It's Easter. So what?

As people pour into churches for Easter weekend -- many for the first time this year (the second time will be Christmas) -- others would give anything to be able to go to church, to be in a loving atmosphere. But they're stuck at home sick. Or in some far away land where the nearest church is a 10 mile walk away. Or, worse still, they are not allowed to attend church. (Such is the case of some children I know.)

But thank God, knowing Jesus doesn't depend on going to church (although church-life is a vital part of growing). Knowing Jesus is about, well, knowing Jesus. Knowing His resurrection at work within. And sometimes, fellowshipping with His sufferings (Philippians 3:10) so that resurrection power is manifest.

Easter is about the resurrection of Jesus, the Son of God who died for our sins. It is the celebration of new life. Bunnies and Easter eggs are basically pagan traditions but to the believer, they reflect newness of life, life bursting forth, resurrection. But the world is still filled with people who have not heard of Jesus, or if they have heard of Him, they don't know who He really is. They don't know how deeply He loves them and what He can offer them.

In a world that's messed up on every level -- a world that's calling wrong right, black white and so on, people need a savior, the Savior. They need Jesus.

Church attendance is expected to be huge this weekend. But how many will come to really know about Jesus?

Read my article on why churches are full at Easter in The Examiner here.

Copyright © April 2012
www.orphansfirst.org
www.JaneyDeMeo.com
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Dawn Comes Early

What makes a beautiful and talented young girl want to forgo the chance of being married to become a ranch owner? And what happens when she meets the kind of man she never dreamed could exist? Will she stick to her guns or yield to love’s temptation?

Dawn Comes Early by Margaret Brownley is a good old-fashioned western romance laced with plenty of surprises and humor.

Kate Tenney is a writer who finds herself in straights when her novel is banned. Needing security and purpose, she answers an ad seeking an heiress for The Last Chance Ranch in Arizona. Only there’s a catch. If she passes the grueling trial period and is accepted, the contract mandates that she remain single. Not a problem for Kate since she doesn’t trust men anyway. Her real problem is whether she can master ranch life enough to be chosen as heiress—or so she thinks.

Then along comes Luke Adams . . . and Kate finds herself with a man-sized problem.

Not only is Brownley’s storyline tender, suspenseful and humorous, but her characters are masterfully crafted with their own individual personalities and idiosyncrasies. A delightful read.

I received this book as a Thomas Nelson Booksneeze blogger.

Janey DeMeo M.A.

Copyright © March 2012

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www.JaneyDeMeo.com
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True Woman 101: Divine Design

When society revamps womanhood in a way that opposes the Maker’s original design, the world falls apart.

If you’re disturbed by where today’s culture is headed – an increase in divorce, dysfunctional families, gender blending etc – then here’s a book that offers solutions, True Woman 101: Divine Design – An Eight-Week Study on Biblical Womanhood by Mary A Kassian and Nancy Leigh DeMoss.

True Woman 101: Divine Design is a Bible-based workbook, which can be used by individuals or in a group setting. The book divulges the dilemma – the distortion of womanhood, which ultimately breeds dissatisfaction – and presents the solution – biblical womanhood.

Through the study of Scripture, Kassian and DeMoss show how men and women are inherently different. From the onset, the sexes were designed to complement one another and glorify God. And although the fall has messed up the picture, the original design cannot be ignored. Each man and woman is unique, but with a gender-specific purpose. As each embraces their God-ordained role, they find satisfaction and God is glorified.

Women are not less than men; God created them to complete the picture of Himself. This happens as men and women relate and interact in the way He intended.

True Woman 101: Divine Design is an attractively laid-out biblical discovery of the wonder of womanhood, an exploration of the true emancipation women can enjoy as they relish their role as a reflection of the bride of Christ.

Every woman, teenage girl and some men would benefit from this book (as would the women in their lives). True Woman 101: Divine Design has the potential to change history and bring true liberation through the Christ-centered counter-revolution it is sparking.

Find out more about the True Woman Movement here.

Janey DeMeo M.A.

Copyright © March 2012

www.orphansfirst.org
www.JaneyDeMeo.com
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Major on Minors -- the MInor Prophets

The Unknown Prophets - Newsletter Promo from North Coast Church on Vimeo.

The Minor Prophets sometimes pose major problems to readers--at least until they get the whole picture. And what a picture it is.

Every book of the Bible reveals redemption and contributes to God's story as it unfolds in His book.

Read my article on the Minor Prophets in The Examiner here.

Let's keep on reading those books -- all 66 of them. They just get better and better. (I'm talking about the Bible, of course.)

Janey DeMeo M.A.

Copyright © February 2012

www.orphansfirst.org
www.JaneyDeMeo.com
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Just A Minute

Here's a book that makes me shout one loud "Yes!", Just A Minute by Wess Stafford.

Wess Stafford is the CEO and president of Compassion International and since I'm founder and president of Orphans First, what could be more appropriate than to read and promote such a life-impacting book?

Just A Minute is a compilation of true stories and testimonies of people—ordinary people, celebrities and historical figures—whose lives were impacted for good or bad by someone who took “just a minute” to build them up or tear them down through words, action or attitude. The author also showcases the immeasurable reward experienced by those who pour encouragement, godly direction, affection, inspiration, hope . . . into the heart of a child.

You can see the trailer and read my complete review of Just A Minute here in The Examiner.

Read my review. More importantly, read this book. It could change your life and the life of children.

Janey DeMeo M.A.

Copyright © February 2012

www.orphansfirst.org
www.JaneyDeMeo.com
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Snowmen, the movie

If you've been following my blog for a while, or know me personally, you know I'm a stickler for wholesome entertainment -- meaningful messages to teach our children. Well, here's a movie I recommend: Snowmen.

A delightful, sweet, inspiring, tender, humorous story to show the entire family, Snowmen doesn't disappoint. Watch the trailer and read my full review of Snowmen in The Examiner here.

Janey L. DeMeo M.A. © January 2012

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

War Horse

As a horse lover, I can't help but rate this movie highly. I can relate to the relationship between Albert and Joey the horse. Horses are highly sensitive, intelligent creatures and when they bond, they'll never forget you.

Read my full review of War Horse in The Examiner here.




Janey L. DeMeo M.A. © January 2012
www.orphansfirst.org
www.JaneyDeMeo.com
www.twitter.com/JaneyDeMeo