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December 3, 2023
Reflections from the Heart of Allan Redenius So far, November 7, 2023, just might have been the worst day of my life. Armona, the love of my life, just had a medical procedure and the diagnosis came back with the word none of us ever want to hear, cancer. As she read the report, tears began to well up in her eyes. I knew it was bad news. She is such a strong woman of faith, she looked at me and said, “Everybody has something to take them home to heaven.” Meanwhile, my brain is screaming, “Not this God! Not this!” Of course, fear makes us all jump to premature conclusions. But still, Jesus will carry her through whatever lies ahead. Now we plan, step one, step two, no matter the number, we’ll walk this journey together. Maybe we both would rather be on another path, but this is the path God has her, us, and our family on. Suddenly, all of my long-range plans are of no worry or concern. All attention is now on the road, the treatment just ahead. All the money in the world couldn’t change what is. Believe me, I’d give it all to rescue her. Today, I feel helpless and yes, even scared. How much I’d rather have this diagnosis than Armona. I really don’t know what to do. But I will do what I can do and the main thing---is pray! Oh God, hear my plea! You created Armona in your image. She is beautiful, strong, vibrant, loving, courageous, understanding, wise, talented beyond measure, the best mother and grandma anyone would want, funny, caring, the kind of woman about which Proverbs 31 speaks, a woman of noble character. She is worth more than rubies or gold. To me, You have given her. How can I thank you, God? Oh God, hear my plea! Bless her with a long and healthy life. Remove from within her the scourge that has beset her. In Psalm 103:2-3, You Lord, say, “Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not His benefits—Who forgives your sins and heals all your diseases.” So God, I knock on the door and ask that Armona’s faith heal her disease. I’ll keep knocking Lord, night and day, day and night. You tell me, “You do not have because you ask not of God.” So God, I’m asking….. Though I ask, I come with palms up God, surrendering, bowing to the will of the Father….AMEN Asking of God and praying…. Pastor Allan ©2023 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved
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November 26, 2023
Reflections from the Heart of Allan Redenius One of my many uncles recently passed away. As he and my aunt lived north of Minneapolis, I really didn’t have much contact with him. I know he was a good and God-fearing man. How do I know this? When I was about eight years old, my cousin, Melvin Stecker died. He was only three or four years old. Back then, it was the custom to view the deceased in the home, not the funeral home. So it was that the funeral home brought Melvin’s body to his house in a little casket. Of course, the entire family gathered in his old farm home. I knew that Melvin had been ill with some kind of liver disease, but to experience now, at age eight, his death was indeed something new. But the uncle about which I wrote earlier, took all of us little cousins upstairs in that old farmhouse. The only source of heat was rising up through a floor register. It was the prime spot to listen to whatever our uncle was about to say. He proceeded to tell us all about Jesus and that little Melvin was now with Him in heaven. He went on to ask if we cousins knew Jesus or wanted to know Him. My little arm popped up because I thought that’s what I was supposed to do, say “YES” to Jesus. I don’t remember much after that, but I do recall that our uncle prayed for all of us cousins. Later that evening, Mom and Dad told me that all the cousins were going to be pall bearers for little Melvin. It was indeed an honor. I thank God for family and even for my uncle’s bold question to all my cousins. God bless his memory. Just reminiscing, Pastor Allan ©2023 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved November 19, 2023
Reflections from the Heart of Allan Redenius Two little boys met on the playground one day. From that day forward, they were best friends. Everyday they were together at school, on the playground, even after school. Always for one purpose, to have fun. That’s what little boys do, have fun. As they grew, they migrated from the playground to the baseball and football fields. Older now, but still together and having fun. Seemingly inseparable, except for Sunday morning. One boy’s parents routinely took him to Sunday School and church. There he learned about Jesus and salvation for his soul. The other boy’s parents slept in on Sunday mornings, saying they had no time for church. As the boys grew, because of their parents, one boy knew Jesus and the other did not. Oh, the unbelieving boy had plenty of opportunities to come to Jesus but rejected what he had heard. Still, one with belief and the other with unbelief, they were best friends. High School graduation neared, and the boys decided to take a road trip in the car, not far, just down the road a piece. Laughing, singing to the radio, having fun was the order for the day. That’s what teenage boys do, have fun…then, without warning, out of nowhere, a semi-tractor veered onto their side of the road. Later that day, the county sheriff knocked on the door of each boy’s home to share the terrible news. Meanwhile, the souls of these two inseparable, best friends stood before the Lord for judgement. One boy with a smile and anticipation on his face, the other boy stood with fear and trembling. In an instant, once always together, they are now separated. One boy invited to enter through the Pearly Gates, the other cast away into the abyss. As the boy falling away saw his best friend entering into heaven, he hollered at him. “We were best friends and you never told me about Jesus! We shared everything, and about this day, about Jesus, you were silent!” Now at a great distance the last words from his condemned friend, the friend now entering heaven heard were those haunting words. “Why didn’t you tell me?” How is it with your friends? Pastor Allan ©2023 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved November 12, 2023
Reflections from the Heart of Allan Redenius So, I’ve been thinking. That statement right there should put a smile on your face. One of my friends says of me, “He’s not quite right.” 😊 I think he says that because sometimes my thinking isn’t quite normal. Give me a McDonald’s golden arches and I can make up a tall tale about a big bunny with big ears. Seriously, I’ve been thinking about wishing I had a gift I do not, the ability to sing. Here’s a recap of my musical personal encounters. I never did master the third grade recorder and Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star. As a freshman in high school, I tried out for choir. The music teacher said this to me. “You know, Allan….” Right away, I knew those words were a bad sign. “…the choir is like a chain. It is only as strong as its weakest link.” My aspiration to be the next rock-n’-roll star was dashed to the ground that day. Oh well, so goes life. Some things you are good at and at other things—not so much. But this I can tell you. I know more music in my brain than most people. I just can’t replicate it with my voice. Why do I wish I could sing? To praise my Jesus! Just so you know, though I sing the fifth part, monotone, I still lift my voice in praise to my Lord. (I make certain, however, that our sound guy has me muted! 😊) But why was I thinking, “I wish I could sing?” If I could sing like an angel, I could intersperse music in my preaching to make a point of emphasis. But I’m not an angel (how well I know that) so I won’t be singing during my preaching. Meanwhile, there is a land beyond the stars calling me home. When I’m there, then I will be able to sing! For now….I’ll sing in my head, “How Great Thou Art!” Love in Christ, Pastor Allan ©2023 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved November 5, 2023
Reflections from the Heart of Allan Redenius This fall, Armona and I attended a pastor/spouse retreat in Estes Park, Colorado. First of all, I don’t like the word retreat. It feels like I’m losing ground. Maybe they should rename such events to pastor/spouse forward. 😊 I feel better about that name. Now it feels like I’m gaining ground. The highlight of my trip was to take a detour and visit my sister and her family. A little over five years ago, her granddaughter, my great niece, was born very prematurely. At birth, she weighed only fifteen ounces. Can you imagine? Many of you have been praying for her and I thank you so very much. Now because of Covid and schedules, I had not met little Alyxis. She knew that I, and a whole lot of people in Iowa, have been praying for her. Picture this. Though almost blind, when she walked into the house and my sister said to her, “My brother from Iowa is here,” she ran to me, I picked her up, and she gave me the biggest hug any five-year-old can give. I will never forget that moment. A little girl brought a tear to a big man’s eye. Not too many years ago, there would have been no medical know-how to save such a premature baby. But today, a precious child lives life to the full. What a miracle. See what God can do! So, I’m here to tell you, every life is important, the premature baby to the addict sitting on the street corner or in jail, every life is a child of God. Unfortunately, some reject that label, a child of God. How that must grieve our God, the Creator of life. Alyxis, you are loved by me—and our heavenly Father! Pastor Allan ©2023 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved October 29, 2023
Reflections from the Heart of Allan Redenius I don’t like Halloween. Have you ever wondered about the origin of Halloween? It celebrates the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, a pagan religious celebration to welcome the harvest. In that tradition, people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off ghosts. Over the years, the costumes kids wear no longer seem to ward off ghosts, but in fact, replicate and celebrate demons, ghosts, and sometimes evil itself. Did you know that horror movies are the number one box office hits for Hollywood? Movies that celebrate ghoulish things, people actually want to see. Once in high school, my friends and I went to a Halloween horror movie. Not expecting at all what I saw, midway through the movie, I went to the bathroom and vomited. I never went back in to watch the rest of the movie. I just waited for my friends in the lobby of the theatre. I still don’t like horror movies. (I’ve never watched Jurassic Park, either. 😊) Exposing yourself to the horrors of the devil, just opens the door for him to enter in. Once on the inside, he will anesthetize (make you numb) to his ways. He will forever plague your imagination, your curiosity. I still remember that movie scene that made me sick. Call me a sissy if you want. Not going to do that again. Did you know that Christian tradition celebrates All Saints Day on November 1st? It is a day to honor all the saints who have attained heaven. Once again, the devil has hijacked the meaning of yet another Christian tradition by scheduling Halloween on the eve of All Saints Day. Whatever that old devil can do to disrupt the faith, he will do. All Saints Day isn’t the only Christian symbol Satan has hijacked. He will hijack your soul, if you let him. Oh, I’ll hand out candy to those who ask. But with each piece in the sack, the child hears, “God bless you.” There—I’ve said my piece. God Bless You, Pastor Allan ©2023 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved October 22, 2023
Reflections From the Heart of Allan Redenius Where has all the laughter gone? Once upon a time, in high school, a brand-spankin’ new teacher left the room and closed the door behind her. I couldn’t resist. I locked the door behind her. The whole class burst into laughter as she peered through the little square on the painted window of the door. At the same time she was looking in, she was pounding on the door to be let in. It was a funny sight to behold. In all the laughter, indeed I was the class hero. Well, of course eventually someone unlocked the door. To this day, I don’t understand how she knew I locked the door. It was then, I stopped laughing. Comedy is no longer comedy. Comedians today try to impersonate comedians, but they fail miserably. Where are the true storytellers, able to whip up a story out of nowhere and make you cry with laughter? Once upon a time, I fancied myself to be a good water skier. There were times when the boat turned sharply, and I whipped around that boat in a 360 degree fashion. (He said with a smile on his face.) One day, while coursing through an obstacle course of fishing boats, two unusual things happened. First of all, the fishermen must have thought I was a good skier. They all waved so politely with their hand telling me I was number one. 😊 Then tragedy struck. The boat turned and as I followed behind, at a blistering speed of 122 miles per hour, I fell. Like a skip rock, I bounced on top of the water. All the fishermen cheered at my acrobatic skill, at least I think it was a cheer. As Armona and the kids brought the boat up close, they too were laughing---until they realized my face was in the water. “Are you O.K.?” came the question. With a big gasp of air, I said, “Sure, I was just looking for my swimming trunks.” At 122 miles per hour, my suit was a casualty. Fortunately for all, I found it before it sank too deep and put it back on before climbing up into the boat. Ecclesiastes 3:4 says this. “A time to cry and a time to laugh.” Don’t always be so serious!! Choose laughter, Pastor Allan ©2023 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved October 15, 2023
Reflections from the Heart of Allan Redenius There’s a burgeoning, an exploding crisis at the very doorstep of the country we love. The sound of it screams to be heard, but we cover our ears. The sight of it makes us sick, so we fail to look. Arrogant and puffed up, our country, our leaders have lost their ability to lead. Believing whatever is politically advantageous for one, is good for all. So then, our leaders seek after only a self-serving, selfish agenda. Shame on them. Here is good wisdom. “Take care of those who take care of you.” Oh, our politicians are skillful at that, pandering to whatever, whoever advances their own personal political career. What they forget to ask of themselves is, “Why did previous empires fall?” Maybe the answer could be as simple as, they forgot about the little people, the masses. They forgot to take care of those who took care of them. Here’s an example. Rome conscripted its farmers, who provided wealth and fed the empire. Now as soldiers, these men went off to war. From Spain, Libya and other conquered lands, these legionnaires shipped back over two million slaves to Italy. Those slaves replaced the farmers drafted to be soldiers. In turn, the government and a few of the political elite took over management of the slaves and of course, the farms. What was the farmer, now soldier, to return to? The very success of Rome’s legions led to her demise. She forgot about those who got her to where she was. What is the crisis the United States of America faces, to which our leaders are deaf and blind? We are rotting from within. Abortion, homelessness, crime, defunding the police, immorality, debauchery, border crisis, are only some of the rot. But yet, our politicians would rather ignore our own problems and try to impose their own political agenda on people far away. Countries, empires rise and fall. Once they fall, there is no second bite of the apple. Wake up, America! Where are there God-fearing men to lead us? Praying 2nd Chronicles 7:14, Pastor Allan ©2023 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved October 8, 2023
Reflections from the Heart of Allan Redenius One of my most memorable trips was an adventure to the Holy Lands. It was there, that what I knew about the Bible, came alive. I had read about, but to now actually see places Jesus walked, made the Bible so much more understandable. Of all the places I would return to, it would be Israel. What’s holding me back? The time difference is a hurdle to overcome. Walking around in Israel means you need to keep your eye on the ground, so many rocks. There’s a legend in Israel that when God created the earth, He gave one of His angels a bag of rocks to scatter around the world. When the angel flew over Israel, the bag holding all the rocks tore and all of the rocks came tumbling out upon the land of Israel. For some reason, traveling in Israel made me feel like I was home, like I’d been there before. In fact, our airplane landed in Tel Aviv and there we boarded a bus to take us to Tiberias on the Sea of Galilee. The route took us through the Jezreel Valley. I leaned over and told Armona, “This is the Valley of Armageddon, where the armies of the world will gather to war against God. It feels like I’ve been here before.” Suddenly, as if to emphasize what I had just said, the bus driver announced, “We are in the Jezreel Valley.” From bowing down through the Door of Humility to enter Manger Square, to dropping a stone to bury my sins at the bottom of the Sea of Galilee, the entire trip was a spiritual experience. I knelt in prayer at the Bethlehem Star, the place denoting where Jesus was born, to shedding a tear at Calvary. The places I saw, I will never forget. Of course, I did some fun things too. I swam, or at least tried to swim, in the Dead Sea. I rode a camel in the desert. Ate some amazing food in the land of milk and honey. But maybe, the highlight was to rededicate my life to Jesus and be baptized in the Jordan River. Wish you all could have been there too….. Love and blessings, Pastor Allan ©2023 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved October 1, 2023 Reflections from the Heart of Allan Redenius Creation begins with light. A newborn babe enters in with love. All too soon darkness hides the day. Just as soon, the babe grows and darkness enters in. Though darkness may reign for a season, it cannot overcome the Light. The Light entered into the world and the night runs at His approach. A great Light has shown forth and the people living in the shadow of darkness, in the valley of death, the Light shines the path before their feet. “Come! Follow Me,” for I will show you the way. But some prefer to live in the dark. Light shines on the lowly cockroach. Watch him scurry to the shadow, there to hide. So too, there are those who love the darkness, there to hide in their own vomit. The aroma of death wafts from their hiding place in the dark. Can they not smell it, their own stench? But like the skunk, who smells not his own stink, it is who they are. Oblivious to the dark in which they live, the stench they emanate, with pride they strut and boast. If they would but dip in the River Jordan, like Naaman, they would rise up clean, white as snow. A new scent would define their presence, the aroma of life and love. They stand at the river’s edge. Why hesitate? Yes, the river will be there tomorrow inviting and sparkling clean. But the question is, will they still be there at the river’s edge? We live and soon learn that death chases away life. It is the same for every living creature. Even inanimate things, rust and rot away. Is it not reasonable to assume creation one day will be no more? Whether by death or the cessation of creation, all ask of themselves, “Then what?” Again, the Light steps forward with, “Come! Follow Me.” All are willing, but only a few are able. Swallow the pride and put on humility—if you are able. If you are willing, but not able, darkness and the stench of death is yours for all eternity. But if you are able to take that step into the Light and leave the stink and darkness behind, indeed you will be blessed with Light and the aroma of life. Choose the Light! Pastor Allan ©2023 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved September 24, 2023
Reflection From the Heart of Allan Redenius There are some things you see, that once seen, cannot be unseen. Growing up in small town Iowa, whenever the town fire whistle blew, a parade of cars followed along behind the first responders to see what they could see. In my youth, I watched plenty of barns burn down. One day, I watched the firemen and men of the community work together and take a tractor apart. One of our cousins had been working on the tractor and somehow got his hand stuck in the transmission. As the tractor, once one piece became two, and my cousin’s hand was freed, there was a collective cheer. On another occasion a young man, three or four years older than me, had a Corvette. North of town there was an open stretch of blacktop calling out to him and his ultra-fast Corvette. Somehow, going faster than we can imagine, the car struck a bridge abutment. What I remember seeing is this. The car engine was fifty yards from the point of impact. The car was in a thousand pieces, and I saw things as a fifteen year old, I should not have seen. I am reminded how quickly little boys and girls grow up. Today they grow up faster and are exposed to things I didn’t even imagine in my youth. The old, old hymn gives so much good advice for the modern world. “Oh, be careful little eyes, what you see.” The lyrics go on to say to be careful little ears what you hear, little tongue what you say, little hands what you do, closing with little feet where you go. Good advice for child-rearing today. Wait a minute. Maybe good advice for adults too. Be careful in living your life. Each stanza of that hymn reminds us, “There’s a Father up above Who is looking down in love….” Yes, there are some things seen, heard, or spoken that cannot be undone….be careful. Love to all, Pastor Allan ©2023 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved September 17, 2023
Reflections from the Heart of Allan Redenius Birds on a wire, we’ve all seen them in the fall of the year. Gathering together to begin their migration to the south. Have you ever wondered, how do they know? Did somebody send out a memo that said, “Time to gather, everyone meet on the high line!” All of nature seems to know the coming change of season, any season. Bears eat more before they hibernate. The rut for deer and elk is in the fall so that their young are born in the warmth of spring. Robins return to Iowa in mid-March signaling warmer weather ahead. Sometimes they get fooled with a late snowstorm. Even without a change in temperature, the leaves on the trees begin to change in mid-August anticipating the frost to come. I wish I were better at reading the signs of the seasons and the weather. Somehow, animals instinctively know when they are about to die. Often they hide somewhere to be all alone. I think sometimes people know instinctively when they are about to die too. My Mom, who was battling cancer, was at our house for Thanksgiving and when it was time to go home, we all said, “See you at Christmas.” To that she replied, “I won’t be here for Christmas.” Two weeks later, she died. How did she know? Sometimes, it’s just a gift of God for people to have that premonition. In my Mom’s case, she had that feeling. Yet, even knowing that she was soon to die, she showed no fear. She had no fear because she loved the Lord. By God’s grace, she died with grace. Now the disciples asked of Jesus, when will you return. To them, and all of us, in Matthew 25, Jesus recited all the signs of the end times. I look around and see many of the signs of which Jesus spoke, happening in our day. I have a feeling that Jesus will return very soon. Hear the warning from Jesus. “…when ye shall see all these things, know that the end is near, even at the door.” (Matthew 25:33) But only God knows the day and the hour. Our job is to be ready…. Keep watching….I have a feeling, Pastor Allan ©2023 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved September 10, 2023
Reflections from the Heart of Allan Redenius I enjoy sporting events, especially college football and basketball. For a whole lot of years, Saturday was football at Kinnick Stadium, cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes. Now, I don’t go anymore. What I’ve discovered is this. At the start of the game, there is no better place to be than in the stadium. The roar of the crowd is electrifying. But at the end of the game, there is no better place to be than on your living room couch. Whether it be college or professional sports, there is one thing I wish would change. Whenever an athlete makes a big play they jump around, flex their arms, and make some sort of inaudible (maybe for the better) sound. They pound their chest and, to be frank, they look like apes. If they make a touchdown, score a basket, isn’t that what they are supposed to do? Why act then like it’s the first time they’ve ever made a play? Just get ready for the next play! Act like you’ve done this before. On the other hand, those in the stands act the same way, chest bumps, high fives, swearing, and all sorts of carrying on. Come on people. It’s just a game—and you’re not even playing in it. Then there’s the walk back to your car. If you’re a visitor, whether your team wins or loses, the home crowd taunts you to no end. Is this a war or a game? Keep it in perspective. When all is said and done, does anyone even remember who won the rivalry last year? But the exuberance of a game day experience might be one of the many euphoric feelings we’ll realize in heaven. Can you imagine the chorus of worship when Jesus stands? Oh wait, maybe we’ll fall to our knees with our head bowed low to the ground. I can only imagine…. Bowing in reverence to the King, Pastor Allan ©2023 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved September 3, 2023
Reflection from the Heart of Allan Redenius Not too long ago, I heard an elderly man say, “Everyone I know is in the cemetery.” I laughed. But then, I suddenly realized I know a lot of people in the cemetery too. It happens as you get older. I remember when I was forty, there was a shirt with this saying imprinted on it. “40 isn’t old—if you’re a tree.” Now I’m older than a lot of trees. Ouch…. But like I was told at a recent birthday, “You either keep having birthdays, or you don’t.” Only an older person could give you words of wisdom like that. So I’ve been thinking about dying lately. Here’s just some of my idle thoughts:
So here’s my daily prayer. “Lord, let me live one more day, just to worship and glorify Jesus tomorrow.” AMEN, Pastor Allan ©2023 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved August 27, 2023
Reflections from the Heart of Allan Redenius Suddenly, and without warning, my family is into fishing. They have found a secret place where the bluegills bite as fast as you throw in the hook. Remember, I’m the one who doesn’t bait my hook. No bait, no fish biting; no fish biting, no fish to clean. 😊 That seems to be a pretty good motto for me. It’s not the fish biting that’s entertaining. What’s enjoyable is the squeals of laughter when one begins to tug on the line. Quiet! You’ll give away our secret place. Here’s something really fun. If you’re fishing from your boat, make a big commotion, even if you’re not catching anything, and watch all the boats around you come close because they think you’re in a “hot spot.” I’ve come a long way from fishing under Rainbow Bridge for bullheads in Buffalo Creek. You know, that sounds like a scene from a movie, Rainbow Bridge at Buffalo Creek. My whole life has been about living a life of dreams, happy dreams. I capture the fun of fishing moments and rewind the sound of laughter over and over. I climb a mountain to take in a view. There I stand, gazing out into the horizon memorizing every detail for a later time. Every fall and winter, I hike the woods to see if my grandson’s stick shelter still stands. With a smile, I remember the day it was built. Memories. Like the song says, “Catch a falling star and put it in your pocket, never let it fade away.” Hang on to your memories. One day, they may be all you have. I always share my precious memories with my closest friend, Jesus. He adds sparkle and life! Blessings, Pastor Allan ©2023 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved August 20, 2023 Reflections From the Heart of Allan Redenius One of my heroes of the faith is John Wesley, the founder of Methodism. It’s the denomination in which I was a member for over thirty years. It was there that my faith grew through Biblical teaching. It was the way of John Wesley. It was Wesley’s remark upon receiving Christ into his heart that has so inspired me. “My heart was strangely warmed.” Over the years, my heart too has been strangely warmed in the presence of Jesus, more than once. Last week, Armona and I went to the Gilmore City Methodist Church, in which we married fifty-three years ago. Like a new car, once so shiny and spiffy, years later, the church—like us—is not so new anymore. Worse than that, the size of the congregation has dwindled to a handful of faithful souls, refusing to give up their church. It’s been my observation that changing your place of worship, where you attend church, is a painful experience. The thinking goes like this. “All my friends are here. I was baptized in this building. This place is just part of my DNA, who I am.” All these thoughts and attachments are so very real. I still have an affinity toward Good Hope Lutheran Church in Titonka, Iowa. My grandparents, my parents, were loyal to the end to that church. That church is part of who I was, who I am. John Wesley taught of something called Wesleyan Quadrilateral. Decisions of faith which should be made using these four components:
For all of those people in that denomination, my heart is not strangely warmed, but aches in sorrow. I pray that they remember not only their heritage, but make their decisions, not on the building, but on strong Biblical teaching. I wonder what John Wesley would think of the controversies behind the division of Methodism? More importantly, what does Jesus think? May we all stay faithful to Christ, Pastor Allan ©2023 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved August 13, 2023
Reflections From the Heart of Allan Redenius Things I lament.
Maybe, had I spent more time with God in my youth, there would be less laments in my old age. Live every day to the glory of God. Love you all, (There, I said it 😊) Pastor Allan ©2023 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved August 6, 2023
Reflections from the Heart of Allan Redenius There was a time in my life when things, that once were so very important, no longer have meaning. Once upon a time, I annually listened to the Indianapolis 500 Memorial Day Race. Did Mario Andretti lead that lap, or was it A.J. Foyt? Both names from the distant past. Now the race is on television, and I don’t even watch it. For a while, I was a Cleveland Indian (now the Guardians) baseball fan. This was a time probably before the Minnesota Twins were born. At any rate, whenever the Indians were on T.V. with Jimmy Dean and Pee Wee Reese as commentators, I was sure to be there. Jimmy Dean had a lot of memorable quotes, one of which was, “God is bigger than people think.” Today, I don’t care to watch baseball. But there is one thing that is still constant. I don’t like the Yankees. 😊 Where are we going, what are we doing on New Year’s Eve? In my younger days, to gather with friends on that night was a time to look forward to. Now I still love being with family and friends, as long as they go home by or before 10:00 PM. If they don’t leave, this is what I tell them. “You may stay if you want, but I’m going to bed.” Oh yes, who can forget birthdays as a youth. There was a time I pressed my nose on the cold November kitchen window watching for the parade of headlights bringing my cousins for a night of fun. Now, celebrating a birthday is no big deal. I’m just glad to be here for the next year! On the other hand, even as some things fade into the distant past, new things peek over the horizon. For those new adventures I am always seeking, ever looking. For instance, every day I keep my eye peeled to the eastern sky. It is there that the glory of the Lord will first appear when He returns. At the same time, my ear is ever sharp for God’s trumpet call—calling me home. For these things, I am ever vigilant. Things of the past are in the past. Things of the future are yet to be. Live in the present. Never let your guard down and keep watching! Love, Pastor Allan ©2023 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved July 30, 2023
Reflections from the Heart of Allan Redenius Why do people tempt fate? Do they not know that it’s easy enough to die without even trying? Yet more and more people continually test the outer fringes of survival. Take for instance climbing Mt. Everest, the highest mountain in the world at 29,029 feet. Even at the beginning of the ascent, the climb, is the Khumbu Icefall. Ice cubes, as big as a house, could haphazardly fall on you and crush you like a baby penguin. Not only is there the danger of the climb, but the continual cold would turn me back. The temperatures at the top range from -33 degrees to -76 degrees Fahrenheit. Survive the climb and the cold, then you are faced with another danger as you enter the Death Zone at 26,000 feet, pulmonary edema. Your lungs begin to bleed. 2023 has proven to be the deadliest year on record on Mt. Everest with seventeen deaths. What’s wrong with looking at pictures? How about the five men who died trying to take a look at the Titanic in their submersible tin can? Did you know that aboard that submersible was the richest man in Pakistan? He and his son died because the father believed this adventure would be a bonding experience. There are many sports that will take you to the edge for an adrenaline rush, white water rafting, cliff camping, hang gliding, along with a host of other activities that will take you to the edge of life. As for me, I’m afraid of falling out of bed. 😊 Then there are rich men like Bezos and Musk who want to strap themselves to a homemade rocket and blast off into space, just for the experience of being weightless. Now if I do fall out of bed, will I not momentarily feel the sensation of weightlessness? I can do what they want to do, without spending a bazillion dollars. I kind of like life. So, I’ll probably limit my “walking on the edge” experiences to flying high with Christ. Soar with Christ, Pastor Allan ©2023 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved July 23, 2023
Reflections from the Heart of Allan Redenius There are days in our lives in which the sun never sets. Those days live in our memories seemingly forever. More of us remember monumental historical days. Days like the day President Kennedy was shot, and September 11, 2001, and the day the Challenger space shuttle blew up and fell to the ground. Those history making days we all have in common, most of those days filled with tragedy. Then there are monumental happy days in each of our lives. Here are a few of my happy days that are forever in my memory:
I feel better focusing on my life changing, happy days, than my life changing, bad days. Here’s the absolute best day of all. The day I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior! Praying that day is your happiest day of all as well! Thinking Happy Days—the Fonz! 😊 (You gotta be older to get it!) Pastor Allan ©2023 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved |
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