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Devotions Archive
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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Handle With Care
Reaching Out To Others, Spiritual Growth, Animals of the Bible Dana Rongione Reaching Out To Others, Spiritual Growth, Animals of the Bible Dana Rongione

Handle With Care

If you've ever owned a greyhound or spent time around one, you know they are gloriously fragile.

Not in spirit. In skin.

A greyhound's skin is extraordinarily thin. There is very little fat or fur between the outside world and the muscle beneath. What would be a minor scrape for a Labrador can become a significant wound on a greyhound. A small bump. A brush against a rough surface. An accidental nip during play. Things that most dogs would shake off can leave a greyhound needing stitches. In fact, up to 25–30% of greyhounds have a condition that makes them prone to excessive bruising and bleeding, even from minor incidents. Greyhound owners quickly learn that what looks like nothing can actually be something, so they handle their hounds with gentleness, awareness, and care.

Now, doesn't that sound like some people you know?

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Do You Want To Learn To Fish?
Spiritual Growth Dana Rongione Spiritual Growth Dana Rongione

Do You Want To Learn To Fish?

Welcome back, friends. Today's devotion is a little different—less of a devotion and more of a confession. A holy, Spirit-prompted, middle-of-Bible-study conviction. Bear with me, because I think this one matters.

Last Wednesday night, I was teaching our ladies' Bible study on the life of Gideon. We had reached the tragic, sobering, heartbreaking end. And let me tell you, it is not a pretty ending. Despite an absolutely stunning, God-orchestrated string of victories, Gideon made a golden ephod. Though he denied the title of "king," he set himself up as one. He became the one the people leaned on, rather than pointing them straight to God.

And the devastating result? The moment Gideon died, the Israelites tumbled headlong back into idolatry. Just like that. Because no one had ever taught them to stand on their own two spiritual feet and worship God for themselves, they went right back to what was comfortable.

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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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Are You Walking Past Your Miracle?
Reaching Out To Others, Spiritual Growth, spiritual housecleaning, Spiritual Warfare Dana Rongione Reaching Out To Others, Spiritual Growth, spiritual housecleaning, Spiritual Warfare Dana Rongione

Are You Walking Past Your Miracle?

Picture this: a room full of lovely ladies, a painting lesson in full swing, and a punch table front and center. My dear ministry partner had worked hard to create not one, but two delightful punch options for our Community Ladies' Luncheon last Saturday. She blended, stirred, and taste-tested with the dedication of a seasoned chef. And the result? One punch turned the most gorgeous shade of coral you've ever seen. It was bright, cheerful, and practically hollering, "Come drink me!" Every woman in the room floated toward it like a bee to a flower.

The other punch? Oh, bless its heart. Somewhere in the blending process, the colors had a disagreement, and what emerged was a murky, grayish concoction that looked—and I say this with all the tenderness I can muster—exactly like dirty mop water. Nobody wanted anything to do with it.

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