à Dieu. To Him be all the glory. I'm grateful to have the opportunity to serve in this way.

So, although this blog is in English (although one French friend told me she uses a program to translate it and read it in French) for those interested in last week's broadcast, here it is:

Hope you tune in this week at 10 am PST (or 19 h in France) on the Internet at www.RestoreTV.com (click TV), entitled REVEIL with JANEY DEMEO. You'll also find my archived broadcasts there.

Que Dieu vous bénisse.
Janey L. DeMeo M.A. --- www.orphansfirst.org / www.JaneyDeMeo.com

My response to recent news regarding children’s bizarre behavior.

2008-04-08T21:46:00.000-07:00

Some things make my blood boil—especially when they fly against reason. Here’s one of them.

I recently heard on the news that kids as young as four are being accused of sexual harassment because they tapped someone’s behind in school. What made me irate was not just the stupidity of attributing such playfulness to intentionally sexual behavior, but also the taunting hypocrisy of such a mindset. On one hand, we blame small children for acting like small children, distastefully twisting the intent of their childish gestures. On the other hand, we teach them that same sex couples is normalcy, and expose them to blatantly inappropriate images on TV, poster ads etc.

It seems that society’s gone bonkers. Mad! Where do people draw their conclusions from? How are parents finding answers in today’s upside-down world?

The place where I found the most answers was in the Bible. And I’ve enjoyed sharing my gleanings over the past 20 years whether by speaking or teaching. In fact, it was by request of parents who enjoyed my teaching that I wrote my book, Heaven Help Me Raise These Children.

It addresses such issues as how to deal with the warped values of the world, how to train our children to think with God and rise above the grime, and how we the parents can lovingly inspire them into wanting to make a difference so that these kind of absurdities don’t happen.

My book also addresses another common dilemma reflected in recent news titles—why few students are proficient writers today.

As a child advocate (Orphans First – www.orphansfirst.org-, and as co-founder of a Christian school in France, children’s educational issues are important to me. And as a European and a mom who raised her children in France, I believe I bring a more global perspective to the table.

Heaven Help Me Raise These Children! has an entire chapter devoted to literature, music and toys. It offers ways parents can draw their children to love good books, and consequently develop good writing. If you know parents, teachers or child workers seeking honest answers, I hope you encourage them to pick up a copy of my book. See it here: https://www.carepointministry.com/parenting.html.

Find out more about my writing and speaking here: www.JaneyDeMeo.com.

Janey DeMeo©April 2008

Setting Boundaries With Your Adult Children

2008-04-02T22:19:00.000-07:00

Today, I’m delighted to introduce you to Allison Bottke’s latest book,
Setting Boundaries with Your Adult Children: Six Steps to Hope and Healing,

This book is especially helpful to those struggling with adult children whose poor choices are affecting them or other family members. How often parents find themselves enabling their grown children instead of challenging them. This attitude is particularly prevalent here in America where many people tend to believe everything is owed to them, and have not understood that they are among the most comfortable, privileged people in the world.

I asked Allison some questions that I highlight the enormity of this dilemma, and whet your appetites for this resource.

(NB—As always on this blog, I use initials to separate the interviewer from the interviewee. AB = Allison Bottke & JD = Janey DeMeo (yep, me).

JD: The book comes out of your own personal experience with your son. Please tell us about that.

AB: For years I really thought I was helping my son. I wanted him to have the things I never had growing up. I love my son, and I didn’t want him to hurt—but sometimes pain is a natural result of the choices we make. For a long time I didn’t understand the part I was playing in the ongoing drama that had become my son’s life—I didn’t understand that I didn’t have to live in constant chaos and crisis because of his choices. When I chose to stop the insanity and start living a life of hope and healing my life changed. It’s a feeling I want other struggling parents and grandparents to experience. I want other parents to know that change is possible when we choose to stop the destructive cycle of enabling. And we can stop it. I know, because I’ve done it.

JD: Why do you think so many parents struggle with enabling their adult children?

AB: We don’t understand the difference between helping and enabling, that one heals and the other hurts. We don’t realize that we handicap our adult children when we don’t allow them to experience the consequences of their actions.

JD: How can we determine whether we are helping versus enabling our children?

AB: Helping is doing something for someone that he is not capable of doing himself.
Enabling is doing for someone things that he could and should be doing himself. An enabler is a person who recognizes that a negative circumstance is occurring on a regular basis and yet continues to enable the person with the problem to persist with his detrimental behaviors. Simply, enabling creates an atmosphere in which our adult children can comfortably continue their unacceptable behavior.

JD: What are some of the most common ways that parents enable their children?

AB: Being the Bank of Mom and Dad, or the Bank of Grandma and Grandpa. Loaning money that is never repaid, buying things they can’t afford and don’t really need. Continually coming to their rescue so they don’t feel the pain—the consequences—of their actions and choices. Accepting excuses that we know are excuses—and in some instances are downright lies. Blaming ourselves for their problems. We have given too much and expected too little.
-

Talk to you soon... Janey DeMeo. www.JaneyDeMeo.com

Simeon the Prophet

2008-03-27T18:49:00.000-07:00

Simeon the Prophet is a delightful fiction book reflecting keen biblical insight. The author, Thomas Moore, is a prolific evangelist, and Vietnam vet who clearly loves God’s Word as his writing style exhibits.

The narrative fiction is sweetly laced with biblical truths poetically written in a thought provoking manner. Delightful really. Here’s a sample:
“Steadfast faith in God will always create beauty out of anything it meets. Sue someone that hurts you? Demand judgment on them? Ridiculous! You should thank them for providing mortar for God to build more of His kingdom in your life.” (page 114).

And here’s a powerful line representing how God measures our suffering:
“Your heart’s desire I am granting thee. You are becoming scarred enough to resemble me.” (p. 118)

As a fellow writer, I identify with the sweat and passion Thomas poured into his book. I appreciate his love for the Lord, his fervor. He had a message to deliver and felt compelled to write it. The message is not warm and fuzzy to make you feel good. Rather, it’s challenging, and helps us separate the essential from the superficial.

Also as a fellow writer, I encouraged Thomas to tweak his book before the next printing, to ruthlessly remove all typos and spellos and to tighten his style to excellence. This will only open doors for a larger audience.(something you learn from writer’s conferences, writer’s books and writer’s loops).

Still, even though this first rendering of the book could use some professional tweaking, I enjoyed the precious, thought provoking wisdom in Simeon the Prophet. I think many others would too. The book can be found on amazon.com, or visit Thomas Moore’s website: http://www.myspace.com/simeontheprophet
(Oh, and if you happen to be intrigued by the Jesus movement, the beginning of Calvary Chapel and all that wonderful Christian oldies music stuff, you’ll enjoy this website.)
You can also find him at Shoutlife.com -- and you can find me there too.

Janey L. DeMeo M.A.
Copyright©March 2008

Build The Little House of the Heart – Radio Broadcast

2008-03-26T21:49:00.000-07:00

Today’s French radio broadcast was special. I hope it touched hearts like it touched mine. And, after all those years in France, it’s always good to parler français again. (Yep, it’s still there. Not sure if the accent’s been compromised but at least the vocab and grammar are still intact.) More important, it’s always a blessing to teach God’s Word.

I’ve been teaching a series on Building Your Inner Home or Building The Little House in the Heart (Pr.14:1). The thing that’s so special to me is to be able to reach out to francophone friends who don’t have much access to teaching from biblical perspective. That’s priceless.

Anyway, since I’m not going to share the entire teaching with you here, I just want to share this much. We can’t play footsy toe with God. Sure, we can invent a plethora of excuses to stretch the rules, adapt them to accommodate today’s society. But you can’t hoodwink God. And He doesn’t change the rules to suit our whims. The only way to build you inner home and walk in peace is to obey. That’s the only way to walk with Jesus. More on that in the future…

For now, if you speak French, the program is live on RestoreTV.com every Wednesday (and then archived).

Que Dieu vous bénisse.

Janey DeMeo

The Kry -- at last, good music in French

2008-03-18T21:48:00.000-07:00

For my French radio broadcast last Wednesday, I had the privilege of interviewing Jean-Luc Lajoie from The Kry. The band live in So Cal – not far from where I live and I’ve enjoyed getting to know them. I was thrilled when they brought out their album Peut Etre—all in French. Friends in France listen to The Kry all the time—especially the young folk. Most music they listen to is in English. For a long time, I’ve felt that the French have been jipped of good Christian music—in French. I wasn’t the only one feeling this way. The Kry are French Canadian, and so, at last, voilà! They’re producing albums in français. I’m happy – très heureuse, molto contenta.

You can listen to my interview with Jean-Luc here (remember, it’s all in French):
http://veodia.com/site/embed.php?live=0&id=1167006280&key=23939bb4ac2880e7139de1c780d77828

If you are a regular listener of my weekly radio broadcast on RestoreTV.com, please note that this week, owing to Spring Break, I will not be broadcasting live but we will replay this interview.

And be sure to check out The Kry: www.thekry.com
And http://www.myspace.com/thekry

In case I don’t hear from you before, Happy Easter. My our Lord Jesus Christ, the Risen Holy One, be exalted and glorified this season. He is risen. May He be risen in our hearts.