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.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
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.
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.
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.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Mad Cows or Mad People?
There’s a lot of talk about the mega meat recall of beef—perhaps the greatest in America’s history—from the Chino-based Westland/Hallmark Meat Co. here in California. The scoop is that many slaughtered cows (which are therefore now in products or already eaten) were invalids and could possibly have Mad Cow disease—risky for humans. Apparently, the plant produces about a fifth of all the meat in the federal school lunch programs. Scary stuff.
If you haven’t followed this news item, look up details online. It’s a hot topic. But hotter still is my anger. It’s burning. Oh, not because of the meat—although that’s also burning. Literally. They’re incinerating tons of “at risk” meat. But still my point isn’t there. My own madness lies with the fact that this issue was discovered because those cows were being tortured.
An undercover video showed workers poking the poor debilitated creatures with electric prods. They also pushed, kicked and shoved sick and crippled cows, forcing them to stand, torturing them with electric prods, forklifts and water hoses. Such cruelty suggests that the greatest disease lies with man, not beast. Perhaps—and only perhaps—the cows are victims of Mad Cow Disease. But clearly the men are riddled with Mad Man Disease. It’s sickening.
There’s much too much cruelty in this world. Still, this news item brings much attention to the concern that we humans may get diseases from the “Perhaps” (capital P) contaminated meat. Very little attention is given to the fact that some people think that as long as no-one’s looking, they can bully and torture innocent creatures. Now I’m the one who’s MAD.
You see, what concerns me more than “Perhaps-contaminated-meat”—and I’m not minimizing how terrible it would be if the meat really is contaminated and actually made humans sick, which thankfully it hasn’t yet—is a greater sickness. Cruelty. Cruelty, in my opinion, should be highly penalized.
Let me restate something I’ve brought out in earlier posts. While cruelty to animals is abomination, it’s also statistically proven that people who hurt animals are likely to also hurt children. If we don’t make an issue with this, then what will happen to our children?
Think about it. Pray about it. Speak up about it.
Copyright©February 2008
If you haven’t followed this news item, look up details online. It’s a hot topic. But hotter still is my anger. It’s burning. Oh, not because of the meat—although that’s also burning. Literally. They’re incinerating tons of “at risk” meat. But still my point isn’t there. My own madness lies with the fact that this issue was discovered because those cows were being tortured.
An undercover video showed workers poking the poor debilitated creatures with electric prods. They also pushed, kicked and shoved sick and crippled cows, forcing them to stand, torturing them with electric prods, forklifts and water hoses. Such cruelty suggests that the greatest disease lies with man, not beast. Perhaps—and only perhaps—the cows are victims of Mad Cow Disease. But clearly the men are riddled with Mad Man Disease. It’s sickening.
There’s much too much cruelty in this world. Still, this news item brings much attention to the concern that we humans may get diseases from the “Perhaps” (capital P) contaminated meat. Very little attention is given to the fact that some people think that as long as no-one’s looking, they can bully and torture innocent creatures. Now I’m the one who’s MAD.
You see, what concerns me more than “Perhaps-contaminated-meat”—and I’m not minimizing how terrible it would be if the meat really is contaminated and actually made humans sick, which thankfully it hasn’t yet—is a greater sickness. Cruelty. Cruelty, in my opinion, should be highly penalized.
Let me restate something I’ve brought out in earlier posts. While cruelty to animals is abomination, it’s also statistically proven that people who hurt animals are likely to also hurt children. If we don’t make an issue with this, then what will happen to our children?
Think about it. Pray about it. Speak up about it.
Copyright©February 2008
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Broadcast in 2 segments – en français
There’s something very special about moms of preschoolers – and even more so when they’re military wives. Today I had the privilege of speaking for some of them. What joy stirred in my heart to see these young moms eager to be the very best they can be. These are the kind of lives that inspire me to keep on doing what I do. As best I can.
One are where I’m doing as best I can – and not without challenges – is my new French televised radio broadcast, REVEIL Funny eh? Some people would find it challenging to give a Bible study in French. But not me. That comes naturally after 22 years in France, and 30 years studying the Bible. No, my big problem is something quite different. This non-geek has been challenged technologically.
Just as I master the software so I’m actually broadcasting, and adjust my screen so I’m looking at my virtual audience while I speak; poof! I touch something on my laptop and shut my own broadcast off. So then I call my technician, Joey, who walks me thru the details of how to restart my broadcast. That’s why this week’s study on Proverbs 14:1 is cut into 2 segments; Oh well…It’s better than not recording at all. Right?????!!!???
See ya on RestoreTV.com next Wednesday at 10am PT if you want to hear the study live (7pm in France), 1pm EST.
One are where I’m doing as best I can – and not without challenges – is my new French televised radio broadcast, REVEIL Funny eh? Some people would find it challenging to give a Bible study in French. But not me. That comes naturally after 22 years in France, and 30 years studying the Bible. No, my big problem is something quite different. This non-geek has been challenged technologically.
Just as I master the software so I’m actually broadcasting, and adjust my screen so I’m looking at my virtual audience while I speak; poof! I touch something on my laptop and shut my own broadcast off. So then I call my technician, Joey, who walks me thru the details of how to restart my broadcast. That’s why this week’s study on Proverbs 14:1 is cut into 2 segments; Oh well…It’s better than not recording at all. Right?????!!!???
See ya on RestoreTV.com next Wednesday at 10am PT if you want to hear the study live (7pm in France), 1pm EST.
Monday, February 18, 2008
The Shadow & Night
The Shadow & Night is a futuristic space-world fantasy which begins in the year 13851—an era resembling a sort of peace reign when sin is curiously almost non-existent. That is, until something evil yet nebulous, creeps in and puts the dampers on the whole planet (or Made World) called Farholme.
Farholme is home to Merral, our key character who finds himself caught up in a great drama—trying to discover what this evil presence is that causes people to do such terrible things such as lying. (As I mentioned before, we find ourselves in an almost sinless world where Christ’s Spirit rules and people willingly yield to Him in worshipful surrender.)
The book projects us into the future with a curious perfume of the past—of old noble times when friendship courting replaced dating. For example, courting takes place in a controlled framework. Merral is “courting” Isabel, but needs his parents’ permission to commit to her. Meanwhile, their relationship is more like a close brother and sister (something which I personally advocate in preference to today’s relationship madness, but that’s another story). I’m tempted to divulge what happens with this pair, and where it leads but I don’t want to spoil your fun. Suffice it to say that the romantic element is pleasantly suspenseful.
The characters are colorfully portrayed, although their minimal struggle with sin renders them a tad bland at times. Still we recognize stereotype penchants which bring the personalities alive. Anya, for example, bubbles with life, wit and intelligence. Vero—whose name I find curious since Vero means “truth” in Italian—is a sentinel from Old Earth and seems to reflect that genteel, noble-type of temperament, which is not what I’d expect for someone whose job a sort of spy to find out what’s going wrong on Farholme.
The backdrop for the story is a universe of many Made Worlds formed by seeding ships and terraforming with Space Gates separating them from other planets, and all connected by the Assembly of Worlds, an organization which has ruled the galaxy in perfect peace since the early 22nd Century.
This book is the first in the trilogy The Lamb Among The Stars series. (Curiously this first book of some 600 pages is actually two books combined. Still there are two more volumes that follow this.)
Get your copy of The Shadow and Night here: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1414313276 .
Or, check out the author’s site here: http://www.chriswalley.net/
Check out some of my fellow bloggers to read their review of this book:
Brandon Barr
Jim Black
Justin Boyer
Grace Bridges
Jackie Castle
Carol Bruce Collett
Valerie Comer
CSFF Blog Tour
Gene Curtis
D. G. D. Davidson
Chris Deanne
Janey DeMeo
Jeff Draper
April Erwin
Marcus Goodyear
Rebecca Grabill
Jill Hart
Katie Hart
Michael Heald
Timothy Hicks
Christopher Hopper
Heather R. Hunt
Jason Joyner
Kait
Carol Keen
Mike Lynch
Margaret
Rachel Marks
Shannon McNear
Melissa Meeks
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Mirtika or Mir's Here
Pamela Morrisson
Eve Nielsen
John W. Otte
John Ottinger
Deena Peterson
Rachelle
Steve Rice
Ashley Rutherford
Chawna Schroeder
James Somers
Rachelle Sperling
Donna Swanson
Steve Trower
Speculative Faith
Robert Treskillard
Jason Waguespac
Laura Williams
Timothy Wise
Would I recommend The Shadow & Night? Certainly, to all who enjoy fantasy and space worlds with defined characters. Criticism? Well, although I’m not a plot-oriented reader and enjoy description, I found the overall momentum of the book a little slow. But perhaps you won’t. Other than that, I had a grammatical peeve. I kept coming across the word “round” in places where I think it should be “around”. But again, perhaps that’s me, the Brit in me!
Janey L. DeMeo M.A.
Copyright©February 2008
Farholme is home to Merral, our key character who finds himself caught up in a great drama—trying to discover what this evil presence is that causes people to do such terrible things such as lying. (As I mentioned before, we find ourselves in an almost sinless world where Christ’s Spirit rules and people willingly yield to Him in worshipful surrender.)
The book projects us into the future with a curious perfume of the past—of old noble times when friendship courting replaced dating. For example, courting takes place in a controlled framework. Merral is “courting” Isabel, but needs his parents’ permission to commit to her. Meanwhile, their relationship is more like a close brother and sister (something which I personally advocate in preference to today’s relationship madness, but that’s another story). I’m tempted to divulge what happens with this pair, and where it leads but I don’t want to spoil your fun. Suffice it to say that the romantic element is pleasantly suspenseful.
The characters are colorfully portrayed, although their minimal struggle with sin renders them a tad bland at times. Still we recognize stereotype penchants which bring the personalities alive. Anya, for example, bubbles with life, wit and intelligence. Vero—whose name I find curious since Vero means “truth” in Italian—is a sentinel from Old Earth and seems to reflect that genteel, noble-type of temperament, which is not what I’d expect for someone whose job a sort of spy to find out what’s going wrong on Farholme.
The backdrop for the story is a universe of many Made Worlds formed by seeding ships and terraforming with Space Gates separating them from other planets, and all connected by the Assembly of Worlds, an organization which has ruled the galaxy in perfect peace since the early 22nd Century.
This book is the first in the trilogy The Lamb Among The Stars series. (Curiously this first book of some 600 pages is actually two books combined. Still there are two more volumes that follow this.)
Get your copy of The Shadow and Night here: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1414313276 .
Or, check out the author’s site here: http://www.chriswalley.net/
Check out some of my fellow bloggers to read their review of this book:
Brandon Barr
Jim Black
Justin Boyer
Grace Bridges
Jackie Castle
Carol Bruce Collett
Valerie Comer
CSFF Blog Tour
Gene Curtis
D. G. D. Davidson
Chris Deanne
Janey DeMeo
Jeff Draper
April Erwin
Marcus Goodyear
Rebecca Grabill
Jill Hart
Katie Hart
Michael Heald
Timothy Hicks
Christopher Hopper
Heather R. Hunt
Jason Joyner
Kait
Carol Keen
Mike Lynch
Margaret
Rachel Marks
Shannon McNear
Melissa Meeks
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Mirtika or Mir's Here
Pamela Morrisson
Eve Nielsen
John W. Otte
John Ottinger
Deena Peterson
Rachelle
Steve Rice
Ashley Rutherford
Chawna Schroeder
James Somers
Rachelle Sperling
Donna Swanson
Steve Trower
Speculative Faith
Robert Treskillard
Jason Waguespac
Laura Williams
Timothy Wise
Would I recommend The Shadow & Night? Certainly, to all who enjoy fantasy and space worlds with defined characters. Criticism? Well, although I’m not a plot-oriented reader and enjoy description, I found the overall momentum of the book a little slow. But perhaps you won’t. Other than that, I had a grammatical peeve. I kept coming across the word “round” in places where I think it should be “around”. But again, perhaps that’s me, the Brit in me!
Janey L. DeMeo M.A.
Copyright©February 2008
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