An Alternative To New Year Resolutions

Photo credit: Orphans First. Children in Grace Home.

Do New Year Resolutions frustrate you? If so, you're not alone. Maybe it's time for an alternative way to approach the New Year -- and resolutions.

Check out my recent article on this subject in The Examiner -- and discover what my family does for New Year Resolutions.

(You can also find out more on this subject in my book, Heaven Help Me Raise These Children -- biblical direction to practical parenting issues!

Happy New Year.

Janey DeMeo M.A.
Copyright © December 2011
www.orphansfirst.org
www.JaneyDeMeo.com
www.twitter.com/JaneyDeMeo

Why Men Hate Going To Church

The largest unreached people group—at least as far as church attendance is concerned—is men. Why is that? Why do more women attend church than men? And how should this problem be addressed?

These are just some of the questions discussed in David Murrow’s Why Men Hate Going To Church.

Murrow compares the typical church set up—in terms of worship, preaching style and programs—to the way men are wired. He offers pragmatic solutions; ways to reach out and draw men into the public worship place without making them feel emasculated. He suggests ideas to change the church dynamic and create a place where men feel at home.

But more than just discussing the need to make the church more “man friendly,” Murrow draws from recent church history to show how church has evolved and become more welcoming overall, progressively making it easier for men to find their place.

Illustrations and candor make this book an enjoyable read. Why Men Hate Going To Church would especially benefit pastors, church leaders, women who want to understand men, and men who want to understand themselves.

You can also read my review in The Examiner.

Janey DeMeo M.A.

Copyright © December 2011

www.orphansfirst.org
www.JaneyDeMeo.com
www.twitter.com/JaneyDeMeo

The Queen's Speech

Happy New Year to all.

Thought I'd post something from a fellow Brit, Queen Elizabeth. She sums it up in her message here -- and has more gutz to tell the truth than many preachers. No political correctness in this speech. Just says it as it is. (Stay tuned right to the end of her talk to hear what Christmas is really about.)



May we be so bold.

Janey L. DeMeo, M.A.
founder-president -- www.orphanfirst.org
author & speaker -- www.JaneyDeMeo.com
www.twitter.com/JaneyDeMeo

Gray Matter - interview with a life-changing neurosurgeon

Here's another great idea for a Christmas gift, stocking stuffer, or just some awesome material to make you grow, Gray Matter: a neurosurgeon discovers the power of prayer . . . one patient at a time.

For an interview with Dr. David Levy, and a review of Gray Matter, check out my article and interview in The Examiner.

Janey DeMeo M.A.

Copyright © December 2011

www.orphansfirst.org
www.JaneyDeMeo.com
Twitter

Interview with Jimmy Peña on his Prayfit 33-Day Total Body Challenge

I received a double blessing this week. First, I figured out what to buy people as a stocking stuffer. (Spoiler alert for those on my stocking list.) Next, I got to interview best selling author and fitness guru, Jimmy Peña, to talk about Prayfit 33-Day Total Body Challenge.

Hearing Jimmy's passion for Jesus and for overall health was more than inspiring. It made me want to practice what he teaches and become the best I can be. I'm excited to see how Prayfit 33-Day Total Body Challenge changes lives. (I'm thinking this could work well with the Orphans First motto--changing children's lives one by one. Since the only equipment needed is a DVD player, this would make a healthy group activity anywhere.)

Read my interview and watch Jimmy's YouTube clip of Prayfit 33-Day Total Body Challenge here in The Christian Perspectives Examiner.

So, if you're looking to get in shape before or after Christmas, or want to buy the perfect gift, check out the Prayfit 33-Day Total Body Challenge.

As Jimmy Peña says, “In Jesus’ name we train.”

Janey DeMeo M.A.

Copyright © December 2011

Help a hurting child this Christmas -- Orphans First
www.JaneyDeMeo.com
Follow me on Twitter

He Knows When You Are Sleeping

For those looking to enjoy Christmas activities in the San Diego area this weekend, check out my latest article in The Examiner.

And still in the Christmas spirit, here's a great article I thought my readers would enjoy, He Knows When You're Sleepin' written by a fellow follower of Jesus.


He Sees You When You’re Sleepin’...by Dr. Charles W. Page

Do you recall trying to sleep on Christmas Eve while waiting for Santa to come to town? The anticipation of Saint Nicolas and all his goodies was just too much—who could sleep? The lyrics of Santa Claus is Coming to Town taunted me. “He sees you when you’re sleeping—he knows when you’re awake…” I tossed and turned trying to fall asleep, fearful I’d miss out on Santa’s visit if he caught me awake. I never doubted Santa’s ability to be aware of my wakefulness.

Unfortunately, as adults, the issues that keep us awake during the Christmas season are more complicated than those we experienced as kids. Financial burdens, strained relationships, difficult decisions, brooding regrets and fretful thoughts race through our minds and hinder our rest.

There is someone who “sees you when you’re sleeping and knows when you’re awake.” It’s not Santa Claus. The Bible reminds us, God’s eyes never close. Perhaps this truth can tuck us in for the night.

“He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber.
Behold, He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.” (Psalm 121:3-4)

We erroneously think that as we “turn in” that God somehow “turns off” or moves on to do more important things. But God doesn’t wait for us to wake up before He returns to work. God is just as active during our sleep—or sleeplessness. Believers can rest assured knowing God is awake guarding our lives.

What does God do as we slumber? Psalm 127:1-2 reminds us that God gives to those that He loves as they sleep. What does God give? Understanding God’s generous nature, one rendering would be that God gives to the believer whatever is needed at the time. God can give you wisdom and direction with decisions as you “sleep on it” overnight (Psalm 16:7, James 1:5). Maybe there is a financial need. The scriptures are filled with examples of how God provided for the physical needs of those He loved as they rested (I Kings 19:1-8; Exodus 16:1-8).

God’s gifts are good, perfect (James 1:17), eternal (Ephesians 1:3) and purposeful (Galatians 5:22-25). They do not require batteries, warranties and cannot be purchased in stores. But they are available 24/7/365—not limited to one night each year. God’s greatest gift did not arrive under a tree but on a tree (John 3:16). “He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him freely give us all things?” (Romans 8:32)

It’s plain to see, God has our back as we sleep. Try this Christmas recipe for rest.

Repent—in areas where we are aware of our transgressions. “A clean conscience 
makes a soft pillow.”
Release—control of problems you’re facing and give them over to God.
Relate—connect with God through prayer and meditation while in bed.
Rest—allow God to do what you cannot do for yourself as you sleep.
Receive—God’s unmerited forgiveness, grace and blessings while you sleep.

An English proverb reminds us, “As you make your bed so you must lie in it.” The truth of God’s Word helps us face our situations. Although we cannot change the failures of our past, we can rest with a clean conscience based on God’s gift of forgiveness. Our current circumstances may appear overwhelming, but God gives His presence and His guidance in our hour of need. Our future is secure and hopeful when God’s greatest gift—His Son—is kept in view. A life supported by a vibrant, healthy relationship with the Shepherd of Sleep makes the most comfortable mattress. In childlike faith learn to trust Him as you lie down to sleep and remember: “He sees you when you’re sleeping.”

Author Bio
Dr. Charles W. Page is a sleep-deprived surgeon who completed medical school and residency at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. Dr. Page is currently a rural surgeon and has taken numerous medical mission trips to South America and the Middle East. He and his wife Joanna live in Texas with their five children. He is the author of Surrendered Sleep: A Biblical Perspective. You can find more information at surrenderedsleep.com.
Surrendered Sleep -- A Biblical Perspective by Dr. Charles W. Page
PUBLISHER: Camino Real Publishers
ISBN-10: 0983138109 / ISBN-13: 978-0983138105 / PRICE: Paperback: $14.95; Ebook: $10.95

Available at: Amazon and Surrendered Sleep

This article content is provided free of charge by the author through Kathy Carlton Willis Communications.

All other standard copyrights apply.

Benny's Angel

Benny's Angel is a sweet little tale for young children by Laura Allen Nonemaker. The delightful story emphasizes prayer. Colorful illustrations draw young readers in to Benny's world. (My criticism, however, would be the story depicts Benny's angel as female which contradicts the biblical picture.)

Who stole the flowers in God’s Secret Garden?

When Ella Eagle discovers that the flowers in God’s Secret Garden have wilted, she alerts Mayor Benny Bunny. The main suspect in the case is evil Count Slime, who is jealous of the joy the animals have in the garden. Mayor Benny calls in Oliver Owl, the captain of the Owl Force Wisdom Watchers, but the owls have not seen Count Slime during their patrols of the garden. Mayor Benny suggests the animals pray for an answer. God hears their prayer and sends Marietta the angel to help them solve the mystery.

This delightful tale uses animals, nature, and a visit from an angel to teach children the importance of prayer and the value of trusting God.

What some are saying about Benny’s Angel —
“It requires a special talent to effectively communicate to children the wonders of God’s Word. It requires expanded imagination and Laura Allen Nonemaker certainly has an abundant share of that. In this charming book, she will take her readers into a garden of flowers, aromas, and beauty. This book will be an asset in the child’s spiritual foundation and faith in God.”

Laura Allen Nonemaker’s desire to write took root as a child in Bermuda. Since then, Laura has written in a variety of genres and her work has appeared in Essence Treasury: Celebrating the Season, Alive! and Kentucky Monthly Magazine.

Laura has been involved in short-term missions, including trips to Russia, Poland, and the University of the Nations in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. Three years ago, her interest in the arts motivated her to join the planning team for Artful Missions, which conducts juried art shows and donates to outreaches in the U.S. and India to rescue women and children from human trafficking.

Connect with Laura on Facebook: Laura Allen Nonemaker, twitter: @DigInGodsGarden or Linkedin: Laura Nonemaker.
Blog: www.diggingingodsgarden.com

Q & A with Laura:
Why did you write Benny’s Angel?
Benny’s Angel was the result of an occurrence in my “secret garden.” While seated on my garden bench praying, I noticed a rabbit hopping through the garden. The Benny’s Angelscenario came to me. I sensed it was significant and in about ten minutes, I developed the basic storyline.

Why do you think reading is important for parents to emphasize with children, both by reading to them and fostering a healthy reading appetite as they develop their own reading skills?
I believe the time to instill a love for reading in children is when they are toddlers and beginning to experience the power of communication in their relationships. Children are ready to absorb whatever they see and hear going on around them, whether it is good or bad. It is important to read them stories that ignite their imagination and plant the seeds of sound moral principles.

What issues do you address in Benny’s Angel, and why do children need these sorts of stories to help them through life?
In the story of Benny’s Angel, the animals in God’s Secret Garden encounter a problem. They are unable to solve it themselves and pray to God for an answer. God answers their prayer by means of an angel. Benny’s Angel teaches the importance of prayer and of trusting God to answer our prayers. These principles filter naturally through the storyline and without the need for sermonizing. Children will face all kinds of problems and challenges as they grow up and stories based on sound biblical principles lay a strong foundation for their future.

I reviewed this book as a participant of the KCWC literary blogtours.