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I'm Doing Everything Right, So Why Do I Still Feel Behind?
Weary, Spiritual Growth, Comfort, Discouragement, Encouragement Dana Rongione Weary, Spiritual Growth, Comfort, Discouragement, Encouragement Dana Rongione

I'm Doing Everything Right, So Why Do I Still Feel Behind?

Many years ago, Jason and I decided to tackle the Natureland Trust Trail at Caesars Head. I pictured a pleasant woodland stroll with maybe a stream, some birdsong, and a nice photo opportunity or two. What I got instead was 5.8 miles of "very strenuous" terrain that had me telling my husband, in complete seriousness, "Just leave me here. Save yourself."

I had done some research beforehand. I knew the trail existed. I knew its length. I knew people had hiked it successfully. I even packed water and wore my best hiking shoes. And yet, somewhere around mile three, blisters started to form, and my knees began to scream. I remember thinking, Why does this feel so much harder than I expected? I did everything right. I wore the appropriate clothing. I had all the proper gear. Yet, I still wondered if I was going to die on that trail.

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When the Storm Hits Again!
Discouragement, Encouragement, Weary Dana Rongione Discouragement, Encouragement, Weary Dana Rongione

When the Storm Hits Again!

Have you ever felt like you're constantly cleaning up the same mess over and over again? Like, no matter how hard you work, another disaster is waiting just around the corner?

Recently, the forestry workers did a major clean-up on the trails where Jason and I like to walk Tess. After several storms battered our area, downed trees and branches had turned our favorite hiking paths into an obstacle course. The crew spent days out there with heavy machinery, clearing debris and making everything safe again. I remember thinking how wonderful it was to see the trails restored and ready for use.​

But then, just a few days after they finished, another wave of storms rolled through Wales. More trees came down. More branches littered the paths. In fact, the trails looked worse than they did before the first cleanup.

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Ripple Effects
weariness, Encouragement, Comfort, Reaching Out to Others Dana Rongione weariness, Encouragement, Comfort, Reaching Out to Others Dana Rongione

Ripple Effects

King Josiah. Now, here was a man of unwavering faith and determination. He was a true leader, always striving to align himself with God’s will and to guide his people in the right direction. He fearlessly dismantled the false idols and restored the temple to its rightful state. And you know what? For a time, the nation was rejuvenated. The people returned to the worship of the one true God, and it seemed like Josiah’s reign was a turning point for the land.

But then, as often happens in life, things took a turn for the worse. After Josiah's death, the people returned to their old ways, worshipping false gods and ignoring the commands of the Lord. It's enough to make a person feel like all their hard work was for nothing.

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It’s Just Like Riding a Bike
Life's Journey, perseverance Dana Rongione Life's Journey, perseverance Dana Rongione

It’s Just Like Riding a Bike

Not long after moving here, Jason decided he would like an e-bike. (For those of you who are ignorant like I was, an e-bike is just a bicycle with a motor, which really comes in handy when one has to climb the many hills around here.). Anyway, the e-bike makes a lot of sense. Being only five miles from town, Jason can easily ride into town to pick up things, drop items off, or conduct any other business he may have. It’s also been a great tool for our letterboxing ministry as he can ride up and down the streets, neighborhoods, and farm roads and distribute our church literature to the mailboxes of each home.

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