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Dana Rongione 18/12/2023 Dana Rongione 18/12/2023

Focusing on the Gift

As we embrace the festive Christmas season, our thoughts naturally turn to the timeless story of Jesus' birth, the tradition of giving and receiving gifts, and the overall spirit of generosity. Yet amidst all the merriment, it is important to pause and ponder a deeper lesson that extends beyond the holiday itself—one that teaches us about the true meaning of gifts and their significance throughout the year.

Before I go any further, I want to share a cherished memory from my childhood. On one particular Christmas, my sister and I yearned for a special gift—a lifelike doll named Lorrie, accompanied by a complete nursery of miniature furniture. This precious doll was in every catalog and every commercial.

Dana Rongione 07/12/2023 Dana Rongione 07/12/2023

The Limitless Grace of God

Have you ever felt the pressure of limitations? In my writing world, it's all about word counts. Many software programs I use offer a specific number of words for a set monthly charge. If I run over my allotted limit, I have to pay extra (sometimes, a lot extra). Therefore, I regularly check my word counters like a nervous bank account holder, ensuring I haven't overdrawn my monthly linguistic budget. It's a constant dance of creativity and calculation.

Thankfully, God doesn't operate on a word count system. There's no divine limit on His love, patience, or grace. We won't find a heavenly dashboard flashing "Overdraft" when we stumble or mess up.

Dana Rongione 04/12/2023 Dana Rongione 04/12/2023

God’s Perfect Timing

I have some exciting news to share with you. After months of waiting, prayers, and a touch of impatience, our visas to stay in Wales have finally been approved! Can I get a hallelujah?

Let me be honest: waiting is no one's favorite activity. It's like being stuck in a perpetual line at the grocery store when all you want is to get home and enjoy your snacks (especially the chocolate ones). But hey, here we are, snacks in hand (figuratively speaking), celebrating the sweet taste of victory. And let me tell you, it tastes so good!

Dana Rongione 30/11/2023 Dana Rongione 30/11/2023

An Excerpt from Hope Reborn

The magician sat in contemplation, his mind swirling with the many events that had unfolded over the past couple of weeks. The accounts he had heard and the miracles he had witnessed clashed with the relentless arguments of his logic.

Merlin felt an inner stirring as comprehension dawned on him. Though he did not fully understand, he began to accept the truth of what Jesus said, yet with that trust came a weighty decision. Was he prepared to relinquish his extraordinary powers in exchange for putting his faith in this man they called the Messiah? Could he set aside his desperate quest to alter the past to save his father and instead embrace a new path guided by trust in Jesus?

Dana Rongione 27/11/2023 Dana Rongione 27/11/2023

From Silence to Symphony

For authors like me, book reviews and word of mouth are the building blocks to success both for the author and the books they write. It is beyond discouraging when my best work is lost in the sea of worthless dribble and harmful lies that somehow still make it to the top of the bestseller charts. Meanwhile, my books sit so far down the ranking that no one could find them if they tried. All those long nights working, all that sweat and inspiration are gone with no recognition from anyone. Many writers know this feeling, the soul-consuming emptiness of unappreciated hard work. (Cue heavy sigh and heartfelt sob!)

23/11/2023 23/11/2023

When It Seems There Is No Hope (Repost)

“Thou art wearied in the greatness of thy way; yet saidst thou not, There is no hope: thou hast found the life of thine hand; therefore thou wast not grieved. ” — Isaiah 57:10

During my Bible reading last week, this verse jumped out at me, and today, I would like to make an application with it. Let's begin with the first phrase: Thou art wearied in the greatness of thy way. Does the way before you seem great today? Does the path appear long and scary? Troublesome roads can leave us weary, even if we haven't traveled them yet.

Dana Rongione 20/11/2023 Dana Rongione 20/11/2023

Navigating Life's Storms One Wave at a Time

I'm currently knee-deep in deadlines, surrounded by a sea of writing projects with waves of words crashing over me like a relentless storm. In these moments, my mind is drawn back to Peter as he walked on the water. Yes, I know I just did an entire series of devotions about this particular event, but bear with me as we look at another angle of Peter’s sinking desperation.

Traditionally, we view Peter's conflict with the sea as a warning against losing faith when he looked at the storm instead of keeping his gaze on Jesus. And while that’s true, there's another angle worth exploring, especially when our to-do lists feel as vast as the ocean.

Dana Rongione 16/11/2023 Dana Rongione 16/11/2023

How Good Is Good Enough? (A Repost)

Today, I want to do something a little different. While this devotion applies to anyone in any stage or area of life, I want to specifically talk to those who suffer from chronic illness. Perhaps, like me, it's a joint disorder, arthritis, bursitis, or other pain-related situations. Or maybe you suffer from an autoimmune disease like lupus, celiac disease, or type 1 diabetes. It could even be you're many months into cancer and the various treatments related to that. Whatever the disease or illness, I want to speak to your hurting hearts.

Dana Rongione 13/11/2023 Dana Rongione 13/11/2023

Walking With Jesus Through Life's Storms, Part 6

As we navigate the storms of life, it's essential to remember that just because we face trials doesn't mean we're out of God's will. The disciples were exactly where Jesus had commanded them to be, yet they encountered a tempestuous sea.

The story also highlights the significance of trusting God's character and promises when we can't see Him working. Often, Jesus operates behind the scenes, diligently working all things for our good and His glory.

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.

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Dana Rongione