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Dana Rongione 25/04/2024 Dana Rongione 25/04/2024

The Greatest Castle Never Built

Last week, Jason and I took some much-needed time off to rest and refresh ourselves. We spent a few days in northern Wales, taking in many sights, including three castles. They were all impressive, but my favourite was Beaumaris Castle. Now, there's a sight to behold! It's a massive fortress on the coast of Wales, with walls that stretch on for what seems like miles. But here's the thing: it was never finished. King Edward I had big plans for this castle but ran out of money before he could see it through to completion, leaving Beaumaris with the title “The Greatest Castle Never Built.” Bummer, right?

Dana Rongione 29/02/2024 Dana Rongione 29/02/2024

Man Plans; God Directs

Eager to hit the hiking trails last week, Jason and I checked the forecast for the best day. Friday showed sun, while Saturday predicted snow, so Friday it was!

After breakfast on Friday morning, we were greeted by rain showers mixed with fat snowflakes instead of sunshine. "No problem," we shrugged. “It’s Wales! Wet weather is just part of the charm. Besides, as usual, the rain will likely come and go in short bursts.” You can probably guess where this is headed.

Despite the continuing wintry mix, we stuck with Plan A, trudging up muddy slopes in worsening snow and sleet for hours. Slipping in sodden boots with freezing fingers, I muttered, “Maybe we should've waited till tomorrow." By the time we stumbled back to the car, I was as drenched and weary.

Dana Rongione 08/02/2024 Dana Rongione 08/02/2024

The Immeasurable Mercy of God

As I read this passage in my daily devotions this week, I was reminded of an incredible truth: God's mercy knows no bounds. No one is too far gone for His forgiveness and grace. Not even the wicked King Ahab, as we'll see.

In 1 Kings 21, ruthless Ahab coveted a vineyard belonging to Naboth. When Naboth refused to sell it, spiteful Queen Jezebel arranged for Naboth to be falsely accused and stoned to death so Ahab could seize the land.

Yet despite this appalling injustice and all the wickedness Ahab had done in his lifetime, God later showed mercy to Ahab. How? And better yet, why?

Dana Rongione 05/02/2024 Dana Rongione 05/02/2024

Stirring Up the Soul

There's nothing quite like the smell of a big pot of soup or chilli simmering on the stove during these chilly winter months. The savoury aroma fills the kitchen, bringing comfort and warmth on cold days. I don't know about you, but something about stirring a steaming pot of soup feels soothing to the soul.

As I stand over the pot, swirling the wooden spoon around and around, I'm reminded of what Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 1:6-7:

“6 Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. 7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”

Dana Rongione 07/12/2023 Dana Rongione 07/12/2023

The Limitless Grace of God

Have you ever felt the pressure of limitations? In my writing world, it's all about word counts. Many software programs I use offer a specific number of words for a set monthly charge. If I run over my allotted limit, I have to pay extra (sometimes, a lot extra). Therefore, I regularly check my word counters like a nervous bank account holder, ensuring I haven't overdrawn my monthly linguistic budget. It's a constant dance of creativity and calculation.

Thankfully, God doesn't operate on a word count system. There's no divine limit on His love, patience, or grace. We won't find a heavenly dashboard flashing "Overdraft" when we stumble or mess up.

Dana Rongione 04/12/2023 Dana Rongione 04/12/2023

God’s Perfect Timing

I have some exciting news to share with you. After months of waiting, prayers, and a touch of impatience, our visas to stay in Wales have finally been approved! Can I get a hallelujah?

Let me be honest: waiting is no one's favorite activity. It's like being stuck in a perpetual line at the grocery store when all you want is to get home and enjoy your snacks (especially the chocolate ones). But hey, here we are, snacks in hand (figuratively speaking), celebrating the sweet taste of victory. And let me tell you, it tastes so good!

Dana Rongione 23/10/2023 Dana Rongione 23/10/2023

Even If He Doesn’t

Once upon a fiery furnace, there were three men with unpronounceable names, and their story is a blazing example of faith even when it appears perplexing. The heat was on, and I don't mean a scorching summer day. King Nebuchadnezzar had ordered Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to bow down and worship an image of gold. The price for non-compliance? A one-way ticket to the fiery furnace. Yikes!

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. - Daniel 3:16-17 (emphasis mine)

Dana Rongione 02/09/2023 Dana Rongione 02/09/2023

Plot Holes or Potholes?

You know that feeling when you're in the zone, pounding away on a keyboard, and in the middle of a writing sprint that's like a caffeine rush for your creativity? (If you’re not a writer, you’ll have to equate this to some other project you’re elbow-deep in.) So there I was, watching my tale come alive on the screen and giggling in excitement. The story was full of twists and turns, excitement, mystery, and anything else I could throw at it. And the best part of all? It was almost finished!

Dana Rongione 18/08/2023 Dana Rongione 18/08/2023

Finding Hope and Blessings in God’s Timing

Waiting can be a real test of patience, especially in our fast-paced world where everything seems to be just a click away. But you know what they say - good things come to those who wait. And trust me, God knows how to make us wait.

Think about it - we live in a culture of instant gratification. We want our fast food, our express checkout lanes, and our next-day Amazon deliveries. Waiting is not exactly our strong suit. Yet, time and again, the Lord puts us in the waiting room of life. It's like He's saying, "Hold up, my child. I've got something better for you, but you'll have to wait a bit."

Dana Rongione 09/06/2023 Dana Rongione 09/06/2023

I Know Thy Works

Today, we will dive into the book of Revelation and explore the significance of the phrase "I know thy works" repeatedly mentioned throughout the book. This phrase is a powerful reminder that God sees and understands every aspect of our lives, both the good and the bad.

First, let's take a look at what the phrase actually means. "I know thy works" is a statement that appears in each letter written to the seven churches in Revelation 2-3.

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Dana Rongione