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Feathered Friends and a Faithful Father
Comfort, encouragement Dana Rongione Comfort, encouragement Dana Rongione

Feathered Friends and a Faithful Father

The sound of hedge trimmers filled the air as workers buzzed about our property, giving our shrubs their annual haircut. While the trimming certainly improved the appearance of our garden, not everyone was thrilled with the landscape makeover. Our feathered friends, who had made these hedges their temporary homes, were notably disturbed by this disruption to their peaceful existence.

Day after day, I gazed out my bedroom window, hoping to catch a glimpse of the familiar birds that usually frequented our feeder. The garden seemed eerily quiet without their cheerful chirping and playful acrobatics. My heart sank a little each time I noticed the untouched birdseed on the driveway outside my office.

When I expressed my concern to Jason, he offered a suggestion that was both practical and profound. "Why don't we make an extra effort to show them we still care? Let's put out more food than usual, maybe even some special treats."

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Finding Joy in the Midst of Weariness
weariness, service, encouragement Dana Rongione weariness, service, encouragement Dana Rongione

Finding Joy in the Midst of Weariness

Serving God is meant to be a joy, a source of fulfillment and purpose. But let's be real—sometimes it feels about as joyful as a root canal without anesthesia. We give and give, pouring ourselves out for others until we're as empty as a chocolate box after Valentine's Day. There comes a point when we can't give anymore. We're tired, weary, and worn out, and it's all we can do to keep putting one foot in front of the other without tripping over our own exhaustion.

I've been there myself more times than I care to admit. As a missionary and an author, I'm constantly juggling the demands of ministry, family, and my own physical limitations. There are days when I feel like I'm barely keeping my head above water, and the thought of giving any more of myself seems as impossible as teaching my dog to do my taxes.

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Beauty From Ashes
Comfort, encouragement Dana Rongione Comfort, encouragement Dana Rongione

Beauty From Ashes

A few days ago, I shared with you a devotion about fireweed and how it can remind us of the fleeting nature of life. Today, I'd like to share another encouraging thought the Lord showed me through this remarkable plant.

You see, fireweed isn't just known for its brief but beautiful life cycle. It's also famous for its uncanny ability to thrive in the most unlikely places. Where forest fires have ravaged the land, mudslides have torn through hillsides, or human activity has left scars on the earth, fireweed is often the first to appear, painting the landscape with its cheerful purple hues.

As I gazed at the fireweed, I couldn't help but marvel at God's intricate design. He created a plant that not only survives in damaged areas but flourishes there. It's as if the Lord looked at the devastation and said, "Watch what I can do with this."

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