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Dana Rongione 19/12/2024 Dana Rongione 19/12/2024

The Perfect Tree

A couple of weeks ago, Jason and I bundled up against the Welsh winter and headed to our favorite Christmas tree farm. For the past few years, we've made the journey to this quaint spot where the elderly owner greets us with his warm smile and fascinating stories.

This year was no different. As we wandered through the rows of fragrant evergreens, he shuffled alongside us, sharing his observations about his customers' varied preferences. "You know," he said, adjusting his woolen cap, "it's quite remarkable how everyone has their own idea of the perfect tree."

He gestured toward a towering specimen that must have been at least eight feet tall. "Some families," he said, "want the tallest tree they can possibly fit in their house. But then," he chuckled, "others prefer the smaller ones they can place on a tabletop."

I smiled, thinking of our Tess and her enthusiastic tail.

Dana Rongione 21/10/2024 Dana Rongione 21/10/2024

When Service Becomes Stressful

While the Bible doesn't tell us specifically what Martha was cooking, I have a feeling she wasn't throwing together a quick sandwich for Jesus and his followers. No, I believe she was preparing a feast. After all, it's not every day the Son of God stops by for dinner. If I had such an honored guest coming to dinner, I wouldn't serve Him a dish of Hamburger Helper. I would want to prepare a meal fit for a king, and I believe Martha felt the same.

But like many of us often do, Martha bit off more than she could chew. Her to-do list was long, and her strength was waning. Not only did she have to get everything done, but she had to do it to perfection. That means everything would finish cooking simultaneously, each dish would be delicious and cooked to just the right temperature, and everything would look just as beautiful as Martha envisioned. That, my friends, is a tall order. No wonder Martha was stressed!

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 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 29/12/2023 Dana Rongione 29/12/2023

The Cost of Obeying God

When the angel Gabriel appeared unto Mary that fateful day, I doubt she had any clue how greatly her life was about to change. After all, his greeting troubled her, and she must have wondered what his words meant. But once he explained God's plan for her to bear the Messiah, she responded with humility and surrender: "Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word" (Luke 1:38).

With those words, Mary agreed to carry the very Son of God in her womb, knowing full well the cost that came with such an honor. She knew people would accuse her of impurity when they noticed her pregnant belly. After all, she was still a virgin espoused to Joseph.

Dana Rongione 01/08/2022 Dana Rongione 01/08/2022

Yes or No?

My last blog post had quite an impact, it seems. I received several positive comments. As I suspected, I'm not the only one who suffers from "people-pleasing syndrome," nor am I the only one who's tired of trying to be someone she's not.