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Rest, Run, Repeat
Spiritual Growth, Life's Journey Dana Rongione Spiritual Growth, Life's Journey Dana Rongione

Rest, Run, Repeat

I'm happy to say that my back is improving, and I'm having fewer episodes of intense pain and restriction. It's a relief, let me tell you! However, according to my osteopath, I still have a lot of healing to do. Oddly enough, his instructions to me at the end of each visit are the same: "Move more and get more rest."

Is it just me, or do those two instructions contradict each other? If I move more, I'm not resting, and if I rest more, I'm not moving. It's like telling someone to eat more cake and lose weight simultaneously! (FYI, that doesn't work.  I've tried it…multiple times.)

I'll be honest, it's maddening trying to find the right balance of moving and resting. My mind races endlessly: Should I be up and about now? Am I pushing too hard? Is this pain a sign to stop or a hurdle to push through?

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On Guard!
Rise Up and Build, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Warfare Dana Rongione Rise Up and Build, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Warfare Dana Rongione

On Guard!

Have you ever ordered something online only to receive a product that was completely different from what you expected? Well, that recently happened to me.

I had ordered a supplement from eBay, a product I've purchased many times before from various sellers. But when the order arrived, I was immediately concerned. None of the bottles were sealed, which I knew was odd because I’ve always received sealed bottles.

Looking at the product more closely, I began to notice many strange things. The logo was a bit off, and there were typos on the label. The pills themselves were a different size and much less full than usual. Feeling unsure about what was actually in these supplements, I contacted the seller for a refund.

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Swatting Away the Easy
Compassion, love, Reaching Out To Others Dana Rongione Compassion, love, Reaching Out To Others Dana Rongione

Swatting Away the Easy

Oh, the joys of living in the countryside! The fresh air, the rolling hills, the peace and quiet...and the flies. Yes, you read that right. Flies. Those pesky little critters that seem to appear out of nowhere and invade your personal space without an invitation.

Oddly enough, we typically have very few issues with bugs in our area, but with the recent warm weather and fertilizing of the nearby fields, our home has become a fly paradise. They buzz around our heads, land on our food, and generally make a nuisance of themselves. And with no screens on the windows, they have free reign to come and go as they please.

Now, I’m not one to shy away from a good fly-swatting session. In fact, I have several fly swatters on hand at all times, ready to do battle with those little pests. But there's one problem: Tess.

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Out of Your Hands, Out of Your Head
Rise Up and Build, Thoughts, Spiritual Warfare Dana Rongione Rise Up and Build, Thoughts, Spiritual Warfare Dana Rongione

Out of Your Hands, Out of Your Head

I recently heard a quote that instantly resonated with me: "If it's out of your hands, get it out of your head." How often do we stress over things completely out of our control? Whether it's a situation at work, a disagreement with a loved one, or a global pandemic, there are just some things that we can't change.

But here's the thing: worrying about those things doesn't do us any good. In fact, it makes us feel worse. When we focus on the negative, it can be hard to see the positive. We can become consumed by our anxiety and anger, and it can be challenging to break free from those feelings.

So what's the solution? The best way to push those negative thoughts from our minds is to cram our minds so full of positive thoughts that there's no room left for negativity.

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Belted for Battle
Spiritual Warfare Dana Rongione Spiritual Warfare Dana Rongione

Belted for Battle

Sitting here at my desk, I can't help but be thankful for the snug embrace of my new best friend—my SI belt. Before you start imagining some high-tech gadgetry or a superhero accessory, let me assure you it's far more mundane yet equally miraculous in its own way.

As many of you know, for years, I've battled with back pain that would make a contortionist wince. It's been a constant companion, like that one relative who overstays their welcome at family gatherings. But recently, my osteopath introduced me to this simple yet effective tool: the Sacroiliac (SI) belt.

This unassuming piece of equipment wraps around your hips, providing stability to the sacroiliac joint—that's the spot where your spine meets your pelvis. It's like giving your lower back a supportive hug, encouraging proper alignment and reducing strain. The first time I put it on, I half expected to hear angels singing. While that didn't happen, the relief I felt was nothing short of heavenly.

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Blind Faith: Trusting God’s Process and Timing
waiting, Comfort, Encouragement Dana Rongione waiting, Comfort, Encouragement Dana Rongione

Blind Faith: Trusting God’s Process and Timing

There are many wonderful miracles recorded in the Bible, but this one—in my mind—stands out among the others. It’s. . .well, different. When the woman with the issue of blood touched the hem of Jesus’ garment, she was immediately healed. When others sought healing, Jesus spoke, and without delay, they were healed. On other occasions, a gentle touch of the Master was all it took to drive away the illness or the demons. But on this occasion, it seems as if Jesus’ first attempt at healing was unsuccessful. Notice, I said it seems that way, but I don’t believe that at all.

Jesus is perfect in all His ways. There isn’t anything He can’t do. So, why is it—do you think—that his first touch didn’t completely heal this blind man?

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The Narrow Gate
salvation, Reaching Out To Others Dana Rongione salvation, Reaching Out To Others Dana Rongione

The Narrow Gate

The other night, I was propped up in the bed, enjoying a cup of tea and a good book, when I heard a strange noise coming from the entryway. At first, I thought it was just the wind, but as the noise continued, I realized it was something else entirely.

I got up to investigate and found one of our sparrows fluttering around in a panic. She had somehow managed to fly into the entryway through a small opening in the sliding glass door, but now she couldn't find her way back out. She kept flying into the glass, over and over again, in a desperate attempt to escape.

As I watched her, I couldn't help but feel sadness and frustration. This poor little bird was trapped in a prison of her own making, unable to see the way to freedom that was right in front of her.

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Finding Direction in the Game of Life
God's guidance Dana Rongione God's guidance Dana Rongione

Finding Direction in the Game of Life

Have you ever heard of the game of bowls? I hadn't heard of it until we moved to the UK, but it's very popular here, and Jason has taken quite a liking to it. Let me explain for those of you who are still in the dark about what bowls is. The game of bowls is a blend of bowling and horseshoes. You roll your balls (called bowls) on a mat towards a smaller ball (called the jack) and try to get as close to it as possible. It's a simple concept, but it can be surprisingly challenging.

Jason has been playing bowls with a local team for about a year now and really enjoys it. Not only does he get to participate in a game he loves, but he also gets to minister to others in the group each week. It's a win-win situation!

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