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Dana Rongione 05/12/2024 Dana Rongione 05/12/2024

Tiny Treasures

I thought we had won. After weeks of setting traps and securing every nook and cranny of our Welsh cottage, the unwelcome mouse that had taken up residence seemed to have moved on. The victory was ours! Or so I thought until the other morning when I opened the pantry door.

There he sat, bold as brass, perched atop the shelf with my favorite chocolates. The little thief had gnawed through the wrappers and was helping himself to my precious stash! We locked eyes for a moment—me in horror, him in what I'm pretty sure was smug satisfaction—before we both fled in opposite directions. He scurried into his hidden passage while I slammed the door and retreated to the safety of my office, mourning the loss of my chocolate comfort.

Dana Rongione 02/12/2024 Dana Rongione 02/12/2024

Behind the Scenes

The comment stung like a paper cut—small but surprisingly painful. "Now, we just have to get Dana out there doing something," my coworker had quipped, presumably in jest. Though meant to be humorous, the words settled heavily in my spirit, and I found myself mentally cataloging my daily responsibilities.

From my home office, I design promotional materials, organize events, prepare music and Bible studies, create floral arrangements, and handle correspondence for our ministry. Yet because most of this work happens behind the scenes rather than in the public eye, it's easy for others to overlook these contributions.

As I nursed my wounded pride, the Lord gently reminded me that I often treat Him the same way.

Dana Rongione 18/11/2024 Dana Rongione 18/11/2024

No River Too Wide

Have you ever felt like the obstacles in your life were just too big to overcome? Like the river was overflowing its banks, and there was no way to cross? I know I have. In fact, I was just thinking about that the other day as I was reading through 1 Chronicles 12.

In this chapter, we read about the Gadites, a group of warriors who came to fight for David. Now, these guys were no strangers to battle. They were "men of might, and men of war fit for the battle" (1 Chronicles 12:8). But when they arrived at the Jordan, they found that the river was overflowing its banks. In the days of Joshua, the river had parted, and the Israelites had crossed on dry ground. But this time, there was no dry ground to be found.

Dana Rongione 23/09/2024 Dana Rongione 23/09/2024

Mindfulness in Christian Living

This morning, Jason decided to treat us to homemade scones for breakfast. It was a lovely gesture, to be sure, but one that didn't quite go according to plan.

You see, our oven is a bit of a peculiar beast. It's got two knobs: one for temperature and another for the various oven controls. You can turn up the temperature without turning on the oven or turn on the oven without adjusting the temperature. We typically leave the temperature set and only fiddle with the control knob, as we're creatures of habit when it comes to baking temperatures.

Jason went about his merry way, mixing the ingredients and shaping the scones with the precision of a master baker. He popped them in the oven, set the timer, and waited for the magic to happen. But when the timer went off, he opened the oven door to find... raw dough. The scones looked exactly as they had when he'd put them in!

Dana Rongione 22/07/2024 Dana Rongione 22/07/2024

Foreground Faith

Today, I'd like to tell you a little bit about my favorite design software, Canva. I've been a Canva fan for years now, using it for everything in my writing ministry—from creating images for my blog and social media posts to designing videos and even book covers. Since becoming a missionary, it's become even more invaluable, helping me make everything from business cards to banners.

One of my favorite features is called "Position." This handy tool lets me shuffle elements between the foreground and background of my projects. It's like having a magical switch that lets me focus on one part of my design at a time.

Need to spotlight a particular element? No problem! Just a few clicks, and I can push less important bits to the background, like tucking away clutter behind a curtain. And when I'm ready to bring them back? Presto! They're right where I left them, waiting for their turn to shine.

Dana Rongione 09/11/2023 Dana Rongione 09/11/2023

Walking With Jesus Through Life's Storms, Part 5

Peter, displaying extraordinary faith, steps out of the boat in the midst of a raging storm and starts walking toward Jesus. It's a powerful image of unwavering faith in the face of adversity. Peter's eyes are fixed on Jesus, and he advances fearlessly.

But then, something happens that often affects us, too. The storm distracts Peter. Just as we sometimes decide to trust God and stay focused on Him amidst life's trials, we get distracted when the storm intensifies, drags on, or when we're weary. It's a common human response to the challenges we face.

Dana Rongione 06/11/2023 Dana Rongione 06/11/2023

Walking With Jesus Through Life's Storms, Part 4

Picture this: The disciples are on a boat battling a relentless storm. They've been rowing for hours, weary and frustrated, questioning where Jesus is in their time of need. And then they see Him, walking on the water. It's a moment filled with uncertainty and doubt, as they initially mistake Him for a ghost.

But here's where the story takes a remarkable turn. Peter, known for his boldness, dares to speak up. He requests to join Jesus on the water, asking, “If it's really you, Lord, let me walk on the water and come to you."

Dana Rongione 30/10/2023 Dana Rongione 30/10/2023

Walking With Jesus Through Life's Storms, Part 2

Do you ever feel like every step forward can feel like taking three steps back? We've all been there, haven't we? We put in so much effort, yet it seems like we're getting nowhere.

In this episode, we'll dive deeper into the frustration, exhaustion, and fear the disciples faced in the midst of the storm. It's a universal experience that many of us can relate to, especially during challenging times. But remember, just as the disciples eventually reached the other side, so will we.

Dana Rongione 26/10/2023 Dana Rongione 26/10/2023

Walking With Jesus Through Life’s Storms, Part 1

We've all been there, haven't we? When life takes unexpected turns and throws us into a whirlwind of chaos, it's natural to question our path and God's plan. We sometimes doubt whether we're truly following His will or if we've gone astray.

Today, we delve into the story of the disciples, who, despite their obedience, found themselves caught in a storm. It's a reminder that trials are part of life, even for the faithful. We'll explore the truth that trouble is not exclusive to those who follow Jesus, and that's okay. In John 16:33, Jesus Himself said, "In this world, ye shall have tribulation," but He also promised, "but be of good cheer; for I have overcome the world."

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)

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Dana Rongione