World Weekend of Prayer for Children at Risk 3rd – 4thJune 2006

Pray for the World Weekend of Prayer for Children at Risk -- June 3rd & 4th -- when churches and people all over the world are encouraged to specifically pray for the needy children. Let's be praying for this event -- that it will change the destiny of millions of children who are victims of this world's cruelty. Pray for Janey DeMeo Founder/director of Orphans First. She needs encouragement to continue helping children around the world. Check out her website: www.orphansfirst.org / E-mail: Janey@orphansfirst.org

A day to remember

Don't forget to pray for the children affected by this war. Both the children here in the United States and those overseas..

Unseen Child: God Bless America!!!

Unseen Child: God Bless America!!!

iraq_soldier

iraq_soldier
Originally uploaded by slaugh7y.

Pray for all the men who continue to fight for our Country. Thankyou to all the soldiers who have in the past and are presently serving in the armed forces!

What A Week!

I'd like to start by saying a big "THANK YOU" to Denise, my website designer! She is doing an awesome job!

Thank you, Diane, for taking over the responsibility of sponsorship, that's a huge project!

I have wonderful news! Felisha Scott, Founder of Healing Club, and I met on Monday and she has made our team complete. Felisha, I want to say "Thank you, thank you, thank you, for an awesome day!" I will store this away in my list of wonderful memories and look forward to spending lots of time becoming friends. And now, Co-Workers, YEA! Check out the site for more info on Healing Club and the wonderful Felisha Scott...

To all those who have sent manuscripts for me to review, I'm on it! What an honor to have the opportunity to be a part of your lives. Betty J May, I totally enjoyed our conversation at CCWC and our follow-up phone call last night. I look forward to seeing your book in my bookstore. And I'm excited to receive new manuscripts, so keep 'em coming, everybody! Submit to "Contact Us - Talk to Diana Joy" at the www.unseenchild.com.

Janey and I shared a blessed time on Saturday as I drove her to the airport to catch her plane back to CA. I already miss you, Janey... Can't wait to read your new blog! That is, once you get it in English LOL (that French is too much for me)!

I survived the twins B-Day party and Danielle's awesome meal, YUMMY! Stay tuned for more photos of adorable children and grandchildren coming this weekend...

Sara and I have a letter to write, so we'll chat this weekend.

God Bless and enjoy the holiday weekend,

Diana Joy

A Day Making Friends!

Hi! It's Sara "the editor" Davenport, and I wanted to share a blessed experience from this past week. On Wednesday, I had the privilege of driving some lovely ladies to the Colorado Christian Writer's Conference. I spent the day with Diana Joy - always a pleasure - and Janey DeMeo - we picked her up at the airport, she is a presenter at this year's conference - and Michelle - a wonderful Christian woman with a heart for Romanian orphans.

Though we hardly knew each other, we all felt a kinship in the Lord that brought a day of sharing and praying and praising and other great fellowship! It didn't hurt at all that the conference is in Estes Park, CO - one of the most beautiful places on Earth!

It reminded me of the power of God to bring people together in His name and for His work and I'm so thankful He chose me to share in this particular day of His planning. I hope you can embrace God's plan for you, today, and find many reasons to Praise Him!

Friends and More,

Sara

Meet Janey DeMeo!

Hi everyone. This is Janey DeMeo, founder & director of Orphans First. Thanks so much for your prayer support for suffering children everywhere. They appreciate it, even if they don't know you. God does. Thanks also for your support for my new book, Heaven Help Me Raise These Children! And thanks for praying for Diana and the awesome work she is doing.

Mothers Day

Happy Mothers Day!! What a great time to honor thy mother! May god bless all of you each day! Remembering the past leads to healing, only time can heal our wounds. God loves us all and tests us in different ways. Remember to think about why things happen and keep the faith. The truth will set us free. Love always! Diane Maes, Diana's assistant

Wow!! Mothers Day is almost here!!!

By the mail I have received I am aware that this is a painful time for a lot of women. Many have e-mailed me and asked for my advice of how to survive this Sunday? This is a question I want to answer gently....But honestly..

I want to answer this question to all those who are grieving today for the loss of their mother (through abuse or death). I understand your pain and I value the fact that you have been courageous enough to come to me for the answer. Though I am honored, I must say that I am not qualified to answer such an important question. Please forgive me? But, I will tell you how I survived Mothers day...

The only way that I have come to accept this time of year is through asking many women the powerful question.

1. “How do you feel about Mothers day?”
This is some of the answers to my question:
a. “My mother is the best....but..(pause)”
b. “My mother was not a good person...but... (pause)”
c. “My mother...(pause)...she drives me crazy!”

Well...I continued to search for the answer to the question, “How do I truly feel about this day?” So, I decided to be brave and ask my own daughters. Surely they would give me thier honest answer? Perhaps, through their answers I would somehow heal.

My daughters answers to the question: “How do you feel about mothers day?”

The 22 year-old: “Mom..(pause)...Happy Mothers Day!..(pause)...what would you like? By the way mom, I’m a little low on cash this month. I don’t know how I will pay for my cell phone bill?”..(pause).

The 20 year-old: “WOW!...(clear throat).. Mom, why do you ask?...(pause)..Did you hear about this hot guy I saw the other day?” She totally avoided my question!!!

The 16 year-old: “Mom...you’re always a grouch! ...but...(pause).. I was wondering what you wanted on Sunday?”

The 15 year-old: “Well mom...(pause)..yeah...so, what are we going to do on Mothers Day?”

The 14 year-old: (pause)... "WHAT.. EVER!”....(pause)..that’s a dumb question!"...She walks away rolling her eyes!

My 9-year-old: Mom, you’re the best mom in the whole wide world....(BIG HUGS).no pause!!

The 25 year-old (I pause)...(I giggle to myself)..she now has given birth to 5 children: “Well, Mom...(pause)..I think you are the greatest grandmother. I have the perfect gift for you!...Can you watch the kids? They’re driving us crazy!! We need a night off!” My answer, “I can’t this weekend. This menopause stinks!! Besides it’s mothers day!

So, the question I ask you is: “Who is right regarding my ability to be a mother?” My first response is definitely my 9 year-old! Then I pause!

I probably need to answer this question honestly...(PAUSE)...(GULP)....(CLEAR MY THROAT)..


IT’S ALL EVES FAULT!!! SHE SHOULDN’T HAVE TAKEN A BITE OF THAT APPLE!!

The only way to healing is to forgive Eve, your mother,..(pause)..and yourself!!!

Be kind to yourself on Sunday!

Have a good weekend!

Diana Joy

Another day at the office!!!

Hi, friends!

First I met with some lovely ladies at a local church and took time to talk about my manuscript and their program for women of child abuse and domestic violence. I’m interested in learning more about the help they give others and how I may be able to fit into their ministry. Then, over to the office to work on the book with Sara. Today, I learned that it’s okay not to have all the answers, life can be so complicated and I find myself wanting to always make things “all better.” But, since that’s impossible, I’ll just let God handle it!

I had an opportunity to talk to an old friend. She reminded me of Romans 8:28-33

“We know that God makes all things work together for the good of all those who have been called according to His purpose… What shall we say after that? If God is for us, who can be against us? Is it possible that He who did not spare His own Son, but handed Him over for the sake of us all, will not grant us all things besides?”

Wow! I needed those words and I needed her prayer! What a blessing to know that God’s hand is on this ministry and only He can make “all things better.” I’m thankful that, through this book, He can share His love.

Have a blessed day,

Diana Joy

Comments from Sara, the Editor

Today has been fun and enlightening! We started editing chapter 5 and found ourselves laughing about how quickly something can be misunderstood. I learned that it is so important for each part of this story to stay “in the moment” so that the Truth of each experience is protected. Plus, I learned that Reba’s new video is cool! As always, I can’t wait for tomorrow and another chance to work on this project with Diana Joy. I look forward to getting to know all of you through the blog!

Until next time,
Sara

Accepting manuscripts now!!!

To all those who would like to be seen. You may submit your poems, journals, and art to www.unseenchild.com. You can be a part of "Looking Through The Eyes Of An Unseen Child II". It will be completed in the fall of 2007. The deadline is March 1, 2007 for all manuscripts!

My new gift from God...meet Ashley Albertsen

This is a picture from my daughter. God brought her to my husband and I two years ago. She is working on putting words to the wounds that lie deep inside....Until then, God has given her the gift of art. Look at this picture and see a 15 year-old girl begging to be seen!
She is learning to sign her new name.
Thanks Ashley...our Angel from God!

Thanks Lise!

Take a peek! Here are a few powerful words from the book!

This is an opportunity to read an excerpt from “Looking Through The Eyes Of An Unseen Child”. Here is a poem from a brave woman that now has a desire to be seen. Please note that every picture, poem, or journal on this blog is done by trembling hands. It takes a lot of courage to allow the world to see the memories and emotions that most victims of child abuse keep bottled deep inside. See Lise and allow yourself to see what most of society turns away from. Don’t be another person to close your eyes!!

Dear Lise,
It is an honor to know you! Remember, God has felt your pain and will carry you through these difficult steps! The deepest pain will produce the deepest joy! I am here and will always remind you of how strong you are....
Also...how strong God is!
God Bless you!
Diana Joy

Meet my special friend...

Hi! Today is a day filled with so many emotions. I'm exhausted!
WHEW! As I sit down after a long day of work I realize how thankful I am for my friends. My dear friend and co-worker Diane Maes has been running around delivering manuscripts to all potential sponsors. I don't know how anything would get done without the wonderful women committed to bringing this book to the finish line. Enough from me...here are a few words from Diane!

Diana Joy

I am commited to keeping Diana organized!! My Goodness...what a job!! LOL I have realized that God has requested me to support Diana and remind her that no matter how painful life can be...we must continue to let God lead the way.
Diane

Heading towards the finish line!

“Unseen Child” update – 5-3-06

For most of the chapters up to this point, we find it very important to pray through the memories as we edit, so that we’re sure to include all that needs including… Sometimes it seems easier to skip quickly over more intense parts, but Sara and I pray for trust and wisdom and then go sentence by sentence through each memory. It always turns out to be a great blessing! God is an Awesome God! We are always blessed with deep insights and healing at each step of faithfulness. And each discovery only strengthens our desire to see this work completed for God! We thank you for your prayers as we continue. This week you could pray for guidance as we negotiate some of the business side of this project – specifically financing and printing options. Also, pray for my family as I watch one of my daughters leave for military service.

Thank you and God Bless,

Diana Joy and Sara

Slow down Diana Joy!

Life is so busy! I need to be reminded to slow down and be in the moment. No matter how painful it can be..each step is important!!

Diana Joy

Hello!

I want to thank you for your interest in my upcoming book “Looking Through the Eyes of An Unseen Child”! I’m deeply touched by the outpouring of encouragement and support that I receive daily through my website! My excitement grows with each day of accomplishment towards the completion of this project!

I would like to request your continued help… I’m in need of your faithful prayers and supportive thoughts as I struggle through some of the more challenging parts of writing and publishing this book. I find that each chapter requires prayer and focus to ensure its true purpose in offering hope, and at the same time, I must continue to take care of my daily responsibilities as a wife and mother. My heart is not separate on these matters, both are of equal importance. That’s why I’m asking for your prayers and your patience.

I have decided to include periodic updates at www.unseenchild.com to help you stay connected with my progress! I know the completion of “Looking Through the Eyes of An Unseen Child” is for all the unseen children, and I want you to share in the development of this big dream! Please check the website regularly to see the newest update…

Thank you, again, for all your love and support!

God Bless,