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Dana Rongione 16/09/2024 Dana Rongione 16/09/2024

Swing Low, Sweet Slug

As the summer weather continues, I find myself spending more and more time outside on my swing. It's the perfect spot to enjoy the fresh air, soak up some rare Welsh sunshine, and spend time with my furry companion, Tess. I love to use this time to read my Bible, pray, or do some writing. It's my little slice of heaven here on earth.

But recently, my peaceful swing time was interrupted in a most unexpected way. As I sat there, enjoying the gentle rocking motion and the sound of birds chirping, something fell from above and landed in my lap. To my horror, I discovered it was a ginormous slug! Evidently, the slimy creature had crawled up to the top of the swing and either lost its grip or deliberately decided to pay me a visit.

Dana Rongione 01/08/2024 Dana Rongione 01/08/2024

Lessons From the Birds, Part Three

The avian antics at my bird feeder seemed to be an endless source of spiritual insight. From the clever sparrow who found a way around the crowded sides to the persistent little fellow who refused to give up, each bird had something to teach. I love how God does that! As I settled in for another session of feathered observation, I was struck by a new lesson that would make me question my approach to life's challenges and remind me of the importance of seeking God's guidance.

As the last suet ball dwindled, it shifted to one side of the feeder, presenting a new challenge for the feathered visitors. One determined bird caught my eye. Instead of simply flying around to the side where the suet ball now rested, this stubborn little fellow insisted on stretching through the bars, twisting his neck at impossible angles, all in an attempt to reach the food. I couldn't help but chuckle at his ridiculous contortions.

Dana Rongione 29/07/2024 Dana Rongione 29/07/2024

Lessons From the Birds, Part Two

In my last devotion, I shared about the persistent sparrow who refused to give up on getting his share of the suet ball. Today, I want to revisit that scene because, as is often the case with God's creation, there are multiple lessons we can glean from a single moment.

As I continued to watch the birds that day, my attention was drawn to another sparrow—one who took a different approach altogether. You see, while most of the birds were content to jostle for position on the side of the feeder, one resourceful sparrow decided to think outside the box—or should I say, inside the feeder? He flew to the top and went down inside the feeder, allowing him unhindered access to the last ball. Sneaky, huh?

Dana Rongione 28/03/2024 Dana Rongione 28/03/2024

Finding Beauty in Our Brokenness

We can all relate to that feeling of falling apart at the seams, can we? Especially when life throws us curveballs that we weren't expecting. But here's the thing: God can still use us to make beautiful music even when we feel like we’re falling to pieces.

Take the grand old pipe organ in one of our small town chapels, for example. It’s been around longer than anyone can remember, and unfortunately, it's seen better days. The coolness and dampness of the Welsh air have taken their toll. So much so that during a recent service, some of the keys literally fell off while the organist was playing! Talk about a disaster, right? I’m glad I wasn’t playing!!!

Dana Rongione 14/03/2024 Dana Rongione 14/03/2024

Faithful Frolicking

Wales is a dog-friendly place, and our small town is no exception. So, it’s not unusual to see people out walking their dogs at all times of the day. What is uncommon, however, is one particular dog, who is the talk of the town. The rumor is that the dog was born smack in the middle of the lambing season on a local farm and learned to "walk" by imitating and frolicking with those sprightly spring lambs. Can’t you picture the gleeful puppy bounding along beside them?

Well, whether fact or fiction, the dog has a unique gait. Rather than a standard walk, this canine companion essentially HOPS everywhere he goes! It's honestly one of the most hilarious things I’ve ever seen.

Dana Rongione 05/01/2024 Dana Rongione 05/01/2024

Eternal Echoes: A Devotional Journey through the Seven Churches

The book of Revelation contains mysteries and prophecies that have confounded readers for centuries. But nestled among the apocalyptic visions are seven letters written directly to seven specific churches in Asia Minor during the first century A.D. On the surface, these letters from Jesus seem simple enough. However, a closer look reveals significant convicting messages for churches and believers today.

Over the next few weeks, I want us to explore these seven letters to the churches mentioned in Revelation 2-3. As we break down each one, I pray we’ll uncover powerful truths to apply to our walks with Christ. Though initially written to actual local churches, the instructions, encouragements, warnings, and promises Jesus gives to the seven churches speak volumes to us now.

Dana Rongione 29/12/2023 Dana Rongione 29/12/2023

The Cost of Obeying God

When the angel Gabriel appeared unto Mary that fateful day, I doubt she had any clue how greatly her life was about to change. After all, his greeting troubled her, and she must have wondered what his words meant. But once he explained God's plan for her to bear the Messiah, she responded with humility and surrender: "Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word" (Luke 1:38).

With those words, Mary agreed to carry the very Son of God in her womb, knowing full well the cost that came with such an honor. She knew people would accuse her of impurity when they noticed her pregnant belly. After all, she was still a virgin espoused to Joseph.

Dana Rongione 26/12/2023 Dana Rongione 26/12/2023

Lessons From Abraham’s Relentless Prayer

Do you ever feel like you've asked too much of God? Does your prayer list consist of the same petitions over and over again? My health is a daily prayer, and I often wonder if God is tired of hearing me ask for the same thing day after day. Thankfully, the answer to that question can be found in the pages of Scripture.

In the age-old tale of Sodom and Gomorrah, a powerful moment takes place when Abraham converses with the Almighty. As God reveals his plan to destroy the sinful cities, Abraham begins a fervent prayer.

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 16/10/2023 Dana Rongione 16/10/2023

Up Is Down

Ahoy there, me hearties! Let's set sail on a journey into the treacherous waters of the Caribbean, where Captain Jack Sparrow and his trusty compass guide us, not toward true north, but rather, toward a profound spiritual lesson.

In the world of pirates and plunder, Captain Jack Sparrow is known for his uncanny ability to navigate the choppy seas. Yet, there's one thing that left even the wiliest pirate scratching his head: a perplexing clue that declared, "Up is Down." When Jack first laid eyes on these words, he famously proclaimed them to be "maddeningly unhelpful." But what if there's more to this cryptic phrase than meets the eye, me hearties?

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Dana Rongione