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Are You an Attractive Christian?
Reaching Out To Others, Spiritual Growth, Testimony, Life's Journey Dana Rongione Reaching Out To Others, Spiritual Growth, Testimony, Life's Journey Dana Rongione

Are You an Attractive Christian?

I've noticed something fascinating this week. The rather unremarkable bush outside my bedroom window has undergone a complete transformation. For months, it has been nothing but a green backdrop. Sure, it was pleasant enough, but certainly nothing to write home about. Yet, seemingly overnight, it has erupted into a constellation of delicate white blooms.

What's even more intriguing is the response these blooms have generated. The bush that previously served only as a waiting room for the birds at the feeder has become the hottest gathering spot in the garden. Now, dozens of bees buzz excitedly around each blossom, their enthusiastic hum providing the soundtrack to my mornings. Large fuzzy bumblebees, sleek honey bees, and tiny wild bees that I can hardly identify all crowd the branches in a bustling community of activity.

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When Change Seems Impossible
Life's Journey, Reaching Out To Others, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Warfare Dana Rongione Life's Journey, Reaching Out To Others, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Warfare Dana Rongione

When Change Seems Impossible

Have you ever heard the story of the frog in the kettle? Place a frog in boiling water, and it will immediately jump out. But place it in room-temperature water and gradually increase the heat, and the frog will stay put until it's too late. While this analogy may be more folklore than science, it illustrates a profound truth about human nature.

In Jesus' day, the religious system had gradually shifted from God's original intent. Like that proverbial frog, the people didn't notice the slow drift from true worship to ritualistic religion. The Pharisees had added layer upon layer of rules and traditions until the heart of God's law was nearly unrecognizable. As Jesus said, "Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered" (Mark 7:13).

I wonder how many of those sincere worshippers realized something was amiss?

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Beyond the “Church Experience”
church, Reaching Out To Others, worship Dana Rongione church, Reaching Out To Others, worship Dana Rongione

Beyond the “Church Experience”

I was flipping through channels the other night when I landed on one of those singing competition shows. You know the type—aspiring artists performing their hearts out before a panel of celebrity judges. After one particularly moving performance, one of the judges exclaimed, "Wow, you really took us to church!"

I couldn't help but chuckle at the phrase. It's become quite common nowadays, hasn't it? Whether it's a soulful ballad, an impressive guitar solo, or even a particularly passionate speech, people love to say they've been "taken to church." The phrase has come to represent any experience that stirs the emotions or creates a sense of excitement.

But as I pondered this cultural phenomenon, I couldn't help but wonder: Is this what church is really meant to be? An emotional high? A performance that leaves us feeling uplifted for a moment?

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Swatting Away the Easy
Compassion, love, Reaching Out To Others Dana Rongione Compassion, love, Reaching Out To Others Dana Rongione

Swatting Away the Easy

Oh, the joys of living in the countryside! The fresh air, the rolling hills, the peace and quiet...and the flies. Yes, you read that right. Flies. Those pesky little critters that seem to appear out of nowhere and invade your personal space without an invitation.

Oddly enough, we typically have very few issues with bugs in our area, but with the recent warm weather and fertilizing of the nearby fields, our home has become a fly paradise. They buzz around our heads, land on our food, and generally make a nuisance of themselves. And with no screens on the windows, they have free reign to come and go as they please.

Now, I’m not one to shy away from a good fly-swatting session. In fact, I have several fly swatters on hand at all times, ready to do battle with those little pests. But there's one problem: Tess.

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