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Prayer, perseverance, Patience Dana Rongione Prayer, perseverance, Patience Dana Rongione

The Flush of Perseverance

A couple of weeks ago, our main toilet started acting up. When you pushed down the handle to flush, nothing would happen. Typically, if you tried it again, it would flush. It was a bit annoying, but overall, not a big deal. However, the problem has progressively gotten worse.

Now, if it doesn't flush on the first try, you have to pump the handle until it finally decides to flush. But, when I say you have to pump the handle, take note that it's not quite as simple as it sounds. No, as we've discovered, there is a particular way and speed at which you have to pump it. It will not work if you pump too quickly or too slowly.

Do you have any idea how ridiculous it feels to stand there trying to pump at just the right speed simply to get the toilet to flush?

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disappointment, expectations, faithfulness, Weary Dana Rongione disappointment, expectations, faithfulness, Weary Dana Rongione

When Success Looks Like Failure

This week, I read about a man in ministry who dedicated his entire lifetime to his mission field. He did everything God asked of him and preached with passion and conviction. Day after day, year after year, he faithfully delivered God's message.

However, after a lifetime of service, this devoted minister had no converts to show for his efforts. Not one soul saved. Not a single person who repented of their sins and accepted the message he preached.

Many would look at this man and shake their heads in pity or, worse, ridicule. Armchair critics would be quick to make assessments:

"Perhaps he didn't preach hard enough."

"Maybe his heart wasn't right with God."

"He probably used the wrong outreach methods."

"His theology must have been flawed."

After all, if he had been doing things correctly, surely someone would have responded!

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The Word of God Dana Rongione The Word of God Dana Rongione

When Half the Story Isn’t Enough

This week, I was reminded of an important lesson about television viewing etiquette. Never—and I mean never—start watching a show until you've verified that all seasons are available for your binge-watching pleasure.

I made this grave error recently when I stumbled upon what seemed like a charming drama series. The characters were compelling, the plot twists unexpected, and before I knew it, I was thoroughly invested. While it wasn't the greatest show in the world, I was definitely enjoying it.

Then came the Season 2 finale. In the closing minutes of the episode, one of the main characters goes into labor while another gets engaged. And then, there’s the discovery of a crashed fishing boat and the announcement that three people are now missing and possibly dead.

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Comfort, Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, God's goodness, pride Dana Rongione Comfort, Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, God's goodness, pride Dana Rongione

Empty, But Not Really

Have you ever had one of those days when it feels like everyone is out to get you? I call them "Joseph days." You know, those days when your own siblings seem to be plotting your demise, stripping away your beautiful coat, and tossing you into a pit with no escape plan. Just me? Perhaps I’m being a bit dramatic, but I think we've all experienced our own version of Joseph's story.

Genesis 37 tells us that Joseph's brothers "took him, and cast him into a pit: and the pit was empty, there was no water in it" (verse 24). I've always found that description fascinating. The Bible specifically notes the emptiness of the pit. It was void, barren, and desolate…except for Joseph and God.

I wonder what Joseph thought as he sat in that dark hole. Did he cry out? Did he pound against the earthen walls?

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Christian/Gospel Music, Encouragement Dana Rongione Christian/Gospel Music, Encouragement Dana Rongione

What’s on Your Spiritual Playlist?

I've always been the kind of person whose home is rarely silent. Music fills the corridors of our Welsh bungalow from morning until night, serving as the soundtrack to my day. It's fascinating how I instinctively select different genres for different activities. Upbeat Southern Gospel blares when I'm doing dishes, making even the mundane feel like worship. Instrumental compositions flow when I'm writing or studying, while gentle hymn arrangements play during my quiet time with God.

Yesterday, while creating a new playlist for an upcoming writing project, it struck me that our spiritual lives have soundtracks too. Much like my carefully curated music selections, we all have different "songs of faith" that minister to us in various seasons and emotional states.

When I need encouragement to face a challenge, I turn to my spiritual "pump-up" songs.

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