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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 25/03/2024 Dana Rongione 25/03/2024

Shining Through the Shadows

In Wales, the sun is very hit-and-miss, especially during the long winter months. Just this morning, I noticed the blue skies and bright sun and made plans to do a little work outside. I went out and checked on my lawn chair, which was surprisingly dry. Then, I went back in to finish the chore I was in the middle of, with plans to go outside and enjoy the weather as soon as I was finished. A few minutes later, I donned my sweater, grabbed my laptop, and headed outside. Unfortunately, by then, the sun was hiding beneath several layers of gray clouds, and the wind had picked up, giving the air a damp chill. I waited a few minutes to see if the clouds and winds would pass. They didn't. So, I grabbed my stuff and went back inside, lamenting the fact that, once again, I had just missed the sun.

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 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 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 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 19/10/2023 Dana Rongione 19/10/2023

Unveiling Our True Selves to God

In Exodus 34, we encounter a unique story about Moses. When he came down from Mount Sinai after speaking with God and getting the second set of tablets bearing the Ten Commandments, his face shone radiantly. This divine glow was a physical sign of his close communion with the Almighty. However, it frightened the Israelites, so Moses covered his face with a veil among the people.

And the children of Israel saw the face of Moses, that the skin of Moses' face shone: and Moses put the vail upon his face again, until he went in to speak with him. - Exodus 34:35

Dana Rongione 09/10/2023 Dana Rongione 09/10/2023

Harmony in Unresolved Melodies

Ah, the sweet sound of a resolved chord, a musical sigh of contentment that brings a smile to our faces. I'm with you on that one! There's something deeply satisfying about a piece of music that ends on the perfect note, giving us a sense of completion. However, it’s becoming quite the trend to end a musical piece on an unresolved note. It drives me crazy! I feel like we’re in the middle of the song, and then suddenly, we’re on to the next song. Huh? What just happened?

Dana Rongione 02/09/2023 Dana Rongione 02/09/2023

Plot Holes or Potholes?

You know that feeling when you're in the zone, pounding away on a keyboard, and in the middle of a writing sprint that's like a caffeine rush for your creativity? (If you’re not a writer, you’ll have to equate this to some other project you’re elbow-deep in.) So there I was, watching my tale come alive on the screen and giggling in excitement. The story was full of twists and turns, excitement, mystery, and anything else I could throw at it. And the best part of all? It was almost finished!

Dana Rongione 28/08/2023 Dana Rongione 28/08/2023

Never Too Late for Miracles

Grab a cosy seat because today, we're diving into a story about hope and our Saviour's incredible power. We're cracking open the pages of John 11 to uncover a moment that speaks right to the core of our hearts —a time when it seemed all hope was lost, but Jesus showed us that even in the eleventh hour, miracles are still possible.

John 11 tells us that Lazarus, a dear friend of Jesus, had fallen seriously ill. His sisters, Mary and Martha, were understandably distraught and sent word to Jesus, hoping He'd come quickly to heal their brother. Oddly enough, Jesus didn't rush to their aid but remained where he was for another two days.

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Dana Rongione