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

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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From Weariness to Worship
weariness, Weary, Overwhelmed, Encouragement Dana Rongione weariness, Weary, Overwhelmed, Encouragement Dana Rongione

From Weariness to Worship

Now, I don't know about you, but sometimes I feel like I'm stumbling through this Christian life like an ostrich walking on marbles. One moment, I'm confidently taking steps, and the next, I'm face-planting into the carpet of life's challenges. But here's the beautiful thing: our Heavenly Father is right there, picking us up, dusting us off, and encouraging us to try again. He's not rolling His eyes or checking His watch; He's cheering us on with the enthusiasm of a parent watching their toddler take their first steps.

The goal, as we've discussed, is to reach a place where our entire life becomes an act of worship. Imagine that! Every breath, every action, every thought offered up as a sweet-smelling savor to the Lord. It's a lofty aspiration, isn't it? But let's not be discouraged if we haven't quite reached that pinnacle yet.

Think of it like tending a garden. When you plant a seed, you don't expect a full-grown tree overnight. It takes time, patience, and consistent care. Some days, you might not see any progress at all. But beneath the surface, roots are deepening, and growth is happening.

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Looking Up When Life Weighs You Down
weary, Positive Life, Encouragement, Comfort Dana Rongione weary, Positive Life, Encouragement, Comfort Dana Rongione

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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Letting Love Fuel Your Ministry
Reaching Out To Others, Service, weariness Dana Rongione Reaching Out To Others, Service, weariness Dana Rongione

Letting Love Fuel Your Ministry

Springtime in Wales is no joke! We go from zero to a hundred in the blink of an eye. One minute, we're bundled up and sipping hot cocoa by the fire, and the next, we're running around like chickens with our heads cut off, trying to keep up with all the events and activities.

Don't get me wrong, I love being part of this vibrant ministry, but sometimes, it can be downright exhausting. This year, I found myself stretched thin like butter scraped over too much bread (to borrow a Bilbo Baggins-ism).

Between the ladies' luncheon, the Easter outreaches, the ladies' retreat, the music for each service, the weekly Bible study, and the seemingly endless stream of meetings, planning sessions, and flyer creations, I was starting to feel like a hamster on a wheel—running, running, running, but never really getting anywhere.

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Finding Rest for Our Souls
Encouragement, weariness, Comfort, Ministry Dana Rongione Encouragement, weariness, Comfort, Ministry Dana Rongione

Finding Rest for Our Souls

I take the Boy Scout motto "Be prepared" to new heights. When Jason and I go for a longer hike, I often load the backpacks with anything and everything we might need—a first aid kit, blankets, flashlights, extra clothing, food, water, and even a whistle. Sometimes, I go overboard and have the packs so heavy we can't carry them.

I over-plan and over-prepare for everything, whether a hiking trip or a dinner party. I get so caught up in anticipating every possible need or problem that I forget to simply enjoy being.

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