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Dana Rongione 02/09/2024 Dana Rongione 02/09/2024

Swatting Away the Easy

Oh, the joys of living in the countryside! The fresh air, the rolling hills, the peace and quiet...and the flies. Yes, you read that right. Flies. Those pesky little critters that seem to appear out of nowhere and invade your personal space without an invitation.

Oddly enough, we typically have very few issues with bugs in our area, but with the recent warm weather and fertilizing of the nearby fields, our home has become a fly paradise. They buzz around our heads, land on our food, and generally make a nuisance of themselves. And with no screens on the windows, they have free reign to come and go as they please.

Now, I’m not one to shy away from a good fly-swatting session. In fact, I have several fly swatters on hand at all times, ready to do battle with those little pests. But there's one problem: Tess.

Dana Rongione 15/08/2024 Dana Rongione 15/08/2024

Resting, Not Resigning

I'll be the first to admit that I'm not always the best at taking my own advice. I'm a bit of a perfectionist, and I have a hard time saying no to new projects or opportunities. But recently, I found myself in a place where I just couldn't keep going at the same pace. I was exhausted, both physically and emotionally, and I knew I needed to take a step back and focus on my own spiritual and emotional health.

So, I did what any sensible person would do. I declared that I would continue in my regular roles as a church pianist, Bible study teacher, promotional designer, etc., However, I was taking a break from any new projects or commitments until I felt more like myself again. And that's when the criticism started rolling in.

Dana Rongione 12/08/2024 Dana Rongione 12/08/2024

The Narrow Gate

The other night, I was propped up in the bed, enjoying a cup of tea and a good book, when I heard a strange noise coming from the entryway. At first, I thought it was just the wind, but as the noise continued, I realized it was something else entirely.

I got up to investigate and found one of our sparrows fluttering around in a panic. She had somehow managed to fly into the entryway through a small opening in the sliding glass door, but now she couldn't find her way back out. She kept flying into the glass, over and over again, in a desperate attempt to escape.

As I watched her, I couldn't help but feel sadness and frustration. This poor little bird was trapped in a prison of her own making, unable to see the way to freedom that was right in front of her.

Dana Rongione 27/05/2024 Dana Rongione 27/05/2024

Rooted Downward and Bearing Fruit Upward

“And the remnant that is escaped of the house of Judah shall again take root downward, and bear fruit upward:” - Isaiah 37:31 KJV.

As I reflect on Isaiah 37:31, I can't help but be reminded of the significance of anchoring ourselves in the Word of God. Just as a tree needs strong roots to grow and flourish, so must we be firmly rooted in the truth of God's Word.

When we read, study, and meditate on the Bible, we nourish our souls and allow the Lord to shape and mold us. We also equip ourselves to bear fruit that will last, both in our own lives and in the lives of those around us.

Dana Rongione 13/05/2024 Dana Rongione 13/05/2024

Letting Love Fuel Your Ministry

Springtime in Wales is no joke! We go from zero to a hundred in the blink of an eye. One minute, we're bundled up and sipping hot cocoa by the fire, and the next, we're running around like chickens with our heads cut off, trying to keep up with all the events and activities.

Don't get me wrong, I love being part of this vibrant ministry, but sometimes, it can be downright exhausting. This year, I found myself stretched thin like butter scraped over too much bread (to borrow a Bilbo Baggins-ism).

Between the ladies' luncheon, the Easter outreaches, the ladies' retreat, the music for each service, the weekly Bible study, and the seemingly endless stream of meetings, planning sessions, and flyer creations, I was starting to feel like a hamster on a wheel—running, running, running, but never really getting anywhere.

Dana Rongione 09/05/2024 Dana Rongione 09/05/2024

Compassion Over Judgement

How often do we find ourselves judging others, making assumptions about their lives, motivations, and choices? It's an all too common human tendency, one that can breed misunderstanding, resentment, and conflict if left unchecked. Yet, when we take a step back and consider the complexities of each individual's circumstances, might we not find more compassion and empathy within ourselves? After all, we’re all struggling to make it through this maze called life, just with different circumstances and choices.

It's easy to look at someone else's life and think, "Well, if I were them, I'd be doing things differently. I'd be working harder, making better choices, living more righteously." We see a snapshot of their journey and assume we know the whole story.

Dana Rongione 29/04/2024 Dana Rongione 29/04/2024

Furred Knights and Shared Fights

Last week, I stumbled upon a new book series, and I must say, it's got me hooked, even though it is intended for children. (What can I say? I’m a child at heart!) The title is The Mice of the Round Table, penned by Julie Leung. It revolves around a tiny mouse named Calib, who aspires to become a hero like his father and grandfather. However, there's a catch: Calib grapples with feelings of smallness and insignificance.

Now, I can sense your curiosity. "What's the connection between a children's book about mice and our faith?" Just wait a moment, and I'll explain. (Remember, my brain works in mysterious ways!)

Dana Rongione 18/03/2024 Dana Rongione 18/03/2024

Dreamers and Doers

As I read through this passage of Scripture recently, I couldn't help but chuckle at the image of four men carrying their paralyzed friend on a mat, tearing through a roof to get him to Jesus. Talk about dedication, right?

But as I read further, I realized this story is about more than just a group of determined friends. It's about the power of community and the importance of taking responsibility for those around us.

Think about it: if just one of those men had said, "Nah, I'm good. Somebody else can carry him," the whole plan would have fallen apart. But instead, they all stepped up and did their part. They didn't worry about who was better equipped or more qualified. Neither did they concern themselves with who had more free time on their hands or who they felt needed to be more involved. Each man saw a need and filled it.

Dana Rongione 01/02/2024 Dana Rongione 01/02/2024

Channeling Your Inner Superhero

Lately, I've been dreaming about being a superhero. Wouldn't it be amazing to fly through the sky or lift a bus over our heads? To run faster than a speeding bullet or be invisible? Or to read an entire novel in the blink of an eye? Who wouldn't want superpowers like that?

While we may not be able to shoot laser beams from our eyes or scale tall buildings, we can still be superheroes in our everyday lives. No, I'm not talking about building your secret base or wearing your underwear on the outside of your tights. I'm not even talking about donning a mask. Instead, I'm referring to using the gifts God has given us to make a difference and spread His love.

Dana Rongione 23/08/2023 Dana Rongione 23/08/2023

The Salt That Lost Its Savor

After spending more than a year in Wales, I can attest that British fare is bland. I mean, don't get me wrong, there's a certain charm in a plate of fish and chips or a cuppa with a biscuit, but if you're expecting an explosion of flavours, you’ll likely be disappointed. And don't even get me started on their idea of "spicy." It's like they glanced at a chilli pepper from across the room and decided to call it a day. (And I don’t even like spicy food!)

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Dana Rongione