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Dana Rongione 25/04/2024 Dana Rongione 25/04/2024

The Greatest Castle Never Built

Last week, Jason and I took some much-needed time off to rest and refresh ourselves. We spent a few days in northern Wales, taking in many sights, including three castles. They were all impressive, but my favourite was Beaumaris Castle. Now, there's a sight to behold! It's a massive fortress on the coast of Wales, with walls that stretch on for what seems like miles. But here's the thing: it was never finished. King Edward I had big plans for this castle but ran out of money before he could see it through to completion, leaving Beaumaris with the title “The Greatest Castle Never Built.” Bummer, right?

Dana Rongione 18/04/2024 Dana Rongione 18/04/2024

Footsteps of Faith: Navigating the Muddy Paths of Life

Following an exceptionally rainy winter in Wales, the hiking paths have become treacherous mud pits. While hiking yesterday, Jason lost his footing in the mire and clutched onto a wooden fence post to steady himself. Little did he know, the post was rotted at the base. It nearly buckled beneath his weight. Thankfully, Jason regained his balance and the fence post before getting covered in mud.

As Jason managed to steady both himself and the decayed fence post, it struck me how frequently we seek solace in things other than the Lord in times of need, whether in people, material belongings, or our perceived capabilities. We place our faith in them, only to find that they are not as reliable as we initially assumed, much like the seemingly sturdy yet rotted post that Jason had clung to.

Dana Rongione 21/03/2024 Dana Rongione 21/03/2024

Obedience Over Insight

Alright, let's dive back into Mark 2:1-12, shall we? I mean, can you blame me for wanting to hang out with these roof-tearing, friend-carrying guys a little longer?

Now, let's zero in on the moment when Jesus told the paralyzed man, "Arise, take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house." (Mark 2:11 KJV) I don't know about you, but if I were that guy, I'd be thinking, "Uh, Jesus, have you noticed I can't walk?" But what did he do? He didn't question, he didn't hesitate, he didn't even try to figure it out. He just got up and walked, just like that.

Dana Rongione 29/02/2024 Dana Rongione 29/02/2024

Man Plans; God Directs

Eager to hit the hiking trails last week, Jason and I checked the forecast for the best day. Friday showed sun, while Saturday predicted snow, so Friday it was!

After breakfast on Friday morning, we were greeted by rain showers mixed with fat snowflakes instead of sunshine. "No problem," we shrugged. “It’s Wales! Wet weather is just part of the charm. Besides, as usual, the rain will likely come and go in short bursts.” You can probably guess where this is headed.

Despite the continuing wintry mix, we stuck with Plan A, trudging up muddy slopes in worsening snow and sleet for hours. Slipping in sodden boots with freezing fingers, I muttered, “Maybe we should've waited till tomorrow." By the time we stumbled back to the car, I was as drenched and weary.

Dana Rongione 19/02/2024 Dana Rongione 19/02/2024

More Than Meets the Eye

I had to chuckle yesterday at the amusing scene I encountered during my morning walk. As I passed by a nearby farm, I noticed a farmer walking along the perimeter of his sheep pasture, stopping at intervals to inspect the wooden fence posts. In his gloved hands, he carried a bucket filled with tools and supplies for repairing any loose posts or gaps in the wire fencing.

But the funny part was the flock of sheep persistently trailing him! As he made his way slowly around the pasture, those woolly creatures walked right along behind him, from post to post. I couldn’t help but laugh as the farmer tried shooing the sheep away several times, only to have them return moments later to resume their woolly procession.

Dana Rongione 12/02/2024 Dana Rongione 12/02/2024

Starting Your Day in Tune With God

Rise and shine, my friends! A brand new day awaits, brimming with promise and potential. Now, before we hurry off to tackle that to-do list, let's pause to tune our instrument, shall we? After all, as Hudson Taylor said, “Do not have your concert first, and then tune your instrument afterwards. Begin the day with the Word of God and prayer, and get first of all into harmony with Him.”

Have you ever arrived at a concert early and been privy to the pre-concert tune-up? Honestly, it makes my eyes twitch and my head ache. Each musician is busily tuning his/her instrument, seemingly oblivious to all the other “noise” around them. There are squeaks and scrapes. In short, it’s a hideous sound. But as Taylor’s quotes remind us, it’s a necessary one.

Dana Rongione 05/02/2024 Dana Rongione 05/02/2024

Stirring Up the Soul

There's nothing quite like the smell of a big pot of soup or chilli simmering on the stove during these chilly winter months. The savoury aroma fills the kitchen, bringing comfort and warmth on cold days. I don't know about you, but something about stirring a steaming pot of soup feels soothing to the soul.

As I stand over the pot, swirling the wooden spoon around and around, I'm reminded of what Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 1:6-7:

“6 Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. 7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”

Dana Rongione 11/01/2024 Dana Rongione 11/01/2024

True Riches in Christ

The letter to the church at Smyrna comes from Jesus, who declares Himself as "the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive." This description highlights Christ's eternal nature and affirms His sovereignty over life and death. Jesus holds the keys to Death and Hell, a comforting truth for the persecuted church at Smyrna.

The name Smyrna means "myrrh," an embalming spice, which seems prophetic as this church underwent immense suffering. Faith in Christ cost these believers their livelihoods and social standing. Poverty and imprisonment plagued them. Even so, Jesus calls them rich, for while poor in earthly goods, they overflowed in spiritual wealth and heavenly hope.

Dana Rongione 02/01/2024 Dana Rongione 02/01/2024

Morning Time With the Master

Can you believe another new year has begun? Where did the time go? As the holiday hustle and bustle ramps up, it's hard to believe 2024 has arrived. Fortunately, with the new year comes many new opportunities.

As many of you know, I'm excited to launch my new line of monthly planners and journals accompanying my Optimize Your Day program! I designed them to be uplifting and practical, helping you organize your days while keeping your eyes on Jesus. I'll share more about them in a minute.

But today, I want to discuss an even more important topic than planners and journals—beginning each day with the Lord.

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.

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Dana Rongione