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Dana Rongione 16/11/2022 Dana Rongione 16/11/2022

Tripping Over Tess

Jason and I have had five dogs during our married life, each of which could be classified as clingy. If I left my office to go to the kitchen, they would follow. When I went to the bathroom, they would accompany me and stand guard. Inside, outside. It didn’t matter. Where I went, they went. I’m well acquainted with this particular characteristic.

But Tess is a next-level velcro dog. She is so in step with me that I often lose track of her because she’s so close behind me that I can’t even see her.

Dana Rongione 14/11/2022 Dana Rongione 14/11/2022

I Believe. . .a Little Bit

We all know the story of this great storm and how Jesus spoke peace to the winds and waves. We’re also well-acquainted with his rebuke to the disciples, but only recently as I explored this concept of “just a little” did I notice Jesus’ exact wording. He didn’t say the disciples didn’t have any faith. He said they had a little. Just a bit. Enough to wake up Jesus, believing He could help, but not so much to calm their terrified hearts. A little faith.

Dana Rongione 11/11/2022 Dana Rongione 11/11/2022

For a Season

Do you ever grow weary of fighting the same battles? Facing the same temptations? Slaying the same giants? I don’t know about you, but some days I wonder what I’m doing wrong. I’ve heard testimonies of people who have recovered from addictions or were brought out of some deep sin and now testify that since being saved, they’ve never even wanted to return to their old ways. They’ve never been tempted to take another drink, inhale another drug, or participate in another affair.

Dana Rongione 09/11/2022 Dana Rongione 09/11/2022

How Good Is Good Enough?

This weekend, Jason and I worked on installing a doggie door for Tess. So far, she’s done a great job of letting us know when she needs to go out, but having a dedicated doggie door makes like so much easier for all of us.

The existing exterior door had glass panels at the top and the bottom. Jason removed the bottom panel of glass and replaced it with a piece of plywood. After that, it was my turn to make merry with the paint.

Dana Rongione 07/11/2022 Dana Rongione 07/11/2022

When All You Have Is Just a Little Strength

I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name. - Revelation 3:8

Each time I come across this verse, I’m reminded of its usage in my favorite movie, Facing the Giants. Though it is a film centered around a football team (which is typically not my thing), the spiritual applications within the movie have impacted my life in so many ways.

Dana Rongione 04/11/2022 Dana Rongione 04/11/2022

Stay By the Stuff

In I Samuel 30, David and his army returned to their camp to find that the Amalekites had raided and carried away all their wives and children. The men were understandably distraught, and David enquired of the Lord whether he should go after the enemy. When God said, “Yes,” David wasted no time. Let’s pick up the story there.

Dana Rongione 02/11/2022 Dana Rongione 02/11/2022

Is the Fruit of the Spirit M.I.A.?

Some days, I honestly struggle to find the fruit of the Spirit. Love, joy, peace, and so on. They have to be there because I know I’m saved. The Spirit of God lives within me; therefore, the fruit of the Spirit must also be there. But most days, I just don’t see it.

When the calendar is overbooked and the bills are overdue, peace is the last thing on my mind. When my body is tired and my back is aching, I struggle to muscle up any joy. And when that person has gotten on your last nerve for the fifth time in a day, love and patience are nowhere to be found.

Dana Rongione 28/10/2022 Dana Rongione 28/10/2022

Keep Holding On

For a long time, every time I read this passage, I felt Jacob was being presumptuous. If you follow his life story, he wasn’t exactly a model believer. He lied and cheated on more than one occasion. His very name means “supplanter” or “deceiver.” Knowing that, doesn’t it seem rather bold to declare to God, “I won’t let go until you bless me”?

But, as I’ve grown in the faith, I’ve come to realize we should follow Jacob’s example. No, I don’t mean we should lie and cheat, but we should come to God boldly, determined we won’t let go until we receive that for which we came.

Dana Rongione 26/10/2022 Dana Rongione 26/10/2022

Why Is Waiting So Hard?

After having Tess for a couple of weeks and giving her time to get acclimated to her new environment, we began some basic training with her. The first step was to teach her to sit. It took a few days, but now, she has that one down pat to the point she does it before we ask her to.

The second step hasn’t been quite as successful. She’s getting there, but like me, the girl has a hard time waiting. We’re teaching her to sit and wait until we give her the okay before rushing after her food, kong, or toys. She’ll sit, but the waiting is still a work in progress.

Dana Rongione 24/10/2022 Dana Rongione 24/10/2022

Don’t Let the World Define You

I'll be honest with you, I fought against writing this devotion today. Not that there's anything wrong with it, mind you. It's just very similar to a few other posts I've done lately. But obviously, God is trying to teach me (and maybe you) something, and repetition aids learning, so here we go.

Yesterday, as a close to our date day, Jason and I watched a movie called Rescued by Ruby. It was one of the best movies I've seen in a long time. I laughed and cried and just felt good all over. If you're a fan of dogs, feel-good movies, or rooting for the underdog, this movie is a must-see.

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Dana Rongione