Thursday, March 27, 2008

Simeon the Prophet


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

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Build The Little House of the Heart – Radio Broadcast

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

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

The Kry -- at last, good music in French

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.

Monday, March 10, 2008

From last week -- REVEIL -- tout en français

If you want to listen and see my radio broadcast from last Wednesday -- all in French -- tout en français -- then here it is. I spoke on Building our Inner House With Wisdom. (Bâtir Sa Maison Par La Sâgesse.)

Please note that I'll be interviewing Jean-Luc Lajoie from The Kry this coming Wed. at 10am on RestoreTV.com. Meanwhile, here's last week's broadcast and teaching.


Friday, March 07, 2008

Nana's Bible Stories



Today, I’m delighted to interview Roberta Simpson, author of Nana's Bible Stories (Thomas Nelson, Inc.)—a beautifully illustrated children’s book recounting Bible-based stories tailored for children. The book comes with a narrated CD (As a Brit, I chose the Jane Seymour version). This is Roberta’s first book and she’s beginning her career at the ripe age of 70. Enjoy.

Note: RS = Roberta Simpson / JD = Janey DeMeo.

RB--It is truly an honor to have the opportunity to share some of my personal thoughts and experiences as a new author with you, Janey, and the Janey’s News ladies! I am so blessed to see the work you are doing to help and encourage each other!

There are so many gifts lying dormant in the lives of women—just waiting to be discovered or understood. I pray not only that my book, Nana’s Bible Stories will be encouraging to the children in your life—but, also that my personal story will be of encouragement to many of you as you pursue your calling.

JD--You have been telling stories to your five children and nine grandchildren for many years. Why do you believe the art of storytelling is so important…and why do children respond so well to stories?

RB--Storytelling is so important firstly because you are engaging a child or children for a special time. I love to use my grandchildren’s names in the stories as I have done in Nana’s Bible Stories.

I believe storytelling is an adventure, and what you are doing is bringing children into the story. It is also a great time for cuddling, and being close to the kids – it is a time for bonding, and engaging their trust. I find there is not a child I have met who does not just LOVE having a story read, or told to them!

I believe that children respond to stories (if they are good stories!) because it is a time where they can listen to a story about someone or something else other than what they see and feel everyday, and many times can place themselves into the story – e.g. “What would I have done?”

While playing with kids, I love starting a story – “Once upon a time, there was a…” then I would point to one of the kids, and they would have to make up something. I would continue this way until all the kids had a turn, and we had a story! It was crazy, fun, and lots of loud laughter.

JD--Your stories are told from the perspective of a child or an animal. Why is this beneficial to the child listening to the stories?

RS--I believe that when a child listens or reads the stories about other children, they can identify with the child in the story. I hope that they will say to themselves – “I could have been that boy/girl!” I also believe that they will see how much Jesus loves children, and they were always uplifted and loved by Him in the stories.

I just love animals, and so do children. It is fun writing about them, and I know that God was pleased and loves all He created and He sure created a beautiful animal kingdom!

JD--Why do you believe it is important to introduce our children to the Bible when they are young?

RS--I do believe, and it is also scripturally true, that if you train up a child in the scripture, and encourage that child to have a personal relationship with God, then when he/she grows up they will truly not depart from it. I have done this, and seen the results. I can truly say that all my children, and their children, know the Lord!

If we can promote the Bible as interesting, exciting, etc. then children will want to know the content. I want my stories to be exciting and truthful, so that my book can serve as an introduction to the Bible, and they will want to read more!

We need to reach kids when they are young, when their minds are open to accepting new concepts, characters etc. Look at how easily young kids can pick up new languages. When I was five years old I went to a Welsh school, where no English was spoken. I could choose to hide in a corner, as I did the first day, or jump in and learn the language. I chose to learn, and learn I did!

The minds of children are so open, and accepting. When kids learn the Bible at an early age, it teaches them great values, and greatly influences the development of their character!

I think it would make such a positive and wonderful difference in children’s lives if they were required to learn Bible stories!

JD--Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, wrote the foreword for Nana’s Bible Stories. Tell us how she became involved in your work.

RS--My husband and I have been friends with Prince Andrew for many years and were invited to Fergie and Andrew’s wedding.

We met Sarah the evening before the wedding and soon after they came to Barbados for a short holiday. Even though we do not see each other often, we have remained friends through the years.

I was speaking to her one day, after I had started writing my book. I asked her about the illustrator she used for one of her books, as I loved the illustrations. She was very kind, and really enjoyed my stories. She told me that when I was ready to publish she would write a foreword for my book. I am very grateful for this, and appreciate very much her offering to do this for me.

JD--You are “Lady” Roberta Simpson. How did you receive that title?

RB--Actually, I did not receive the title. My husband received a title and was knighted. As a result he is titled Sir Kyffin Simpson, and I am Lady Simpson.

Thank you for allowing me to share a part of my life and calling with you. If you would like to learn more about me or my book, please go to www.nanasbiblestories.com. You may download one of my favorite stories, The Butterfly and the Cross—the story of the crucifixion as told through the gentle and tender eyes of a butterfly. I have also included a special devotional for the story which you may share with your children this Easter season. Cuddle up with a child and enjoy!

JD—Thank you Roberta. May God continue blessing your work and the children who read it. And thank you to the faithful readers of this blog. (I’ll post a link to my televised radio broadcast in French soon.

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

Wednesday, March 05, 2008

Colorado Christian Writer's Conference

Being a good writer isn’t enough to get published. Writing is an art—but it’s also a business.

One of the most fruitful blessings in my writing ministry has been attending writer’s conferences. They not only improved my writing drastically, but also touched my heart irrevocably. I’ve attended Write-to-Publish in Illinois several times (always in early June: http://www.writetopublish.com/) and also the Colorado Christian Writer’s Conference which is coming up again in May: www.writehisanswer.com/Colorado

The conference provides:
*excellent, professional teaching through continued classes, workshops and keynote messages;
*rich fellowship and intellectual exchange with fellow writers or potential writers;
*opportunities to meet editors and pro writers;
*spiritual uplift;
*fun, food, friends…
*exquisite surroundings

The Colorado Christian Writers Conference (CCWC)—which takes place in beautiful Estes Park surrounded by the breathtaking view of majestic mountains—is coming up in May (14th-17th). The first deadline to register is the 15th of March, after that the price goes up slightly. (The deadline will be extended to the 31st for those who mention they saw about CCWC on this blog so that’s a bonus for you.). Hey, seriously, if you’re an aspiring Christian writer, pray about going. God just might open the doors for you. The conference could change your life—not mention your writing.