Putting on the Armor When You’re Tired

Last week, Jason and I finally did it. We hauled out the old, falling-apart dressers and replaced them with a shiny new (well, new to us) three-door wardrobe. Jason built in some shelves, I found the perfect baskets, and over the course of a few days, we went through every piece of clothing we had stuffed in those poor drawers.

Some things were easy to let go of: old, worn-out pieces that had lived a good life. Others I just never reached for anymore. But I'll be honest, there were more items than I'd like to admit that simply didn't fit anymore. I wish I could say that some had gotten too big, but sadly, that was NOT the case. Either way, they weren't doing me any good.

As I stood there, holding up yet another item that no longer fit and muttering something unladylike under my breath, a thought hit me: Sometimes the armor of God feels exactly like this.

Dana Rongione 22/08/2024 Dana Rongione 22/08/2024

Hollow Hallelujahs

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. - Ephesians 6:12

Have you ever felt like you're fighting a losing battle? I certainly have. There are days when I wake up, and before my feet even hit the floor, I can sense the spiritual oppression weighing heavily upon me. It's as if a thick fog has settled over my soul, obscuring the light of God's love and leaving me feeling lost and alone.

I find myself in this very predicament of late. Despite years of walking with the Lord, I suddenly feel miles away from Him. Doubts have crept in like unwelcome guests, setting up camp in my mind and refusing to leave. My prayers seem to bounce off the ceiling, and I wonder if they even reach God’s ears.

Dana Rongione 15/08/2024 Dana Rongione 15/08/2024

Resting, Not Resigning

I'll be the first to admit that I'm not always the best at taking my own advice. I'm a bit of a perfectionist, and I have a hard time saying no to new projects or opportunities. But recently, I found myself in a place where I just couldn't keep going at the same pace. I was exhausted, both physically and emotionally, and I knew I needed to take a step back and focus on my own spiritual and emotional health.

So, I did what any sensible person would do. I declared that I would continue in my regular roles as a church pianist, Bible study teacher, promotional designer, etc., However, I was taking a break from any new projects or commitments until I felt more like myself again. And that's when the criticism started rolling in.

Dana Rongione 10/06/2024 Dana Rongione 10/06/2024

Looking Up When Life Weighs You Down

One of my favorite things to do here in Wales is visit old castles. There’s just something about the history and architecture that fascinates me. But as much as I love exploring these ancient structures, I always end up with a pain in my neck the next day.

When you're walking around a castle, you're constantly looking up. You're admiring the tall towers, the intricate carvings, and the beautiful stained glass windows. But, after a while, all that looking up can take a toll on your neck (especially if you already have neck issues).

Life can be the same way. We want to be positive and keep looking up, but sometimes, circumstances causes such a pain in the neck that we find our gaze slipping down to the depths of despair. Our “eyes fail with looking upward.”

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Putting on the Armor When You’re Tired

Hollow Hallelujahs

Resting, Not Resigning

Looking Up When Life Weighs You Down

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Dana Rongione