Do the Next Thing

Have you ever felt like you're drowning in a sea of to-do lists and responsibilities? Like the waves of tasks keep crashing over you, and you can barely keep your head above water? I know I have. There are days when I look at everything I need to get done, and it feels completely overwhelming.

My mind starts racing with questions like, "How am I going to get all this done? What if I don't have enough time or energy? What if I disappoint someone by not meeting a deadline?" Before I know it, I'm caught in a whirlpool of anxiety and stress.

But then I remember a quote by Elisabeth Elliot that has become a lifeline for me in those moments. She said, "Sometimes life is so hard you can only do the next thing. Whatever that is, just do the next thing. God will meet you there."

Dana Rongione 08/04/2024 Dana Rongione 08/04/2024

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.

Dana Rongione 01/04/2024 Dana Rongione 01/04/2024

Facing the Impossible

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where the odds were stacked against you? I mean, really stacked against you? I know I have. And let me tell you, it can be downright terrifying. The good news is that nothing is too complicated for God, no matter how dire the situation may seem.

But don’t take my word for it. Listen to the words of King Asa. If you're unfamiliar with his story, let me give you a little background. King Asa was the third king of Judah and a pretty good king, all things considered. He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord and got rid of all the idols in the land.

But then, one day, an army of a million men came up against him. And I'm not talking about your run-of-the-mill army, either. This was an Ethiopian army, and they were fierce. They had 300 chariots and thousands of horsemen. It was a pretty intimidating sight, to say the least.

Dana Rongione 28/03/2024 Dana Rongione 28/03/2024

Finding Beauty in Our Brokenness

We can all relate to that feeling of falling apart at the seams, can we? Especially when life throws us curveballs that we weren't expecting. But here's the thing: God can still use us to make beautiful music even when we feel like we’re falling to pieces.

Take the grand old pipe organ in one of our small town chapels, for example. It’s been around longer than anyone can remember, and unfortunately, it's seen better days. The coolness and dampness of the Welsh air have taken their toll. So much so that during a recent service, some of the keys literally fell off while the organist was playing! Talk about a disaster, right? I’m glad I wasn’t playing!!!

Dana Rongione 07/12/2023 Dana Rongione 07/12/2023

The Limitless Grace of God

Have you ever felt the pressure of limitations? In my writing world, it's all about word counts. Many software programs I use offer a specific number of words for a set monthly charge. If I run over my allotted limit, I have to pay extra (sometimes, a lot extra). Therefore, I regularly check my word counters like a nervous bank account holder, ensuring I haven't overdrawn my monthly linguistic budget. It's a constant dance of creativity and calculation.

Thankfully, God doesn't operate on a word count system. There's no divine limit on His love, patience, or grace. We won't find a heavenly dashboard flashing "Overdraft" when we stumble or mess up.

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Do the Next Thing

Finding Rest for Our Souls

Facing the Impossible

Finding Beauty in Our Brokenness

The Limitless Grace of God

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Dana Rongione