Janey's Muse - News, Views & Reviews.

God's Little Princess Devotional Bible by Sheila Walsh

2009-07-06T16:35:00.000-07:00

I review books for Thomas Nelson publishers.

Here’s a book to show every little girl she is a princess in the eyes of Jesus. This delightfully bound gift book—adorned with a sparkly crown and gems—teaches little girls how to reign like royalty.

Walsh uses Scriptures, descriptive scenarios and suggested activities to teach little princesses how to represent and please King Jesus. They learn the importance of obedience, honor, inner beauty, humility, love, prayer, serving and true worship.

Simple illustrations in pastel colors, and pretty borders decorate each page. Children are encouraged to talk with God simply and often. Brief vignettes are creatively laced with Scripture and inspire little princesses to enjoy their role as Jesus’ princess.

Although I highly recommend this book, I am disappointed by its shortsightedness. The author emphasizes the parents’ role, but does not make allowances for the thousands of orphans and foster children in America (and indeed worldwide). I wish she had found a way of including them and making them feel just as important—even without parents. (Pity that was overlooked. The book could otherwise have helped many neglected children feel like princesses.)

Overall, this is an excellent book for little girls aged 4 – 7 years.

Janey DeMeo M.A.
Copyright©July 2009

www.orphansfirst.org
www.JaneyDeMeo.com

Orphans First in West Africa

2009-07-01T18:19:00.000-07:00

Well, here we go again. Africa. Orphans First already has a children's program in Benin (French-speaking Africa). Now we're looking to create an actual children's home there -- something similar to Grace Home in India or our orphanages in Romania or Siberia. It will take a miracle, but then it always does.

The above photo shows children in our children’s club in Benin. (Hey, I know the quality of the pic is awful, but that’s what you get from a cheap, African camera.- They all come from impoverished families. Orphans First helps some of them with food and schooling.

So, Africa, here we come -- again. (And please lock up your 'squitos. I already had Malaria once thanks very much!)

I'll keep y'all posted on my plans, blogreaders. Meanwhile, check out some details on the Orphans First website.

Janey L. DeMeo M.A.
Copyright © July 2009

www.orphansfirst.org
www.JaneyDeMeo.com
www.twitter;com/Janey DeMeo
Janey DeMeo at Shoutlife.com

Defying Autism

2009-06-24T20:57:00.000-07:00

Here’s a subject dear to my heart because it affects so many children: autism.

Autism is increasingly prevalent among children today. More and more parents are frustrated and overwhelmed because they have an autistic child and don’t know how to best meet his or her needs, and still meet the needs of other family members at the same time. This book could really help. For a glimpse of the heart behind it, enjoy this interview with the author of Defying Autism, Karen Mayer Cunningham.

You have a real mix of talents in addition to being an author. Will you please tell us about yourself?

I am a stand up comic and speaker with a passion to impart truth and hope to people and to remind them that God is still purposed to have them move into their destiny.

Your new book, Defying Autism, is about your son, James. Will you tell us a little about him?

James is my first born, the apple of my eye. He was born right on time, perfect in every way. He progressed and hit all of the appropriate markers ahead of time. He was one of those vey easy babies that you could pass to anyone and he was still a happy baby. He was pointing and babbling at a year, and into everything!

He sounds adorable! At what point, did you start to notice that something was wrong?

We took James in for his 18-month check up and shots, after which his behavior took a dramatic, turn for the worse. When we brought him home, he would run to the same spot in the hall and stand with his back to the wall and slam his head backwards into the sheetrock. To say this was upsetting was an understatement, but then I thought maybe this is the dreaded terrible twos, or little boys are rough. So we would redirect him and send him on his way. The redirecting stopped working; it was though he could not stop behaving this way. He had many other strange habits, obsessive behaviors that began to appear. He would eat the little pieces of sheetrock, where he had actually put a hole in the sheetrock, he pulled the wallpaper off and ate it, he pulled up the corners of the carpet and ate the foam underneath it, he ate the rubber lining out of our car doors, he watched videos for hours standing in front of the TV.

What did you do? Who did you go to for help?

First we went to other parents of children. I owned a salon so I had the free advice every hour from women who had “already been through it”. I wanted to believe as they all said, that this is a phase, this is the two’s, little boys do strange things. We then went to professionals, pediatricians, speech therapists, ENT specialist, pediatric specialist, state agencies, MHMR and of course our church for lots and lots of prayer.

What can you tell us about autism?

Autism is a severely handicapping disorder that begins at birth or with in the first two and half years of life. For many years autism occurred in 5 out of 10,000 births, however since the early 1990’s the rate is now calculated at 1 in 150 births. Most autistic children are perfectly normal in appearance, but spend their time in disturbing behaviors, which are marked differently from those of normal children. They may stare into space for hours, throw uncontrollable tantrums, show no interest in people including their parents, and pursue strange repetitive activities with no apparent purpose. They have been described as living in a world of their own. Some autistic children have remarkable giftings in certain areas such as music or mathematics, and all need help.

What was your greatest fear?

My greatest fear was losing my child at five or ten years, or as an adult, to an institution. I would watch the movie Rain Main over and over again and assume that would be the best outcome for my son.

What was a typical day like for you and your family?

A typical day for us would be James up before we woke with a video in and grunting for what he wanted. He would only eat a few foods, several times a day he would throw up to let you know he didn’t want or like something.

Crying, tantrums and fits filled the day from sun up to bedtime. His fits had no beginning and sometimes it felt as if there would be no end. In the spring of 2000, when he was almost 6, he was still in a diaper, on a bottle and only spoke 20 words.

Did school help James?

School did help James; he did much better with a strict structured environment. The opposite of that however, is that it is hard to duplicate that environment at home with a family. School helped James academically, but not emotionally or socially.

Did church help James, or you?

Unfortunately, church did not help James at all. My husband and I were music ministers and would fill-in at churches that were looking for a fulltime staff person. This meant a lot of changes every few months – new locations, new staff, and new strange glares inferring what a bad mother I must be for my baby boy to behave in such a way. Church turned into a place I dreaded and had been such a place of family and belonging before.

What was the turning point for you in this journey?

Having heard the weekly cry of my heart for help for my child, one of my clients recommended a ministry team, a deliverance team, Gospel Revelation Ministries. I didn’t know what deliverance was, but I had no doubt I needed some. I went through personal deliverance and then followed with James in the spring of 2000. I was terrified but they said that God said he was going to be healed, so I stood with their faith. As we brought James into to the room for deliverance, he began to thrash and point to the door to leave, he was ready to go. The team prayed and laid hands on him. They said that the first demonic curse would have to go in Jesus’ name to the dry places. With that, my son reached his hand out and screamed, “come back, come back, come back, come back!!!” He was calling out for the demons that were leaving him. That was the turning point!

So, what was next?

The first thing I did was the most difficult. I changed my mind.

I changed what I believed that God could –and would – do if petitioned. I changed what I thought about the stories in the Bible. I changed my belief in what is available to us, TODAY, by the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross.

When I began to be open to the truth of the scriptures, and not just what someone else said I should believe, or someone else’s interpretation of the scriptures for me, then…the Word of God began to truly be a light unto my path.

That was several years ago. How is James today?

James is wonderful! He is 15 years old going in to the 9th grade. He’s six foot tall and an amazing athlete. God’s promise is that he will restore our minds daily and James has caught up with remarkable speed. He is still about 2 ½ years behind academically, and in three resource classes, but is making up lost ground daily. He is completely healed from the oppression of autism.

What do the professionals say?

Doctors say it is something, maybe higher than what they have in the medical field. It is nothing short of a miracle!

What can families hope for who have children with autism?

Families can believe and stand for their loved one’s healing. Jesus is in the miracle working business. He healed James.

James’ story could be anyone’s story. I was not the “good” Christian, but I stood, no matter what, believing for my child’s healing. Your healing may be through diet, environmental changes, behavioral changes, or even the way James was healed. However it comes, do not waver from the promises of God. Exodus 15 says, “I am the Lord your God who heals all of your diseases.” He is Jehovah Rapha, our God who heals. If it is in His name, it is in His will!

Karen, where can our readers get a copy of your book, or find out how to have you come and speak for their group or organization?

They can find out more about my book and speaking information on my website at KarenMayer.org. I would love to hear from any of you who are dealing with autism in your family or among your friends. I hope you are encouraged by our story – that there is hope, healing, and freedom for your situation.

--Thank you Karen. Hope my readers check out your book.

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

Vanish by Tom Pawlik

2009-06-22T16:20:00.000-07:00

Here’s an adult supernatural suspense novel I thoroughly enjoyed: Vanish by Tom Pawlik (Tyndale). A real pager turner. Here’s the gist of the story (hopefully, without any spoilers).

The protagonist, lawyer Conner Hayden (known by his wife as Connie), sees bizarre, white-eyed people—or shadows that waft like ghosts. He can’t decide if he’s losing his mind, sick or if something really weird is going on.

Conner finds himself plunged back into familiar scenarios from his past. Haunting scenes of his family as it once was before he separated from his wife and before his young son drowned, unfold like a movie, but also seem real. The wispy creatures seem tangible—not at all like in a vision. Is Conner stuck somewhere between death and life?

Conner also discovers that the whole population has vanished except him. The stores are empty, no cars on the road, no sign of life . . . He later meets another man, then a few other people who are in the same predicament as he is. With the exception of finding one another – at least for a season – they too are all alone in an empty world. They have lost friends, even family members. And they too experience flashbacks from their past, and see the ghostlike creatures.

One key character Conner meets is a young boy who seems to be lost, or orphaned. The boy later plays a key role later in connecting the dots between Conner’s failed past (divorce, irresponsibility, guilt etc.) and his relationship to God.

More than just an intriguing plot, this book thrusts you forward through the characters and their discoveries about themselves.

Buy your own copy of Vanish here.
And buy its sequel, Valley of the Shadow here.

Check out Tom Pawlik’s website here. http://www.tompawlik.com/

Check out reviews by other CSFF bloggers:
Brandon Barr
Justin Boyer
Keanan Brand
Grace Bridges
Karri Compton
Amy Cruson
CSFF Blog Tour
Stacey Dale
D. G. D. Davidson
Jeff Draper
April Erwin
Karina Fabian
Alex Field
Beth Goddard
Todd Michael Greene
Ryan Heart
Christopher Hopper
Joleen Howell
Becky Jesse
Cris Jesse
Julie
Carol Keen
Krystine Kercher
Margaret
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Eve Nielsen
Nissa
John W. Otte
John Ottinger
Donita K. Paul
Epic Rat
Steve Rice
Crista Richey
Hanna Sandvig
Chawna Schroeder
James Somers
Speculative Faith
Rachel Starr Thomson
Robert Treskillard
Steve Trower
Fred Warren
Phyllis Wheeler

Janey L. DeMeo
Copyright © June 2009
www.orphansfirst.org / www.JaneyDeMeo.com

The American Patriot's Bible

2009-06-09T18:23:00.000-07:00

The American Patriot’s Bible – The Word of God and The Shaping of America, NKJV provides a historical overlook of America’s heritage. This delightful book is laced with inspiring accounts and powerful quotes underscoring how the faith of our forefathers shaped America—all strategically woven within the pages of the Bible.

The Bible is an easy-to-use tool with special features including: full-color family record section, a list of godly values that birthed America, appealing layout and artwork, presidents’ photos, a section on monuments and their inspiring inscriptions citing the forefathers adherence to biblical values . . .

The stories in this Bible—and the way they intertwined with Scripture—moved me profoundly.

I see only two weaknesses: First, I noticed some typos. Second, some evangelicals may shun this Bible because of where the President Obama’s picture is placed—in the same section as Martin Luther King. Although most would agree that the election of a partially black president is the historical fulfillment of Dr. King’s fight for racial equality, others would argue that present governmental policies are far removed from the kind of freedom King advocated, and thus consider the placement of the two men in the same section controversial and confusing. Hopefully, though, people won’t let this deprive them of owning a book worthy of any household library.

I am a member of the Thomas Nelson’s Book Review Blogger program.
Click here for a YouTube video featuring The American Patriot's Bible.

Janey DeMeo -- orphansfirst.org / JaneyDeMeo.com

Copyright©June 2009

Bible Study Shut Down by San Diego County Officials

2009-05-28T21:39:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I posted a link to my article on Religious Freedom Again Attacked in France -- a subject close to my heart. (I lived in France 22 years and felt the anti-God atmosphere daily.) American members of congress are concerned about new reports and bills being issued in France which tamper with human rights issues. You can read my article here at Assist News Services.

But, as I've said before many times, America is in deep waters. Just look at what's happening here. This is scary.

Today I learned of a San Diego pastor who is being prohibited from holding a Bible Study in his home. He can have a poetry meeting or hang with a bunch of folks to watch football -- but not a Bible Study. At least not without paying thousands of dollars for a Municipal Use Permit. I won't attempt to botch up the details by repeating them second hand. Best you read story in the San Diego news source here.

So, while I'm worried about religious freedom in my beloved France, I'm more concerned about what happens in America because it is more shocking. Wake up America! (And I don't mean as in "Good Morning America.")

Religious Freedom in France Again Under Attack

2009-05-26T22:14:00.000-07:00

Religious freedom in France is again under attack. Preposterous government reports endanger the liberty of individual—with a particularly biased penchant toward Christians. Read my latest article on this subject here (doused with glimpses of my own experience living in France where my family, church and I were targeted of the anti-religious freedom reports):

Read my latest article, Religious Freedom in France Again Attacked here on Assist News. Services.

Janey L. DeMeo
Copyright©May 2009

A Miserable Mother's Day

2009-05-08T22:20:00.000-07:00

For some people, Mother’s Day will be a very cruel day—one that reminds them of the some agonizing pain they bear in their hearts.

Many of the half million foster children in America are in this bracket. And then there are those who’ve lost a child. None could feel worse than those whose child was abducted.

3-year-old Briant Rodriguez was recently abducted from his home. Two men broke into a home in San Bernadino, California, tied up a mother and her four children, stole some trivia--and then grabbed three-year-old baby Briant. It is feared they took him to Mexico where he could be used for porn or who knows what. Please pray for Briant, his siblings who’ve now been left permanently traumatized, Briant’s parents.

If you need tool to just imagine a wee bit how terrible it must feel for a child to be ripped from his family, scared and alone, wrap your mind around this YouTube of a scared 4-year-old boy, crying because his mom left him. This is really just a commercial but the boys tears are real. It helps us imagine how terrible it must be for little Briant, even younger than the child in the YouTube, and completely separated from his family.

Baby deaths in Benin (Africa)
Recently in the vicinity of our Orphans First ministry in Benin, a mother died giving birth. The baby was given to the family who left it to die. The baby died of willful neglect. This scenario is typical in Benin where, when a woman dies in childbirth in Benin, the baby is then considered to be the cause and is thereby cursed.

In another scenario, a woman was giving birth to twins. Because she was poor, the hospital refused to help her. After our church friends prayed, the hospital finally yielded, but by this time the woman was in a coma. She finally gave birth, but one baby was already dead. The woman survived. Orphans First has since provided a little financial help for this woman and her baby.

What do these stories tell us?

We must not give up praying for a children’s home in Benin, and even for a medical center. The needs are huge but God has already provided some of the elements we need to start another an orphanage. Please continue praying for this. Pray for:
*churches to partner with us on this project,
*the total funding needed,
*for the infrastructure we already have in place to be solid.

To see our children’s ministries and orphanages, visit www.orphansfirst.org.

Janey L. DeMeo
Copyright © May 2009

Carry on Carrie -- A Higher Crown's at Stake

2009-04-28T14:30:00.000-07:00

Most people think Miss California lost the crown. I say she didn’t. Oh, she may have lost the Miss America crown. But, I believe a greater crown is waiting for her-—in Heaven.

Carrie Prejean, Miss California almost became Miss America but . . . she lost her crown because she expressed her honest opinion—one that most Californians agree with but which irked the judges.

Prejean lost her crown because, when Perez Hilton, a gay activist, asked her view on gay marriage, she told him. Only her opinion differed to his, which angered him. She was not unkind, nor offensive and certainly not condemning. She expressed what she believes, that marriage should be between a man and a woman. And she represented the voice of most Americans from her state she’s representing. For that, she lost her crown.

Carrie’s story stirs up troubling issues. Issues I’ve mentioned previously on this blog. America is losing her freedom. She’s losing her saltiness.

Carrie has repeatedly stated that she holds no personal vendetta against gays. She simply stated her own convictions based on her own gut—and her faith. But that was unacceptable. It led to spouts of verbal aggression rising from those who disagreed with Prejean-—mostly gays and liberals. What’s their beef? Why are they so driven, so bent on imposing their opinions on those of us who think differently than they do? What about freedom of speech-—the right to believe as you wish, and express it?

As a European now living in America for five years, I’ve seen the pattern of erosion. Little by little freedom is being chipped away, and fewer and fewer people are standing up to fight for it.

When my husband and I lived in France, we were “persecuted” for our beliefs. We were victims of some serious hate crimes. But we wouldn’t be bullied. We fought for religious freedom, and won the battle in several arenas. But that’s another story for another time. My point here though is simple: Let’s not kowtow to the agenda-driven bullies. Let’s fight for freedom. Consider the movie Braveheart. William Wallace lived fighting for freedom, and died shouting, "LIBERTY!” I believe we should be ready to do the same And the way America is headed, it just might come to that.

If you think I’m an alarmist, or if you’d like to know more about what’s happening in America and how our freedom is being taken from us, check out this website: loyaltoliberty.com. It might open your eyes.

Watch Carrie Prejean stand up for truth on TV in the trailer below.

Yes, Prejean lost her crown, but she honored her convictions. And it’s my guess a higher crown awaits her. May she maintain her status as a voice of truth, and never forget that it’s a small thing to lose a mere earthly crown to gain an eternal one

“Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Rev.2:10b).

“Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? . . .” (Mat.16:24-26).

Janey L. DeMeo
Copyright © April 2009

Susan Boyle – Britian’s Got Talent, Fairystory Come True.

2009-04-17T23:12:00.000-07:00

I love the story of Susan Boyle-—so much so that I’ve almost memorized her interview on Britain’s Got Talent word for word, gesture for gesture. I’m hooked. And here’s why.

47-year-old Susan Boyle represents the most ordinary—-maybe even less than ordinary—-unhollywoodish, plain Jane you could ever meet (I know, she’s Susan, not Jane). She’s never been kissed, can’t find a job, apparently doesn’t care to cover her grey hairs or follow fashion, and certainly doesn’t believe in plucking her eyebrows. She is not comely on the outside and you’d certainly not expect her to have any talent. But talent she has. Real talent.

The look on the faces of the judges when Susan opened her mouth to sing was worth a million bucks (eh, pounds). Clearly they were taken off guard. Totally stunned. And no wonder. Susan’s voice and presentation were stunning. Her talent transcends words.

What I loved also about her song, other than her flawlessly pitched voice, were the words. She sang “I Dreamed a Dream” from Les Miserables. The song ends with the line, “Now life has killed the dream I dreamed.” But Susan’s dream is anything but dead since her performance on the show. She is the center of the latest talent buzz. And I have a hunch we’ll be hearing a whole lot more about her, and from her.

See Susan Boyle’s stunning performance here.

Susan reminds me of Paul Potts, now a household name for classic opera lovers.
See his performance here.

What I love – what we all love – is that these “nobodies” are really somebodies. On the outside they look plain. On the inside, they hide an immense talent—and they are beautiful. Isn’t that the same with each of us? According to the Bible, everyone has at least one talent. And although we may not be given the chance Susan and Paul were given, and be able to exteriorize our talent in front of large crowds, God sees it and it is precious in His sight.

“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us” (2 Corinthians 4:7).

The important thing is to do the best we can with what we’ve got. “For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away” (Matthew 25:29). And if we do just that, leaning on Jesus all the way, our dreams will come true and unfold in ways we never even imagined possible.

“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man
The things which God has prepared for those who love Him” (1 Corinthians 2:9).

Janey L. DeMeo M.A.
Copyright © April 2009

The Secret Holocaust Diaries

2009-04-13T08:57:00.001-07:00

This year’s Easter celebration was a catharsis for many – a look back to why we can experience joy today in a world filled with so much pain. Our Lord is risen! And because He is, we have hope. May we never forget the price Jesus paid. And may we also never forget our History and gloss over events that reveal man’s darkest side. Here’s a book to help us:
The Secret Holocaust Diaries by Nonna Bannister with Denise George and Carolyn Tomlin. This book goes beyond simply reminding us of our tragic past. It offers unusual hope.

Introduction

Nonna Bannister appeared to be a typical American housewife. She married Henry, the love of her life, in 1951 and together they raised three children in Memphis, Tennessee. But Nonna was far from average. For half a century, she kept her story secret while living a normal life. She locked all of her photos, documents, diaries, and dark memories from World War II in a trunk in her attic.

Tyndale House Publishers announces the publication of The Secret Holocaust Diaries: The Untold Story of Nonna Bannister written by Nonna Bannister with Denise George and Carolyn Tomlin (April 2009, Tyndale House), the haunting eyewitness account of Nonna Lisowskaja Bannister, a remarkable Russian girl who saw and survived unspeakable evils during World War II.

Questions & Answers

1. The Secret Holocaust Diaries is written by Nonna although she passed away in 2004. Did she write the book before she died?

Yes, she slipped up into the attic each night, translated her diaries (from several different languages), and recorded them in English onto yellow legal pads. Much later, after she told her husband, Henry, about her incredible past, she showed him the stacks of yellow legal pads on which she had translated her diaries and recorded her thoughts about her past, and he typed them up into a manuscript.

2. Many people assume most of the people killed by the Nazis were Jewish. Was Nonna’s family Jewish?

Although it is estimated that approximately 6 million Jews were killed by the Nazis, other nationalities experienced suffering and death, also. Nonna's family was Russian and owned seven grain mills and homes in southern Russia and the Ukraine. Her father, Yevgeny, and his family were from Warsaw, Poland, which included a large population of Jews. Due to border restrictions, Nonna never met her father's family. Yevgeny never told Nonna and her brother, Anatoly, if his family was Jewish. If the children didn't know, they could not let it slip. The admission of being Jewish could have meant deportation or certain death. There is speculation, but no one is certain.

3. Nonna saved many documents from her time at Nazi camps; what are these artifacts?

In a small ticking pillow she kept tied around her waist, she kept many one inch square photos of her family and friends in the Ukraine. She also kept her small childhood diary. On tiny slips of paper, she wrote her experiences (in diary form) and also kept these in the little pillow.
Later she kept all these in a small trunk, which she painted bright green.

4. Why did Nonna keep her devastating secret for so many years?

Nonna kept her secret past from her family/friends because she had, at last, found such happiness with her husband, Henry, and her three children. She didn't want to express her past pain--she didn’t want it to interrupt the family's happiness and cast a shadow of despair over them.

5. What can people of Christian faith or Jewish faith/descent take from The Secret Holocaust Diaries?

That grave injustice exists--Nonna learned that from the Red Army (who killed many of her family members) and Hitler's army (who also killed many of her family members and imprisoned her in a labor camp). But that God's love and forgiveness for those who hurt us are stronger than even Hitler's evil and injustice. Nonna came out of the whole experience with her heart still filled with love. She experienced none of the bitterness and hatred that some Jewish Holocaust survivors have held onto. She was able to marry, raise children, and bring them much joy and happiness through her own love and through introducing them to God's love.

6. Why did Nonna feel it was so important to share her story?

The Secret Holocaust Diaries: The Untold Story of Nonna Bannister is a true story of a young Russian girl whose family was caught up in the Russian Revolution and in World War II. In spite of the injustice inflicted on her family and millions of others, it is a story of love and forgiveness. Nonna wanted others to know the horrors that occurred during the Hitler and Stalin era so that it might never happen again.
Nonna felt compelled to tell her story because she was an eyewitness to many dramatic events, and she was the only survivor of her entire family.
Conclusion

Late in life, Nonna unlocked her trunk filled with memories from World War II first for her husband, and now for the rest of the world. Nonna’s story is one of suffering, torture, and death—but also of incredible acts of kindness that show the ultimate triumph of faith and love over despair and evil. The Secret Holocaust Diaries is in part a tragedy, yet ultimately it’s an unforgettable true story about forgiveness, courage, and hope.

In a day when life is filled with fluff and lies, I recommend this book to help us remember the truth and what really counts.

Janey L. DeMeo M.A.
Copyright © April 13, 200

On the hills of l'Aquila, Italy stands an old rugged cross

2009-04-06T22:52:00.000-07:00

“On a hill far away, lies an old, rugged cross . . . ”

Italians panic after a 6.3 earthquake strikes the area of L’Aquila in central Italy.

Just days before Easter, amidst debris and disaster, a crucifix hangs like a misplaced Christmas ornament from a piece of wreckage caused by today’s earthquake in L’Aquila, Italy. Perhaps the only recognizable object in a pile of rubble in the village of Onna, the crucifix cannot be ignored. It seems as if it was strategically placed for the world to see.

A sign maybe? Coincidence? Perhaps a simple reminder of the Easter message-—hope for the wrecked, ruined and despaired. Salvation.

Elsewhere in L’Aquila, another cross hangs boldly on a lingering section of collapsed wall-—a wall that symbolizes a place of healing and wellness—that of St. Salvatore hospital. Beneath it patients sit stunned, ironically gathered together by tragic coincidence at the one place where true healing takes place—the foot of the cross.

In the village of Castelnuovo, yet another cross is seen-—this one on the cracked wall of a ruined house. Under the decorative cross lies a picture of Jesus carrying His cross with Mary beside Him. Outside in the rubble riddled streets of Castelnuovo, nothing looks normal or recognizable except one thing—-a tall pillar with a cross on the top.

In the village of St. Elia, a statue stands defiantly amidst the wreckages of a church. On a wall hangs a huge portrait of late Pope John Paul 11. Symbols of hope? Idols? Not for us to judge . . . Personally, I see them as visuals of individual hearts that might be seeking-—and maybe have not heard the full story of where their hope lies.

In the village of Paganica another damaged church-—with its cross held high.

An earthquake, debris and crosses holding their own amidst chaos.

The earthquake should have come as no surprise. Giocchino Guiliani, a seismologist, predicted it a month ago. He even went as far as to publicly broadcast his doomsday prediction via loudspeakers in the region where the earthquake took place. But no one listened. Now doesn’t that remind us of the parable of the great banquet where the people refused to heed the call to come to the banquet before it was to late (Luke 14:15-23)?

I know Italy. I lived just hours from the Italian/French border for two decades. I have sipped many a cappuccino with those beloved, warm-hearted Italians. I know them well. They like crosses. They even like Jesus, although few know Him personally. Their belief system is steeped in superstition and dead religion. Their Jesus still hangs on a crucifix. Few have grasped the impact of the resurrected Christ. At least, not yet. But in spite of religious symbolism, the Italian heart is open to the Gospel.

Now, wouldn’t it be just like God-—the Majestic King of Redemption and immeasurable mercy, the Lord of compassion and grace, He who turn pain into divine purpose—-to consider the Italian temperament and use the tragedy of an earthquake to point them to Him? Wouldn’t it be like God to leave the cross standing in tact for a people who might find something deeper in the symbolism?

That is my hope and my prayer for the Italian people in the wake of mourning. May God heal their broken hearts, bind their wounds, rebuild their lives, redeem their sorrow—-and turn their faces to see an empty cross—-and the Savior who hung on it for their redemption.

In central Italy, amidst chaos and rubble,
Like an out-of-place ornament
Hangs a crucifix,
In Aquila, on a broken hospital wall,
Where broken people await their healing,
Hangs a cross,
In village streets strewn with debris,
Nothing can be recognized—-except
An upheld cross.

Oh Italy, your mountains are in ruins,
Your people cry for loss of hope,
But the cross cries out,
It beckons you to see,
The truth of Easter:

“There is a green hill far away,
Without a city wall,
Where our dear Lord was crucified,
He died to save us all.”

Poem by Janey DeMeo (copyright © April 2009)–except last stanza which is borrowed from the famous hymn by Cecil Alexander.

Janey L. DeMeo
Copyright © April 2009

Note—the photographed pictures referred to in this article were from the Associate Press and seen today on AOL news.

Step Into Your Future: A Women's Guide to Business Success

2009-03-24T10:06:00.000-07:00

If you’re a small biz owner--or want to become one--then this book’s for you: Step Into Your Future: A Women's Guide to Business Success by Rosemary Hossenlopp (Morgan James Publishing).

Rosemary Regier-Hossenlopp, MBA . . .is an expert on the mindset needed for business change. She is the founder of Business Success Plan group and inspires small business owners, professional services consultants and other women leaders to create personal business plans. She makes it easy for business owners to define and execute success plans. Her book on Step Into Your Future: A Businesswoman’s Guide to Success sets the standard for realigning to current market needs.

Here’s what Rosemary tells us about her book:
“What specific incident inspired you to gather together this information and put together a book?

→ Rosemary Regier-Hossenlopp: The heart of success is figuring out what gets you the best results. You hear about business planning techniques that can help you focus on getting the business results you want. But you procrastinate in implementing them. I know this because I have been there too. It is overwhelming when you need to be the plumber, the accountant, the salesman and the person who delivers the goods. It is hard to make the time to work “on” the business and not work “in” the business. More planning advice is available at www.StepIntoYourFuture.com/teleseminar/

“What’s specific inspiration changed your life … and why do you feel it had such a ‘mind-shifting’ impact on you?”

→ Rosemary Regier-Hossenlopp: I believe in easy; an easy way to see what you need to do and came up with a quick process that allowed me to identify steps that accelerated my success. You can get more information at www.StepintoYourFuture.com/teleseminar/

Check out Rosemary's video trailer.

Oh, and while we're on the subject of stepping into the future, what about our kids? Check out the new version of my biblical parenting book, Heaven Help Me Raise These Children!--Biblical Answers to Practical Parenting Issues.

That's all for today, readers. See you soon. Same blog, same time . . . (Whatever time you happen to click in.) Keep reading the good stuff.

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

A Darker Tone -- Music Dynamics.

2009-03-20T22:29:00.000-07:00

This year’s Grammy awards intrigued and one duo in particular piqued some serious interest: Robert Plant & Alison Krauss.

Is everyone who sings Christian music (Christian lyrics) singing to the Lord?
Is everyone who sings demonic lyrics singing to Satan?
I’m not convinced they are. I think some are just singing words because they sound nice. And some are pawns.

As a music fan with a strong musical bent, I’ve recently been fascinated by a duo I discovered at this year’s Grammy awards: Robert Plant & Alison Krauss for the album, Raising Sand. Their voices blend in dazzling harmony, and the music style defies genre. The eclectic amalgam of country-ish ballads, folk-rock with bluegrass twangs and Zeppelin-undertones is seemingly unique. (Dare I say unique knowing the true meaning of the word—“one of its kind?”)

What makes this duo so interesting is the astounding audacity of such a mix. Their gifts, backgrounds and specialties come from opposite ends of the music spectrum--almost like night and day.

Krauss, for example, is the most Grammy awarded female artist there is (seventeen to date). She is known as the golden voice of bluegrass whose harmonies offer silky, seamless perfection. Prolifically gifted in harmony and musical talent, she has sung hundreds of songs—including many Christian ones. But is she a Christian? I don’t know. I only know that her singing is beautiful and lends itself blissfully to Jesus ballads.

Plant, on the other hand, hard rock musical icon best known as the vocalist of the seventies rock band, Led Zeppelin, was new to the Grammy scene. He never received a Grammy back in the day. (Not until he collaborated with Krauss on Raising Sand, which resulted in them prizing a packet of them.)

Still, Plant’s talent has not gone unrewarded. In 1996, he and his Led Zep colleague, Jimmy Page (best known to Plant as “Pagey”), were awarded Best Hard Rock Performance for the song "Most High" from their album Walking Into Clarksdale. But this is disturbing.

The lyrics and music video to Most High are nothing short of Satanic. The song is clearly a worship song--not to the true Most High God, but to the sources of darkness and the lyrics are filled with satanic, Bible poking symbols such as: “olive tree consumed by fire,” “David seed” (referring to Christ), “ a king a moved the stars and the son,” (yes, “son” as in Son of God) . . . Or, what about this line, “Who hides the east from the blind man's eye?” (East refers to resurrection – and we all know who blinds the eyes to keep people from believing Christ rose from the dead.)

For a song worshiping the “lord most high,” the song is loaded with satanic symbolism. But if that doesn’t convince you, check out the song’s video on Youtube. (Please do not show it to children. It’s highly disturbing.) Satanic symbols run riot in this visual, ranging from a black goat, a huge black creature with horns, other monsterish looking creatures and numerous dark icons.

Jimmy Page, in fact, has a long history of occult dabblings. I’m not sure about Robert Plant. He’s written some creepy lyrics but is he conscious of what he’s writing or is he just a pawn? I don’t know. For the highly renowned melody, Stairway to Heaven, he claims that something just pushed his pen to write. (And, yes, the song—beautiful is it is—apparently also contains hidden occult symbols). Find out more about Led Zeppelin and the occult here.

So what am I getting at here? I’m really just thinking out loud. I’m not one to seek for demons everywhere. Far from it. I’m not convinced, as some are, that just hearing certain kinds of music automatically opens you up to demons (although I’m not saying it couldn’t. I think it depends where your heart’s at. And I don’t credit Satan with as much power as some like to believe—although his lures are crafty). But I think we must be mindful of what we hear, and be diligent to discern the enemy’s strategy’s to slither into every aspect of art, culture, politics . . .

Look, I’m a down-to-earth sorta gal. I love Jesus. And I love music, art, words (although not to the same measure as I love Jesus). But I’ve been culprit to singing words without meaning them at times. And, before knowing Jesus, I subconsciously wrote some dark poems. While that’s clearly not the case with Page whose occult connections are flagrant, where does Plant stand in all of this? Is he just led by the flow regardless of its source? Or is he conscious of the depths of evil perpetrated in the lyrics of some of his old music? I do hope that singing with a bluegrass icon and dabbling in good ol’ Americana expose him to a whole lot more than just alternative music styles. I hope that the purer roots of some of America’s music rub off on him.

I wonder if Krauss knows the Lord (she’ll certainly have heard of Him). I hope that Plant’s heart is open (hey, he’s in his sixties so he could be pretty set in his ways by now). Maybe it’d be a good thing to pray for this duo—that both would come to know the real, true MOST HIGH. And His name is Jesus.

Janey L. DeMeo
Copyright © March 2009

www.JaneyDeMeo.com / www.orphansfirst.org

Two new books by Janey DeMeo

2009-03-08T21:38:00.000-07:00

Heaven Help Me Raise These Children!--Biblical Direction for Practical Parenting Issues, has received a makeover with a brand new cover. For details on the book, or to place an order, go here. Read testimonies of how the book has helped people on my website. Heaven Help Me Raise These Children can also be found on Amazon.com and all major book distribution services.

I'm also a contributing author in another great book, A Cup of Comfort Women of the Bible Devotional. This book includes twelve of my devotionals--each featuring a special woman of the Bible and highlighting what her life teaches us. The book is an easy read, rich in anecdotes which increase your knowledge of and hunger for the Bible. It makes a great gift.

I hope you check out these books. And please leave me a comment.

Janey L. DeMeo
Copyright © March 2009

www.JaneyDeMeo.com / www.orphansfirst.org

Slumdog Millionaire, Orphans First -- & Me!

2009-02-28T18:23:00.000-08:00

Well, well, well . . . I’m barely back from a deeply soul-searching retreat in the Colorado mountains—where my life in France, Italy, England, Africa, India was a relevant discussion point—and I see flashbacks of my days in India in the award-winning film, Slumdog Millionaire. (Btw, this picture is not from the movie, but is an actual street child I’ve worked with in India.)

No, I was never on Millionaire (not that smart!). And I wasn’t born in a slum (although parts of my native London are close). But I have visited India several times. (In fact, Orphans First has an orphanage there with some ninety children.) And I have been to Mumbai (formerly known as Bombay). It was in Mumbai, more than a decade ago, that God allowed me to help start a children’s home. More on that later. For now, let’s focus on the film.

Slumdog Millionaire is about orphans, corruption, exploitation of the poor and defenseless, and cruelty to the innocent. It is a story of extreme suffering, love and beauty. The real India—and India’s beautiful victims enslaved to the harsh hand of poverty.

Slumdog Millionaire reminds me a little of Pursuit of Happyness, Blood Diamond, or City of Joy inasmuch as its suspense-driven plot is more nerve-wracking than entertaining. I spent most of the movie riveted to my chair, gripping my husband’s arm and feeling sick. (Not what you’d usually opt for after a retreat—but no doubt what I needed to remind me why I’m here.)

Still, in spite of the reality shock about what life in India is really like, the story line is brilliant, with unexpected twists, and exquisite artistry. But beyond art and plot--even Oscars--lies a far greater kinship between Slumdog and me. For me, it stung me to the core because I know children in India—children like Jamal, Salim, Latika, Arvind. I’ve hugged children who lived in Mumbai’s slums or at the train station. The pain they’ve borne has given them an unusual perspective.

Mani lived in the streets. He used to tell me, “Mummy, it’s not that I lost the toy you gave me, it’s that they stole it from in the streets.” Ganesh had only one leg because he got hit by a train: We bought him a prosthesis, but somehow it never seemed to feel comfortable for him. And Vijay--beloved Vijay who fought back tears the day I left, his face so worn with worry and stress that he looked like an old man. Vijay hugged me so hard, I felt as if he was trying to keep me with him forever. How I wish I could have kept him. I will never forget those children (now young adults).

I met many of these children In 1996, during a visit to my orphanage in Guntur, India. We went with a team of friends from France, and spent some time with the street children of Mumbai. It was there and then that the seed for a children’s home was planted. Orphans First began funding the upkeep of 20 street children, providing food, school (thanks to two saintly women), and church life. This initiative was catalyst to the founding of a home which then became an independent entity – no longer needing Orphans First funding. It was a miracle. However, because life in India is so precarious, most of the original children we’d worked with ended up back in the streets—something which has kept my heart broken ever since. Still, a home was established and we’ve been able to do more in India since.

With regards to India, Orphans First has its largest children’s home in Guntur and helps poor children in Delhi—and, of course, in many other countries. Check out the Orphans First updates.

India, land of dreams and demons,
Of poverty, despair and misplaced hope,
Yet land of beauty,
Simplicity of survival,
Humbled humility,
Land of squalor, shame, scum and slums,
Disguised diamonds,
Born in muck,
Cut and carved by pain’s sharp tool,
Fashioned by destiny’s cruelty,
Slumdog millionaires!
Oh, not because of money—
but because of heart.
Because of the heart of the One who died for them.
His name is Jesus.

Janey L. DeMeo M.A. © Copyright March 2009
www.orphansfirst.org / www.JaneyDeMeo.com

The Beauty of Zits

2009-02-17T21:49:00.000-08:00

Used to hate having zits when I was a kid. But today, when the unexpected happened—a festering ziteroo planted on my not-very-teenage face—I got to thinking. (It sometimes takes something drastic like that for the thinking genes to kick in.) Some little bothersome things can actually turn into blessings—way later on, of course.

I mean, think of school. All that homework, peer pressure and misery. But now I have a Masters degree, and can spell (which is more than I can say for kids leaving school nowadays). It was worth it.

Or, take kids. They’re adorable little blessings. And then they grow up to be . . . Ok, maybe we won’t take kids. Poor example here!

But let’s take flowers. You put in lots of effort to plant them, and then voilà—they bloom. Moral of story? Dah! That it’s worth planting flowers of course.

Now, let’s go back to zits (oh, puleeeeeeeeeeez, do we have to?!). Thing is, although I struggled as a teen, trying to cover those wee facial monsters, today I’m thankful for those over-active oil glands. Y’see, most people can’t guess my age. They perceive me to be younger than I am (well, for 102, I really don’t look so bad do I?) That very oil that clogged up the pores now keeps the skin moist and youthful (relatively speaking, that is!)

So, should I be mad I had zits as a self-conscious teen? Or glad I’m now ancient and look less ancient?

I don’t know. But this one thing I do know: “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:16-18, NKJV).

Let’s look beyond today’s zits and into the beauty of eternity awaiting us. (The way it’ll pan out really does depend on how we live our lives today. Saved by grace, but given a chance to be conformed to Jesus by doing the works He’s set before us—Eph.2:10).

Janey L. DeMeo M.A. © February 2009
www.JaneyDeMeo.com
www.orphansfirst.org

Grammies -- music & the arts

2009-02-11T23:20:00.000-08:00

Dunno if you watched the Grammies this week, but I got a glimpse. Delightful—for the most part. (Sadly, there were some agenda-loaded comments applauding ungodly practices, but that’s life today.)

Did you ever consider how diverse music styles can be, yet there’s a common thread in its structure? It’s almost as if God allows us to have “almost” possibilities in creating melodies, tunes, sounds—but they are capped by our human limitations. It sure makes you wonder what the music will be like in Heaven.

Another thing about music, like dance and other art forms (I’m a huge fan of all the arts), is that the arts provide a beautiful vehicle for people to express themselves, and sometimes find healing. The arts especially provide a valuable tool we often use to minister to children.

As someone who grew up in an artistic family, and as a vocalist and fan of many types of music, I was especially intrigued by some of the music combinations. Whoever would have thought Robert Plant from Led Zeppelin fame would sing with bluegrass virtuoso, Alison Kraus? Fascinating sound. Not sure where Plant plucks all those lyrics from, but I get a hunch, he’s seeking.

ColdPlay, good ol’ Brits like me, have a great sound. Now if I could just get those words . . . something about a “missionary”?

Of course, some songs typically depicted today’s liberal society, which is beginning to make Sodom & Gomorrah look like Disneyland. (Ok, some of you might find this metaphor a bit of an oxymoron, so think Disneyland as it was originally meant to be.)

Music is a language, a form of communication, a God-given gift. If only this gift could be used entirely to glorify the One who gave it. Now that would really change lives.

Janey L. DeMeo
February 2009 © Copyright
www.orphansfirst.org / www.JaneyDeMeo.com

Octuplets & Ethics –when is enough enough?

2009-02-02T23:40:00.000-08:00

A woman not far from where I live recently gave birth to octuplets—8 babies. Of course, this wasn’t a natural incident (it never is) but, rather, it was the result of fertilization treatment—artificial insemination. No one loves babies more than me, but I find this situation extremely troubling for many reasons—not the least of which is that the woman already has 6 babies (the oldest being only 7-years-old).

Not only does the woman now have 14 babies (6 + 8 = 14), but she isn’t married. And she lives with her parents—who just happen to have claimed bankruptcy, and who are exhausted. The parent's home has only three bedrooms. All the children this woman has ever conceived were through fertilization treatment. Isn't that pushing natural limits and playing God? Tragic--especially since there are so many children needing homes!

The woman’s mother said that her daughter just loves children. So? Many people love children (me, for one). So, why not work at a Daycare? Or foster needy kids? Why jeopardize the lives of the six precious children she already had before tampering with nature to satisfy some kind of need? Babies should not be brought into this world to satisfy our need. (More on this in my parenting book, Heaven Help Me Raise These Children!).

What troubles me is why didn’t anyone ever look into the woman’s background? Did the doctors involved in her insemination know she already had 6 children and no husband? Shame on them if they didn’t know. And greater shame if they knew and still proceeded.

In most cases of artificial fertilization or insemination, 3 or 4 eggs maximum are implanted. Rarely do all of them “take.” Still, they might, so that’s why the count is limited. In this case, 8 were planted. And 8 took. The age limit to receive such treatment is 35. This woman is 33. Seems like borders were pushed to the limit and the old philosophy “ignorance is bliss” reigned over reason.

Ignorance ain’t bliss folks. No way. Knowledge—combined with a sense of ethics—might have saved a lot of hardship. (I pray these children won’t face hardship, but realistically . . .).

Read an article on this subject here. (I added this article link in on Feb.12th -- since it adds more details than when I first wrote this post.)

I wonder what will happen to those precious 14 babies now? I wonder who’ll feed them, bathe them, hug them, help them with their homework, challenge them to make wise choices in life . . . I wonder if they’ll be kept together or if some will end up in foster homes. Precious, innocent lives.

Let’s pray for this woman and her babies—and the grandparents who have now landed so much more than they expected—that God’s will be done for all. Let’s pray also that the medical field wakes up to ethics and reason and stops playing “god” because of their greed for money.

Janey L. DeMeo M.A.
Copyright © February 2009

Why are we making politics about race?

2009-01-23T22:15:00.000-08:00

I’m stunned that we’ve made politics a racial issue. No one could be happier than me that that equal opportunities are being given to all Americans—regardless of their color. No one could be more disgusted than me that race was ever a reason to boycott someone or hinder them from entering into the same opportunities as their peers. Racism is despicable. Thus, in that respect, I can understand that many would celebrate the inauguration of a black president (although, in reality, he’s as much white as black; he’s multi racial).

But to celebrate primarily because of the president’s color—and to ignore his political stand—is like being an ostrich suffering of HITSS: Head In The Sand Syndrome. It’s insane.

I’m not a politician—although I have several personal friends who are—but I do know that politics should be revolve around policies and our concern should be whether they align themselves with our belief system. Policies are the issue. Not race.

The question we need to ask ourselves is: Are the new policies being brought in by the new president compatible with our belief system? You have to define what you believe. Do you believe in absolutes? In the Bible? Is it OK to take our hard earned tax money and spend it on abortions (which, in my book, amounts to killing babies not unlike the practices of cult worshipers in the Old Testament)? You decide. (I already have.)

The problem, though, is that too many have been mesmerized by media mania and Hollywoodish euphoria. Consequently, too many don’t even know what the new policies are; they don’t grasp the implications of what the new regime is propagating. Well, since I’m not a politician, I’m not going to try to enlighten you. But there’s someone I greatly admire who could tell you clearly what is going on, and that’s Ann Coulter.

Ann Coulter was interviewed on the Dr.Phil show this week together with some other key thinkers. Her take on the new B. Husein Obama is enlighteningly brilliant. Check it out.

I highly recommend reading Ann Coulter’s blog. She’s feisty, funny, free thinking and doesn’t mince her words -- a voice in the wilderness, a genius with a biblical world view. Check out for yourself.

Praying for the president – and for America.

Janey L. DeMeo M.A.
Copyright © January 2009

Wild Things -- that's what boys are

2009-01-20T15:48:00.000-08:00

As a mom with both a daughter and a son, I can tell you first-hand boys can be reeeeaaaally wild. Add to that my work with fatherless & abused children (as founder of Orphans First -- orphansfirst.org), and I can tell you doubly that boys have very special needs. I'm happy to say that Wild Things by Stephen James and David Thomas provides answers to many of our questions about those "wild things" we call boys.

Looking for answers on how to raise boys?
Ever wonder…
• Why can’t he sit still?
• Is he hearing a word I say?
• Why is he angry all the time?
Boys are born to be wild. Their strong spirit, endless imagination, and hunger for adventure are only matched by their deep desire to be affirmed, esteemed, and loved. In their new book Wild Things, therapists Stephen James and David Thomas help parents and educators understand what exactly makes boys tick.

Read questions (Q) to the authors and their enlightening answers (A) below:

Q. You address five key stages that a boy goes through on his journey to becoming a man. What stage is the most difficult for most boys to navigate?

A. Each of the stages holds unique challenges. We worked hard to break down each stage in a way that is easy to digest. We think that that parents and educators will walk away with a clearer understanding of a boy’s unique design in each stage and some practical ideas in how to care for him within that stage of his development.

In many ways Wild Things is the kind of thing that you don’t just read once. It is more like an entertaining reference guide that parents and teachers can go back to time and time again for encouragement, insight, and direction.

But if we had to identify one stage as the most challenging, though, we’d have to say the Wanderer stage (13-17). This window of a young man’s development is plagued by physical and emotional change. A colleague of mine, who is pediatrician, said boys in this stage are 98% hormone, which translates to their being so emotional. A part of their developmental agenda is moving toward independence and pulling away. He’s often times the most distant and hard to read in this stage, which greatly complicates the process of letting him go and trusting him with more independence. And it is during this stage that is has the ability to make decisions that will effect the rest of his life. The risks are real and boys in this stage lack the ability to choose wisely with their future in sight.

Q. Both of you are fathers of girls and boys. How is parenting a boy different from parenting a girl?

A. Parenting boys in the first three stages is just so physical. Parenting boys in these years requires a great deal of physical energy—and a good back. Whereas parenting our daughters is so much more relational and emotional. Both are exhilarating and exhausting, but in different ways.

When I (David) engage my daughter, it’s in sitting in a neighborhood coffee shop talking about her day at school. My boys can sit at the coffee shop long enough to finish a chocolate chip cookie, spill their milk and then we’re kicking a soccer ball across the street at the park.

We talk a lot in the book about boys in motion and how to engage these active, physical beings. Girls need that too, no doubt, but not in the same way boys need it.

We had our families together the other day over at my (Stephen’s) house. At one point all the kids went out in the front yard to play: five boys and two girls in all. There were a number of balls lying around the yard. The boys started playing soccer with one ball and the girls started playing soccer with another. After a few minutes the boys were trying to kick the ball at each other and the girls were off to the side talking to each other. To me that is a great picture of the differences.

Q. What mistakes have parents and educators made in their approach to rearing and training boys?

A. For me (Stephen) the consistent mistake my wife and I make is that we over explain and over verbalize with our sons. This is a problem that is very common. In parenting boys, adults tend to talk to them and at them a great deal. We talk and talk and talk and end up sounding a lot like Charlie Brown’s teacher. “Whah, whah, whah.” In Wild Things we offer a number of different strategies for engaging and educating boys that better match their unique design. Boys learn through experience and physical repetition. They need consistent firm boundaries and loads of encouragement.

As far as school goes we speak a lot in the book that the compulsory model we use for schooling in the United States is generally well-suited to a girl’s learning style. It’s heavy on verbal and written expression, two particular areas of strength for most girls. It involves a good deal of sitting still for extended periods of time with mostly auditory instruction. These methods don’t match a boy’s way of learning or draw on his learning strengths.

Q. How did you come to the conclusions you discuss in Wild Things?

A. The book is a combination of science and research, clinical experience (our own as therapists and that of others), and our own journey of parenting five boys between the two of us.

As therapists, we have sat with thousands of men and boys over the years. Our hope was to bring their voices into the content of Wild Things. We have learned so much from the males we’ve had the great honor of working with and hoped to bring their stories into this text. In addition to those, we are still learning so much from living with five of our wild things.

Q. At what age should parents discuss sex, homosexuality, and pornography with their boys?

A. You may be surprised to hear this answer, but we’d recommend beginning a dialogue around sexuality at the age of two. We aren’t recommending education around homosexuality and pornography at two. That begins typically around age 8-10, possibly earlier or later depending on the boy. But we are strong advocates of a healthy ongoing dialogue with every boy around the design of his body, sexuality, and boundaries in relationships in stage one. We lay out a good portion of this in the book to take some of the guess work out of it for parents, and we recommend some useful resources in further guiding you through this life long discussion. As boys grow older the conversation becomes more specific and more technical. Think of it like painting: it starts with broad brush strokes and then moves to finer detail. But as a rule, it starts way before most parents think it does.

Q. What are the three most important factors in keeping a boy from experimenting with drugs?

A. We continue to see three common factors among young men that we’ve worked with who either abstain from using substances or experiment and then make a decision not to continue. The first would be a strong faith and core values. The second would be a strong family open to dialogue. The third would be strong relationships.

More on this blog soon.
Janey L. DeMeo M.A.

Article on Mexico Mission article & Orphans First

2009-01-17T11:48:00.000-08:00

. . . to continue on with Thursday's post, click here to read my now-published article on our recent trip to Mexico and Orphans First work (4 pics included in this one).

Sweet Mexico -- where hope is fast waning.

2009-01-15T21:19:00.000-08:00

“Oh, oh, Mexico, Sounds so simple, I just wanna go . . . “

Much as I love James Taylor, he really got it wrong with these lyrics—at least at this time. Nowadays, life in Mexico is far from simple . . .

If we in America think we’ve got it hard nowadays with the economic crisis, then how d’you think Mexico’s poor are faring? Not good. I was there again on Monday and the streets were bare.

(I’m busy writing an article about it -- & will drop a link here on this blog in the future once it’s published.)

My husband, son and I went to give gifts out to the poor in the streets again. Although we had a wonderful time – and truly sensed God with us – it was hard to see faces that are usually jovial now drooping with despair. Of course, a huge part of this is due to the endless gruesome murders taking place in TJ (over 5, 600 last year).

These ladies nattered together anxiously -- no doubt worrying about how to feed their children that night. I felt their burden. The little we were able to give them won't last them long. Let's pray the more lasting gift of Jesus was fully received, and let's pray God takes care of their many needs.

Mexico needs our prayers. Oh, and so does America btw. (I do fear that the land of dreams is in for a rude awakening as dreams crumble under the growing socio-economic shock-wave.)

Let’s pray for Mexico, America—and the whole world. Why not? We just do it one by one, each one doing what they can.

JaneyDeMeo © Copyright January 2009

Fisher Price's worst toy -- doll spouts shocking Islamic propaganda.

2009-01-05T23:34:00.000-08:00

Well, you don’t have to be a brain surgeon to discern the times. Just know the Bible and don’t play ostrich.

But no matter how much I think I’m sensing how late the hour is, there’s always something to surprise me. Even shock me. Here’s one of those “things.” A talking doll made by Fisher Price doll, which speaks the words "Islam is the light." Don't believe me? Hear it for yourself.

Now you can make up your own mind.

Janey DeMeo
Copyright © January 2009

Oh, oh, Sweet Mexico -- outreach to children!

2008-12-31T13:00:00.000-08:00

There’s no greater joy than to see a child made happy because of Christ’s love. (Isn’t that what the joy spoken of in 2 John 4 refers to? The truth of walking in God’s love!) Prayer makes this possible. Thanks for praying for Orphans First during 2008.

2008 was a wonderful year for Orphans First. As well as the children in our children’s homes, orphanages and ministries, many more children were helped and given an opportunity to see Christ’s love in action. Check out the website for updates in the future.

Thank you for praying for our recent trips to Mexico. Mothers begging with their children, children begging alone, raggedy little ones – these were just some of the sites we saw. (See pics above. I tried sharing the Gospel drawing from my French & Italian. But maybe I need to learn Spanish.) We’re thankful we were able to put smiles on a few wee faces by giving toys, food (& a little money for the parents). But it seems so little. Please continue praying that Orphans First can make a lasting impact in Mexico, by God’s grace.

For those wanting more news on the Orphans First Christmas Project, keep checking the website for updates and photos. We were able to provide Christmas gifts for children in Russia (Siberia), India (2 cities), Romania, Haiti, Mexico, and several countries in Africa.

Thank you so much for your prayer support for Orphans First in 2008. I hope you continue praying with us for the children in 2009. They are so worth it. And so are you. (Prayer changes you like nothing else – it’s worth persevering).

Janey L DeMeo M.A.
www.JaneyDeMeo.com / www.orphansfirst.org
Copyright © December 2008