One of my favorite bloggers is an acquaintance who lives in Amsterdam. I say acquaintance because we've probably only met once or twice. But there are some similarities, and reading someone's blog can make you feel like you really know them. For instance, we're the same age and each have a firstborn son and a #2 daughter. Our father's have pastored churches and church planting is in our blood. All that aside, the thing I have appreciated most about Eric's writing is how graciously and frequently he shares Truth: uncompromising truth from the God's Word in accessible, compassionate language for the world I live in.

Most recently he dove into a sticky subject with a series titled Sexuality and Spirituality. I urge you to take some time to read through the seven posts and digest what he brings to light. In someway, nothing new, but something about the way he put it all together made me want shout out 'This is it!' Read his closing challenge:

"When the people of Communist countries renounce the god of their culture -- namely, the government -- in favor of the true God of the Bible, we cheer them on.  Even in the eyes of the secular West, these people who are willing to go against the flow are appreciated.  We cast them as heroes, freedom fighters, and martyrs... When the people of Muslim countries renounce the god of their culture -- namely, Allah -- in favor of the true God of the Bible, we cheer them on.  Perhaps it's not quite as politically-correct to pit Islam against the other major faith systems of the world.  But again, even in the eyes of the secular West, there is an implicit affirmation and appreciation of those willing to diffuse dogma and swim upstream against their culture.  We cast them as free-thinkers, true seekers, and martyrs... So why should it be any different for people in the West who renounce the god of our culture -- namely, love, sex, and romance -- in favor of the true God of the Bible?"

I would love to hear what you think about Eric's series.

One of the things I really enjoy is reading to the kids some of the books I read as a child. Recently I was reminded of Kenneth N. Taylor's fantastic books for children and requested them from our library.  The colored pencil illustrations and short lessons in rhyme with accompanying questions, prayer and Bible verse are perfect reading for the many sessions of potty-sitting that have been happening at our house during Corrie's training. Which are numerous and never ending. But I digress.

Today we were reading GIANT STEPS for little people and found immediate application for the following page:  

God wants you to share with others/ All he's given you./ So give your money cheerfully,/ And share your playthings too.

Store treasures in heaven where they will never lose their value, and are safe from thieves. Matthew 6:20

The illustration showed boys and girls and teddy bears bringing cans and boxes for a food drive. Several kids are helping stack and prepare the food to be given to children who are hungry. I took the opportunity to share how some children don't have enough to eat and they are hungry when they go to bed. One of the ways we show our love for God is by helping others. (Thanks, Boz!)

I asked the kids if they would like to share some of our food with kids who might be hungry and Jason got very excited. He quickly went to put on his shoes so we could take our food to a boy just like him. My heart just melted. I tried not to be too teary as I showed him the flyer we received yesterday from the National Association of Letter Carriers.

This Saturday, May 12, is their Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive. You simply place some non-perishable food items in a bag and place it by your mail box. Your letter carrier will pick it up and deliver it to local food banks. I told the kids that we could fill up a plastic bag with food and our mail carrier would take it to the boys and girls who don't have enough. We went over to the pantry to select items for out bag.

Like many families, not only do we have our regular kitchen pantry filled with food, but we also have a spare pantry with a variety of items tucked away, perhaps purchased 2-for-1 or in a multi-pack at Sam's Club.  Our spare pantry is full with everything from extra boxes of cereal to cans of soup. And not just the basics either, but yummy sweet-treats too. And here lay the real lesson. As Jason stood on the step stool to peer into the pantry and select some items for the bag, his little heart, like all hearts, began to reconsider.

"Mom, we can give them this (a soup that he really doesn't like) but not this (a particularly sugary treat)."

Ah ha. Sacrifice that costs us something personally is not as easy as giving away our cast-offs. I guess that's why it's a called a sacrifice. I had a good opportunity to talk with Jason about how it pleases the Lord to give not only of the excess of our lives, but of the things that are most dear to us. Sugar, in his case. I think he understood a little when we looked through the pantry again and I helped him to choose a few of his favorite things for a boy just like him, who would be so excited to open a bag and find those very same items.

As I write I am reminded of the things our pastor shared on Sunday. He talked about David exemplifying holiness in his own life, even after the Lord rejected his offer to build a permanent home for Him. (David's son Solomon was chosen by God for that task.) Instead of sitting on his laurels, David led his people in providing the resources for his son to use, not only from the national treasury but from his own personal stores. He then invites the people to participate with him: "Who is willing to consecrate himself to the Lord?" 

David understood that a sacrifice that cost him nothing was worthless. The benefit of true sacrifice is not merely the satisfaction of some legalistic decree, but the acknowledgement of a very basic truth: where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Hopefully Jason got a little taste of what this means in his almost-4-year-old world.

And that is one giant step.

Visit our family site for new pictures and a update (finally) on Rannebarger-life. 

See you there!

One Pastor's Prayer Vigil

Pastor: Words to Comfort Families Would Be 'Trite'

New Life Campus Fellowship

see also: The [nlcf] Manifesto

Thanks to those praying for [nlcf] and the campus. Please post public encouragement, prayers, or condolences here

Please pray for the believers at New Life Campus Fellowship to experience and share the grace of our Creator at this time.

Also, thanks to JR Woodward for the heads up that Jim Pace, NLCF pastor, will be appearing on Larry King Live TONIGHT, Monday, April 16, 2007 at 9:00 PM EST.

I am forever adding links to my favorites as a way to remember to read through them more thoroughly. Some are for my personal encouragement, others basic resources, and some are just quirky items of interest. In an attempt to clean out some of the 89 "favorites" listed in my "new" folder, I will list an assortment here for your perusal.

Come to think of it, having 89 "favorites" seems a little like an oxymoron.

Moron.

• MotherMary writes one of my favorite blogs. Nothing fancy, Xanga at that. She has been battling Hep C for the past year or so, enduring the treatment meds with humility, grace, and wisdom. I have so much to learn from her. Several times recently she has mentioned how much she has been blessed by the songs from Hillsong United. I need to listen to these more.
• I love putzing around with genealogy stuff and have found this dictionary helpful for translating things from Czech (for info related to my paternal grandmother's Bohemian ancestors.)
• In that vein, one of these clays I want to get back to the William McKinley Presidential Library and Museum in Canton, OH which houses several items owned by my great-great-grandfather, Charles Fiala, who was President McKinley's band leader during his campaign.
• An interesting article on Whole Foods. I'm trying to figure out where I stand with the whole organic issues. And other food related trends too. Too much to process right this moment.
• A helpful website for questions and info relating to tropical plants, which includes most houseplants and landscape plants here in Orlando.

I am frequently torn in how to perceive American Christianity. Watching my parents spend their lives on the mission field of Poland calls me to no longer consider myself an American Christian but just a Christian. And then this, from a critique of Douglas Sweeney's The American Evangelical Story:

"But when evangelicalism began reaching out from its American context, Sweeney argues that the movement lost some of its integrity in translation: "Many patriotic Christians who loved the American way of life-and who prided themselves on the blessings of their nation's 'righteous empire'- often neglected the crucial task of distinguishing biblical Christianity from the rest of American culture."

God, I believe You ordained that America would be my birthplace and earthly home. Yet I also see You calling me to be more than "just" an American Christian. You just want me to be a follower of Your Son. Please help me to follow Him alone and to make You my heart's real home. ~ Amen~

Has anyone seen the new movie Amazing Grace? I can hardly wait to see it! It tells the true story of William Wilberforce who fought for and won an end to the slave trade in England in 1807.

This article from Christian History and Biography on Wilberforce's correspondence with John Newton (author of the hymn, Amazing Grace) was particularly challenging. Newton's encouragement to the young legislator especially spoke to me:

"It is true that you live in the midst of difficulties and snares, and you need a double guard of watchfulness and prayer. But since you know both your need of help, and where to look for it, I may say to you as Darius to Daniel, 'Thy God whom thou servest continually is able to preserve and deliver you.'"

A glimpse at the thoughts bouncing around in my head....

• My new favorite website is a must for anyone who likes to read. Or who tends to accumulate things to read that they no longer want or need.
• Jason named the Queens Tears Bromeliad starting to bloom in my kitchen "Cloud of the Garden". I love it!
• "Then everyone went to bed, except Piglet, who wouldn't leave the light of the fire, and Pooh, who wouldn't leave his friend..."
• This CD has become the soundtrack for our evenings. Hopefully Cora will eventually get the picture that she ought to stay in bed and enjoy it instead of getting out of bed and getting into trouble.
• I am really enjoying Summit Church, which we have been visiting the past few weeks. Deciding on a church is a challenging process and I have lots of mixed feelings.
• I like Facebook much better than MySpace.
• "Mommy, I yuv mine pink goggie."
• Estate sales are my new pastime. A great way to spend a weekend morning, when I have one to spend. Thanks, Honey for the Friday mornings off!!!!!!!!!

The following essay by Daniel Wunderlich was published in the Orlando Sentinel column, New Voices: A Forum for Readers Under 30 on Saturday, February 24, 2007. I agree with what he's saying. I'm not saying that I'm voting for Obama or even really leaning toward any candidate at this point, but I agree with Wunderlich's basic premise. What do you think?

"I think I am sort of the stand-in right now for the American people being interested in a different kind of politics."

Sen. Barak Obama made this statement in early December 2006 while appearing on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. It is very perceptive and very honest. For someone riding a wave of publicity and popularity to admit that perhaps he himself is not actually what the people love is bold.

This level of genuine humility is not something we are used to in Washington politics, and that's the point. Nothing about Obama is anything we are used to in politics (except perhaps his being a Democrat criticizing the war). I don't need to list what makes him different, for far smarter and more informed writers than myself have done so. Even other candidates with momentary mental lapses have done so as well.

Yet what Obama essentially seems to have said back in December can't be missed, and can't be underestimated. Perhaps people like the idea of Obama more than they like Obama himself.

Commentators for MSNBC asked shortly after his announcement on Feb. 10 whether he could "live up to his story," referencing his unique and inspiring background. Yet, I think the question has to go deeper: Can Obama the man live up to Obama the superstar?
I do not doubt his charisma, his honesty and his commitment to "a different kind of politics." I have to admit that I myself like the idea of Obama. For someone to be this far into the political landscape and still be able to make believable idealistic speeches, the kind one makes in a first run for local or state government, is amazing. I like his stand against underhanded and negative practices, which is just as pointed at members of his own party as those "across the aisle."

Yet, at the end of the day, when we have to cast our votes, are we not in actuality voting for the man or woman? I agree with the statement during his announcement that campaigns built solely upon the promises of an individual without the support and commitment to the same values by the American people are doomed to fail to deliver the promised results. However, it is still the individual who has to make the actual decisions.

His great sense of humor, incredible ability to communicate, and engaging smile can win American hearts easily enough. But can they build a bridge with the president of Iran or North Korea? He may put them at ease, which is a huge step forward, but it is the ideas and the plans that the other leaders of the world have to agree to. They sign peace treaties, not smiles.

It can be argued that by not voting for him, we would only prove to the other politicians that taking this stance isn't ultimately worth it because it doesn't win the votes. I sometimes wish that we could cast two different votes -- one for the person to supply the ideas and the other for the person to deliver them.

I want to see a change in the way politics is run as much as anyone else, but are his policies and plans worth this kind of vote? So far, he has played things fairly close to the vest. He is much like a new recording artist who gets only one shot at a debut album. Obama and his advisers have decided that his music is ready for the charts, and it looks like it is going to debut high. But we need to hear the other songs before we can decide to buy the whole album, as opposed to simply the single off iTunes.

We must remember in the midst of our political daydreams, that if we cast our vote for the idea of Obama in 2008, we are going to get the real, live Obama as president. I don't know yet whether I think that would be good or bad. Only the coming year and a half of debate will determine that. Yet, I get the feeling that his campaign is going to be a benchmark and case study on a variety of fronts. It is my hope that whether the man Obama succeeds or falls short, the other current and aspiring politicians would take note of what many Americans have fallen in love with. Because honestly, you don't have to be the man to embody the idea.

Daniel Wunderlich, 23, attends Asbury Theological Seminary's Orlando campus.

will want to serve Scalloped Cauliflower. This 1949 Home Ec film on Cooking Terms says so.

Not likely in my house.

HT to Barbara at Count It All Joy.

Sexual Images Psychologically Damaging Young Girls

I took the kids grocery shopping recently. At ages 2 and 3, they can be a bit of a handful, especially just before nap time. But today things were going fairly well. Shortly after we got started, Jason announced he had to go potty, so we trotted across the store, parked the half-full cart, pulled Cora out of her seat and took Jason's hand to march into the restroom at Publix.

Of course public restrooms are never the greatest, especially for little boys who are easily distracted from the task at hand, but again, they both did well. Jason did his business in the handicap stall with me and Cora standing there instructing him and redirecting his wayward attention. At some point I realized that someone else had come in the restroom and was in the next stall so I tried to tone down my instructions to Jason... stop touching things, Jason... ok now pull up your pants... yes jason that one is the hot water... argh, no soap... ok dry your hands...

It was impossible for us to be completely unobtrusive, especially as we fumbled with the door to the stall. We ran straight into the path of the older lady coming out of the stall next to us. It can be hard to tell what sort of response you're going to get from a person in a situation at a time like this. But I had no clue what was coming.

She was terribly gracious. Oh let me help you with the door... I can get that one too... what beautiful babies you have... just the perfect number... I bet you just love them... no more, of course, these are perfect...you only want two...

At this point I realized that behind her designer gym clothes and painted-on eye brows, this lady had an agenda.

Only two, right... promise me that...

What should I say??? Oh yes, I said, we just love these two... So thankful we have them... I trailed off as she interrupted again.

Really, you don't need more than two, trust me... This is the best... After all you want them to become Doctors and Corporate Giants...

I was almost in tears at this point. It's a good thing we were to my cart and she faded back into the store. She was about to get more than an ear-full from me.

Doctors? Corporate Giants? I would be thrilled if God led one of my children to serve Him in those capacities. But would they be less valuable if one becomes a carpenter or a perhaps a teacher? What about a grocer or an artist or a pastor? Or an accountant, or a chemist or a mommy... 

And I'm failing them by having any more children because that will eliminate the opportunity for them to achieve their highest possible potential? Like what - the potential for them to be spoiled, and self-absorbed? To have every possible opportunity handed to them on a silver platter but to miss out on the joys and character lessons that come from sharing a bedroom with a younger sibling, and helping a little one tie his shoes? What about learning to put another persons needs before their own and pitching in on family chores for the common good?

I have no idea how many children we will have. I'm not even 100% sure Joel and I are on the same page about the whole thing. But I do know this: anyone who believes that a life is not worthwhile unless they can become a Doctor or a Corporate Giant is wrong.

“The object of a new year is not that we should have a new year. It is that we should have a new soul" - G. K. Chesterton

I am full of hope.

I can't believe I only got 62% correct on the MSNBC 2006 Year in Review News Quiz. At least I got the important ones right. Who really cares where Madonna adopted from?

What was your score?

Package Destinations

• Ohio
• Minnesota
• Missouri
• Poland (via Ohio)

Things to Finish

• Buckeyes and other treats for local gifts
• Christmas photos
• Helping kids with their gifts
• 2006 Year in Review Letter
• Find stocking stuffers for my family

Christmas Breakfast Menu

• Fruit Salad with green sugar
• Scrapple (Yeah, Publix!)
• Cinnamon Rolls (from a can this year. I had to say no to something)

Christmas Dinner Menu

• Cranberry Pepper Pork Loin
• Sweet Potato Souffle
• Croissant Rolls
• Cranberry Relish

My Christmas Soundtrack (Thanks, Napster!)

• The Darkest Night of the Year by Over the Rhine
• Snow Angles by Over the Rhine
• These Are Special Times by Celine Dion
• The Promise by Michael Card
• Christmas Trilogy by Trans-Siberian Orchestra
• Christmas Offerings by Third Day
• All I Really Want for Christmas by Steve Curtis Chapman
• A Christmas Album by Amy Grant

Things I'm looking forward to

• Christmas Eve at Northland with good friends
• Enjoying my children with their amazing Daddy on Christmas morning
• Hearing how the grandparents like their gifts from Jason and Cora
• Celebrating the birth of our Savior
• 2007 - I am full of Hope

During the week of December 4, cities across the country will join together for National Project Homeless Connect Week. Volunteers will join with nonprofits, corporations, government agencies, faith-based organizations and homeless service providers for a one-day, one-stop shop to offer a variety of services. People experiencing homelessness will be connected with benefits, medical care, employment opportunities, substance abuse and mental health counseling, social services, food, housing and shelter.

In Orlando, you can help on Friday, December 8 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Shifts are available from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. Orientation will be provided for all volunteers. Project Homeless Connect is being held at the City of Orlando Downtown Recreation Center on 649 W. Livingston Street. To volunteer contact Traci Blue at 407-246-2082 or at traci.blue@cityoforlando.net or Sally Lassalle at 407-836-5819 or at sally.lassalle@ocfl.com.

by Chris Tomlin

Open up the skies of mercy
And rain down the cleansing flood
Healing waters rise around us
Hear our cries Lord, let 'em rise

It's your kindness Lord
That leads us to repentance
Your favor, Lord, is our desire
It's your beauty Lord
That makes us stand in silence

And Your love,
Your love Is better than life

We can feel
Your mercy falling
You are turning our hearts back again
Hear our praises rise to heaven
Draw us near Lord
Meet us here

It's your kindness Lord
That leads us to repentance
Your favor Lord, is our desire
It's your beauty Lord
That makes us stand in silence

And Your love,
Your love Is better than life

Interesting.

So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth;
         It will not return to Me empty,
         Without accomplishing what I desire,
         And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.

Isaiah 55:11

Make sure you all do this.

You can now go online and enter two (2) emergency contacts on your Florida Drivers License (electronically) which can only be retrieved by a police officer. This came about as a result of one woman's teenage daughter being killed in a car accident and it taking over 5 hours to locate the mother to inform her.  

Now if you are in an accident, the police can run the drivers license and have the emergency info ASAP!!! This is through the DHSMV Website. It is a good safety-net just in case anything happens.