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When You're Trying to Tune In to God (But the World Won't Turn Down)
Weary, The Word of God, Spiritual Growth, Bible Study Dana Rongione Weary, The Word of God, Spiritual Growth, Bible Study Dana Rongione

When You're Trying to Tune In to God (But the World Won't Turn Down)

There I was, Bible open, pen in hand. With Tess snoring in her bed beside me, I was minding my own business and reading about the importance of tuning out the world to tune in to God. Very spiritual. Very focused. Very... interrupted.

Before the ink was dry on that thought, Tess launched off the floor like a furry little missile. She pressed her nose against the window and barked at some unsuspecting soul walking down the road as if the fate of the free world depended on it. Then, as if that weren't enough, she bolted from the office. Unfortunately, she pushed the office door wide open in her dramatic exit, which meant I could now enjoy the full orchestra of household chaos. Both the washing machine and the dishwasher roared directly across the hall. And Jason was happily clanging around in the kitchen.

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Where Do You Think You’re Going?
Spiritual Growth, Inspiration, Bible Study Dana Rongione Spiritual Growth, Inspiration, Bible Study Dana Rongione

Where Do You Think You’re Going?

I have a confession to make: my dog is more socially determined than I am.

Let me set the scene. Jason's parents were visiting, and we were all gathered in the living room, food trays in front of us, enjoying dinner together. Meanwhile, Tess had been served her meal in the adjoining room, close enough to hear the laughter and smell the good food, but not quite with us. Well, apparently, Tess had a thing or two to say about that.

That crazy dog picked up her food bowl (without spilling a single bite, mind you), carried it across the floor, and set it down right in the middle of the living room. Then she looked up at us as if to say, "There. That's better," and went right back to eating. No drama. No apology. Just a dog who knew exactly where she wanted to be and did what it took to get there.

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Basking Like a Coney:  Why Christians Need Time in the Son
Spiritual Growth, Inspiration Dana Rongione Spiritual Growth, Inspiration Dana Rongione

Basking Like a Coney: Why Christians Need Time in the Son

I think I’ve discovered a new favorite animal, and surprisingly, it’s not a dog. It’s the coney, also known as the rock badger or rock hyrax. Picture a chubby, rabbit-sized creature with short legs, a round body, and a constant expression of “I wasn’t ready for this photo.” Not exactly fierce or intimidating. In fact, the Bible describes it this way: “The conies are but a feeble folk, yet make they their houses in the rocks” (Proverbs 30:26).

“Feeble folk” is a pretty accurate description. Rock hyraxes struggle to regulate their body temperature and rely heavily on their environment to survive. They can’t handle extreme heat or cold for long, so what do they do? They bask. A lot.

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Keep Holding On
Prayer, perseverance Dana Rongione Prayer, perseverance Dana Rongione

Keep Holding On

For a long time, every time I read this passage, I felt Jacob was being presumptuous. If you follow his life story, he wasn’t exactly a model believer. He lied and cheated on more than one occasion. His very name means “supplanter” or “deceiver.” Knowing that, doesn’t it seem rather bold to declare to God, “I won’t let go until you bless me”?

But, as I’ve grown in the faith, I’ve come to realize we should follow Jacob’s example. No, I don’t mean we should lie and cheat, but we should come to God boldly, determined we won’t let go until we receive that for which we came.

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