Welcome
to the November 2013
Dernier
Publishing
newsletter!
Death
and life
What is your favourite
season? Mine has to be spring, when bulbs start to push up through
the ground, buds on trees begin to unfurl and the sun begins to get
warmer – wonderful! But to get new life, there has to be a death
first. Did you know that new buds growing on trees force the old
leaves off? So, in our lives, all that is temporal is being gradually
pushed out by the new life we have in Christ! How amazing is that! So
let's embrace the winter, making the most of every opportunity we are
given :-)
Why not take a few minutes
to consider what the most important things in your life are . . .
then consider what changes you might need to make, to make sure that
your time and energy are focused on what really matters.
My
second grandson!
May I introduce you to the
newest little member of the family? He was born a little early and
weighed just 5lb8oz (2kg). He is the sweetest, cutest, most precious
little thing :-) You know, it's the quality of our relationships
which make us rich or poor. So if you want to get rich quick, work on
your relationships! I don't think the Beatles knew much about
theology, but they got it right when they said that money can't buy
love :-)
Christian
Parenting Challenge
If
you knew you had a limited amount of time with your children, would you
spend your time differently? My first husband died suddenly when our
children were aged ten, fifteen and seventeen. My second husband's
children only live with us for part of the time – the rest of the time
they are with their mum. I have a friend whose son died in a tragic
accident aged sixteen. Life can surprise and overtake us. Life is
precious, but less than perfect.
Because our children grow up so quickly, I have set up a brand new Christian Parenting Challenge for
those of us who would like to deepen our relationships with our
children. Every day for 30 days, subscribers will receive an email with a
challenge for that day. Challenges include things like listening to
your child, creating something together, doing something for someone
else together, the thorny issue of discipline and lots more . . . Some
of the challenges I did quite well when my children were 'children'
(they're all grown up now!), some I really should have done a lot
better, and many I never even thought of at the time. The thought behind
writing the challenge was that perhaps I might be able to help others
on their parenthood journey.
Christian Parenting Challenge
is for mothers and fathers, for single parents, step-parents, and any
other kind of parent. It's for those of you who have your children 24/7,
those of you who have them at weekends, and those who only see them
once a month. Whether you have the occasional nagging feeling that there
could be more you can do to deepen your relationship with your child,
or feel like you have hit rock bottom, please do consider joining us.
You are assured of a warm welcome! You will find yourself doing all
manner of simple but effective things to deepen your relationship with
your children. And have lots of fun at the same time! Want to give it a
go? Email me on Email Janet and I will add you to the list.
Christian Parenting Challenge is completely free
with absolutely no obligation :-)
Deepest
Darkness in audio and on video!
I
recently spent some time with author Denise Hayward recording
'Deepest Darkness' for audio and video! Many thanks to Sheila and
Phil of PDT Media who are working on this project with us.
As
you see, we had a lot of fun doing the recording! Will keep you
posted as to when it will be available. You can listen to me
reviewing Deepest Darkness on YouTube here: Deepest Darkness on YouTube
:-)
Will
keep you posted as to when the audio version will become available. If you would like to
pre-order, let me know! It's a really gripping story, and Denise (did
you know she is a trained actress?) is absolutely brilliant on camera -
she kept us all spellbound!
Here's a bit about the story:
Abi
suffers from terrible nightmares and her life is ruled by fear. She
makes a
new friend who shows her that true light shines, even in the deepest darkness
of the rainforest at night! Abi gradually faces her fears and finds a new
freedom. A thrilling, moving story for 8-11s.
“This
is one of the best books I have read – EVER!” -
Maddie
Books
in schools
I heard recently from a
teacher at a Christian school in Northern Ireland, whose students are
enjoying studying 'London's Gone' as part of their literacy.
If you are involved in any way in a school, either as a parent or
governor or teacher, why not mention our books to the English or
library staff? As you know, all our stories are wholesome and
inspiring for children to read, as well as having the 'message in a
story' :-)
Sharing
the vision with your group?
Thanks to Nicolette Gunn and
the lovely group of ladies at 'Gods's Oasis' at Emmanuel Church in
Guildford who gave me such a warm welcome when I went to speak a
couple of weeks ago. I love meeting our supporters and I'm only sorry
I forgot to take some photos! If you would like me to come and share
the Dernier vision with your church group, contact me at the usual
address – I'm based in London but can do a bit of travelling :-)
Absence
of Christmas
Have
you noticed I haven't mentioned Christmas yet? I hope you are
impressed! Actually, I haven't even started my Christmas shopping yet
. . . the only thing I have is the Christmas pudding, which I won in
a raffle! If you are looking for great Christmas presents for the
8-16s you love, though, you know where to find them : Dernier website
or your local Christian bookshop!
I will be in touch again soon!
With many thanks for your
support as always,
Janet
P.S.
Don't forget to join the Christian Parenting Challenge!
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