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Weary, Comfort, Encouragement, Hope Dana Rongione Weary, Comfort, Encouragement, Hope Dana Rongione

Helpless But Hopeful

At the time of this writing, it is three days before our biggest community event of the year. I’ve been planning and preparing for weeks, hoping to iron out every wrinkle so the day will run smoothly and successfully. But you know what the Bible says about man's plans, right?

About a week and a half ago, my back decided to throw one of its fits. This wasn't its everyday pinch, sting, and ache. This was lying flat in the bed for an entire week! Yup, a whole week where I couldn't work on the mountain of things that needed to be done. Oh, how helpless and frustrated I felt.

After a visit with my osteopath, I finally started feeling some relief and could start pecking away at a chore here and there as long as I took long rest and stretch breaks in between.

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Life's Journey, Weary, Comfort, Encouragement Dana Rongione Life's Journey, Weary, Comfort, Encouragement Dana Rongione

Tightrope Trusting

As I was doing my Optimize Your Day routine this morning, I looked out my office window and saw a large bird land on the overhead power line. This power line isn't very taught, and the wind was blowing pretty hard. The bird tried to steady itself, but it was a comical sight. Its tail feathers were pointing and flexing, and its wings would occasionally shoot out to steady itself. It was like watching a tightrope walker trying to keep their balance or a child trying to swing for the first time.

This lasted several seconds until the bird finally gave up and flew off. As I watched this, I couldn't help but think about how often I feel like that bird.

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Positive Life, Thoughts Dana Rongione Positive Life, Thoughts Dana Rongione

Reaping a Harvest of Joy

Today, I want to talk about something that's been on my mind lately: the power of our thoughts. When I start my day off with negative thoughts and complaints, it sets the tone for the rest of the day. I find myself getting easily frustrated, angry, and bitter. On the other hand, when I start my day with positive thoughts and gratitude, it's amazing how much better my day goes. (This is one of the main reasons I created the Optimize Your Day program!)

Galatians 6:7 says, "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." In other words, what we put out into the world, we will eventually receive back.

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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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Dog Devotions Dana Rongione Dog Devotions Dana Rongione

Houdini Strikes Again

We've finally had some nice weather here in Wales, and Tess and I have been taking full advantage of it. We were outside enjoying the sunshine the other day when I heard a soft whimper. I looked up to see Tess standing on the opposite side of the fence, crying to get back in. Despite our best efforts to secure the fencing, that little booger had found a way out again!

Honestly, I was frustrated with her. She knows she's not supposed to go outside the fence, yet she continues finding ways to escape. But as I watched her standing there, whimpering and looking at me with those big, brown eyes, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of compassion.

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