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January 30, 2022
Reflections From the Heart of Allan Redenius A few people have been encouraging me to write a book. You know, that sounds kind of fun. I’ve got the beginning “…. once upon a time,” and I’ve got the end, “….the end.” The problem with writing a book is the in-between pages. I could write a book entitled, How to Make a Million Dollars. That would be easy. The in-between pages would all be blank, except for one page. The line on that page would read, “Write a book entitled, How to Make a Million Dollars.” Oh, the title is catchy to be sure. But as people would thumb through the empty pages, but with one sentence in the entire book, they would quickly realize they had just been duped. On the other hand, P.T. Barnum once said, “There’s a sucker born every minute.” I could write a book about something I’m relatively good at and know. Over my lifetime, I’ve done a lot of things, from bagging groceries to closing multi-million dollars deals for clients, to preaching the Gospel. So, I know a little bit about a whole lot of things. If I wrote about all those experiences, indeed it would be a book of short stories. But people like short stories, don’t they? People like dog stories, so I could write a book entitled, Dogs in My Life. First there was Sport, who kept a stranger at bay, Tippy, who was somewhat useless, Poncho—the wonder dog who could do ALL things, Buster, the spaniel (never get a cocker spaniel--they pee when you pet them), and Kalo, who could smile, pray, and sing. Then finally, there was Doogan, a beautiful lab with a lot of promise, but he died at one year of age with cancer. I could write about Jesus. But all that needs to be said about Him has already been written in the Bible. Unless, of course, you don’t read the Bible. If I write a book and you don’t read it, you won’t be missing out on much. If, however, you are not reading the Bible, you are missing out on a talking donkey, a man who walked on the water, a dead man raised to life, and so much more---mostly your eternal life. Forget about me writing a book for you to read. The only book you need to read, is the Bible! Not bad for a kid who had to take phonetics class in order to learn to speak well. 😊 Pastor Allan © 2022 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reservedπ
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January 23, 2022
Reflections From the Heart of Allan Redenius If you follow me at all, you know that in one way or another, my sermons are all about Jesus. You probably know too that Armona picks out the hymns and praise music for most of the worship services. (I know nothing about music, other than what Psalm 100 says, “Make a joyful noise unto the Lord.”) Sometimes she is ahead of me and will ask of me, when I don’t know it yet, “What’s your sermon about this week?” I look at her and she answers her own question, “I know….Jesus!” So, when the children of the church come on Sunday, they sing of Jesus, learn of Jesus, pray to Jesus, and worship Jesus. Then I stand up front and preach about Jesus. Recently, one of the little boys of the church was chasing after me as I was walking ahead of him down the aisle. I wasn’t trying to ignore him, I just didn’t see him. But suddenly, I heard him calling behind me, “Jesus…Jesus…Jesus…” He thought my name was, Jesus. 😊 Soooo cute! I turned around, knelt down on one knee and he came running into my arms to give me a huge hug! What a feeling of love! At the same time, I was so humbled. No one has ever mistaken me for Jesus before. 😊 A few weeks later, this little guy’s mother was helping him get dressed. She told me he was so excited as he put on his shirt, tie and a vest. Then he looked at his Mommy and said, “Wow, Mommy, I look just like Jesus!” My heart sings as I retell this encounter with one of God’s precious little angels! Thanks for the memories—indeed, this was a God moment! Jesus said, in Matthew 19:14, “Let the little children come unto me…” May these little ones always be a part of our worship services! Praying for the children…. just like Jesus! Pastor Allan © 2022 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved January 16, 2022
Reflections from the Heart of Allan Redenius If you haven’t figured it out, I love to tell stories. A storyteller can capture the attention and imagination of the listener. Over my lifetime, I’ve met only two or three imaginative storytellers. My stories, when my brain is wired, can be whimsical or serious. Sometimes they bear a hint of truth and at other times, are obviously so far fetched that one of my friends says of me, “He’s just not quite right.” I’m O.K. with being a little eccentric once in a while. 😊 It keeps everyone engaged. Here’s one short story for you…. There was a quasi-famous lady who lived in Fort Dodge, Ann Smeltzer. The only child of an only child of an only child, she possessed heirlooms that that live on and benefit Fort Dodge today. In her possession, and now probably locked up for safe keeping, was a gold button off George Washington’s coat. She also owned the sword of General Lafayette, who fought along side and, in fact, led American troops in the Revolutionary War. Did you know that under her rugs in her house were stashed thousands of dollars of uncashed checks? A multi-millionaire to be sure. But here’s the really eccentric part of her life. Her family made their fortune in gypsum. Her wealth came from strip-mining the ground. In her later years, she didn’t want her tenant farmers to pollute the ground she owned with chemicals to control weeds. From her family forever scarring the ground to acquire wealth, to Ann Smeltzer protecting the ground later in life, I say, good for her! I met her only one time. She came into my office to ask if we would make a copy for her. For some reason, the secretary did not close the lid on the copier. A bright light shown forth and Ann Smeltzer instantly covered her eyes and exclaimed, “I’ve been blinded! Oh my!” Still believing she had been blinded by a great light, with hands over her eyes, she left. I praise God a lawsuit didn’t follow. 😊 But speaking of a great light---Jesus says in John 8:12, “I am the light of the world.” Have you seen the light or are you blinded by the darkness? Walk in the LIGHT! Pastor Allan © 2022 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved January 9, 2022
Reflections From the Heart of Allan Redenius When I was about twelve, I decided to mow lawns to make some spending money. At fifty cents a lawn, did you know you need to mow a LOT of lawns to make any serious money? By the time I began to work full time at the grocery store, I was mowing thirty-two lawns every week. Mind you, there were no riding lawn mowers back then. About half the lawns in Titonka were under my care! 😊 Before I was fourteen, I began working at the local grocery store. One day, my boss, the store owner, asked of me, “How old are you?” I said, “Thirteen.” With surprise in his voice, he said, “Don’t tell anyone you’re only thirteen. You need to be at least fourteen to work in a store.” Sorry boss, I just spilled the beans. Every morning before school, I was there at 6:30 AM until 8:15 AM and then I ran three blocks to school. After school, I ran back to work at the store until closing time at 6:30 PM. In the summer, it was a twelve-hour, everyday job, except for Sunday. Stores were not open on Sundays. That’s the way it should be today! I enjoyed my job at the grocery store. I did everything but mind the cash register. The only time I cared about it was Saturday night when we lined up at the cash drawer to be paid. I learned about stocking shelves, being a butcher, and interacting with people. God gives us all kinds of opportunities in which to learn. I’m still using my ability to interact with people. I have it down to three first time questions:
Doing all I can to bring about God’s Kingdom here on earth. How about you? (That’s a sneaky way to interact with you.) 😊 Give God the Glory, Pastor Allan ©2022 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved January 2, 2022
Reflections From the Heart of Allan Redenius And another year begins…Happy New Year everyone! This first day of the year, for some reason, has me thinking and contemplating what heaven may be like. So. I closed my eyes and the light dimmed and faded away. Darkness was ushered in. The noise around me began to be muted. The memories of my life flashed before me. It was surreal. A mixture of unbelievable and believable, happening all at the same time. My surroundings began to sink away as I seemingly ascended upward. Suddenly, in an instant, brightness engulfed me. As I focused, the brightness took a form, a shape. It was then I asked, “Who are you?” “I’m your carrier angel, here to carry you to heaven’s door,” came the reply. Peace and tranquility, as if walking weightlessly in a field of beautiful flowers, enfolded all around me. True to his calling, this carrier angel flew me to heaven’s door. Just the outside was marvelous beyond description. I stood on diamonds, rubies, silver, and gold….all littered the ground. Never had my mind ever envisioned, or even conceived of, the glories that surrounded me. My eyes could scarcely take it all in, so grandiose was what I saw. The door opened. I was almost blinded by such a great light. I heard worship music like I have never heard before. It was glorious with a choir of what looked like thousands upon thousands. All singing to the One from Whom the light radiated. The words, I did recognize. “Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord!” I found myself in a long line. In fact, there were two lines. My line seemed to move quicky. There was happiness, euphoria, all the words you would use to describe great anticipation. The other line was more sober, in fact, fearful. As I drew closer to the front and then suddenly, at the very front of the line, I stood before a man with pierced hands, scars on His brow, and love in His eyes. I knew in an instant it was Jesus. He greeted me by name. My heart leaped with joy as I heard Him say to me, “Welcome home my loved one. Come and see the wonderful place I have prepared for you.” Praying heaven will be your home too, Pastor Allan Reflections from the Heart of Allan Redenius
Growing up on the farm, the house we lived in was really, really old. It wasn’t a log cabin, but it was the kind of house that Dad would stack straw bales outside around the foundation to help keep it warm in the winter. There were plenty of wintry mornings when I could write my name on the frosty wall of my bedroom. Now on occasion, as I came down from my upstairs bedroom, Mr. Mouse would greet me on the steps. Not being very friendly, he would always scamper away to his house…. someplace in my house. One day, when I was ten or twelve, I was standing at the kitchen counter. Now I had heard of a mouse running up your pant leg, but I had never experienced it. Never experienced it, until that day. Zoom, up he went with me jumping and screaming, “A mouse ran up my pants!” I had grabbed it through my trousers, just past my knee and though I was squeezing, I knew he would be a survivor. Dad was there to the rescue. He took over the squeezing part. I knew the mouse was now a goner. “Take off your pants,” came the order. Gladly, I stepped out of them. Dad let go of the mouse in my pants and instead of a dead mouse rolling out, a marble rolled out. You see, I carried a few marbles in my pocket for recess at school. What I didn’t know is that my pocket had a hole in it. 😊 It wasn’t a mouse running up my pant leg, it was a marble rolling down. Go figure! Here’s my advice. Beware of things that are not as they seem to be. Here’s a helpful hint if you’re around mice. Tie your pant legs tight around your ankles. Oh, how I thank God for the memories! Love, Pastor Allan © 2021 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved Reflection from the Heart of Allan Redenius
Once upon a time, Armona and I were traveling with another couple. We were in two cars so it was “follow the leader” from origin to destination. We were in uncharted terrain. That means we haven’t been there before. You know the place, “50 miles to the next gas station” kind of place. Now seeing that sign should be your first clue to look at your gas gauge. At least that kind of thinking makes sense to me. I look at the gas gauge and see that we have plenty of gas. At this point, the leader zooms on by the last gas station for the next fifty miles. At about forty miles to go, the leader brakes hard and makes a sudden right, down this curvy road, overgrown with trees and brush scraping the side of the car. (This is Armona---Pastor is REALLY exaggerating but it does give the story flare 😊) After a few miles, a town comes into view. Picture this. A century old town with falling down buildings, gravel streets, yep…a place that makes you feel like you are definitely not in the right spot. The leader stops in the middle of the street. We pull up beside the leader and ask, somewhat with a tone of bewilderment, “What are we doing here?” “Looking for gas,” came the sheepish reply. “Well, for sure there won’t be any here—nobody lives here,” we answered. Back to the main highway with forty miles to go. “Oh look, there’s a Phillips 66 station!” We pull in and guess what. It’s closed. The journey continues as I thought to myself, “I can’t wait until tomorrow.” By then I will know if the leader had enough gas. By God’s grace and with a fume or two to spare—we made it. (Actually, he had 71 miles of gasoline left in his tank---but all of this really does add suspense to my story!) 😊 However, speaking of “leader and follower”---if you are a follower of Jesus Christ, you will always be “filled” with His everlasting love and peace! He will bring you safely home! Blessings and love, Pastor Allan © 2021 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved Reflections from the Heart of Allan Redenius
Everybody loves a good dog story. Here is my story. Growing up on the farm, with particularly cows, Dad needed a way to bring the cows in for milking every night. Those cows always seemed to like the grass the best that grew the farthest away from the barn. Back then, there was no such thing as an ATV. So, Dad got a Border Collie. His name was Sport. With the simple command, “go get em,” Sport would run out into the pasture and herd the cows home in nothing flat. Of course, Sport and I became best friends. He guarded me with his life. Then, one fateful day, Dad announced we were moving to town. Since Sport was a farm dog, city life would be hard for him. So, Dad had a friend who agreed to take Sport. My heart was broken. Over the next two years, I visited with Sport as often as I could. When together, it was as if we had never been apart. Every time our visit was over, and as we drove off the farm, Sport would chase after the car. I think he may have had a tear in his eye. I know I did. Then one day we moved back to a farm, only one-half mile from where Sport lived. Before long, Sport was living with his real family again. I was so happy. That dog and I went on adventure after adventure. I was so happy to have Sport back. This went on for another three years. Then Dad’s health precluded him from farming. Once again, Sport and I parted. Only this time, when Sport was driven off the yard, it was the last I would see him. Again, my heart was broken. All these years later, I still think of that dog named Sport. If you’ve ever lost a pet, you probably wonder, like I do, if you’ll see it in heaven. I know there are definitely horses in heaven. In 2 Kings 2:11, we read, “…. suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared….and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind.” Introduced, two times separated, one time reunited, Sport still lives on as an important memory in my life. If you’ve lost a pet—I know how you feel. Just reminiscing, Pastor Allan © 2021 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved Reflections from the Heart of Allan Redenius
Once upon a time in pre-pandemic times, Armona and I took a cruise. You know the kind. You want to get away from everyone, so you book a cruise with 5,000 other people who want to get away from everyone. 😊 Here’s one good thing about being with that many people, you don’t have to worry how you look in a swimming suit! You’re never going to see any of those people ever again. I saw all kinds of people in swimming suits. Have you ever wished you could just “unsee” some things? 😊 If you’ve been on a cruise, you know the cruise line stops at various ports of entry. There you can sign up and take various sight seeing excursions at that stop. At this one island, we signed up to go to this picturesque beach. Our first clue of danger was the bus. Not air conditioned, on a hot, hot day, no shock absorbers to smooth the ride over a road that wasn’t there, brakes that squealed like iron pressing on iron to slow us down, a bus driver who must have been at least thirteen as he kept saying, “Relax, no worries, man.” We even stopped for chickens crossing the road. Zig, zagging, down this non-existent road, I began to worry. We’ve got to get on this bus to go back. After a time, the driver did get us to our beautiful beach for an afternoon of snorkeling and relaxing in the sun. Now if you know me, I don’t like being out of control of my circumstances. All afternoon, in my “relax mode,” my brain was painting all these “what if” scenarios. What if our driver disappears? What if the boat leaves without us? No doubt about it, I was not in control of my whereabouts. I needed that thirteen-year-old bus driver to get us back to where we began. I needed the rickety old bus for transportation. You know, life is sometimes like that afternoon adventure. The ride, daily life, is sometimes not so great. Though the ride might be hazardous, sometimes life is punctuated with a few good spots along the way, like the beautiful beach. But too often, when we are in that sweet spot, we don’t enjoy it because we worry about the rest of our life. Like our young bus driver said, “Relax, no worries,” so I think we should follow his advice. Better yet, take this advice form Jesus in Luke 12:25. “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life?” Did Jesus just say, “Relax?” Taking life as it comes, Pastor Allan © 2021 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved Reflections From the Heart of Allan Redenius
In case you don’t know it, May was climbing month on Mt. Everest. This mountain is the behemoth of mountains. Standing at 29,032 feet, it is a marvel to see. With 5,280 feet in a mile, Everest is five- and one-half miles high. From an early age, I always have been infatuated by this mountain and the exploits of those who attempt to climb it. This year, I read of a man who turned around only 100 meters from the summit. That’s a little more than a football field. For a lot of reasons, even being that close to the top, he had to turn back. Can you imagine, coming that far, exerting all that effort, and then, having to turn around? I guess it’s better to live and try another day, than die trying today. Here’s the problem with another day on Everest. I’ve read by the time you pay for Sherpas (guides), permits, travel, etc., you can spend well in excess of $40,000. Not only that, but every year also you get older and it’s less likely your climbing will be successful. I know the route to the top of Everest. But in this life, as long as I know the route to heaven, one day instead of looking up at Mt. Everest, I’ll be looking down upon the summit. By the way, if, in fact, you are going to climb Mt. Everest, take a lot of pictures for me. In turn, I’ll send pictures of heaven to you. Oh wait. I can’t do that. But John paints a beautiful word picture of heaven as he describes the indescribable in the Book of Revelation. Why don’t you read all about it? You won’t want to miss it!! See ya at the top! Pastor Allan © 2021 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved Reflections from the Heart of Allan Redenius
I went off to war one day. No one from my hometown took notice; no parade, no advice like “Keep your head down and come home safe,” only my Mom and Dad cared. Mom cried and Dad gave me a longer than usual, hug goodbye. Yes, I went off to war one day. No one knew, not even me, this would be the last they saw of me. Off to basic training to learn how to shoot and fight. I was good enough, but eventually I was up against an enemy bigger than me. Oh, my heart was never faint, my nerves like steel, yet he who came against me did prevail. I went off to war one day. They say it’s good to hear the bullets whiz on by. It’s the one you don’t hear that causes you to die. A thousand bullets in the air, each one missing by a hair. In the sight of a soldier like me, he pulled the trigger. I went off to war one day. Mortally wounded, I hit the ground. My buddies hollered to hang on, help was on the way. I knew it was too late as the horizon grew cloudy and dim. In the distance, I saw a chariot coming after me. I went off to war one day. Now home, they laid me on a horse drawn hearse. A flag I was proud to wear that day. The whole town came out for a hero’s “welcome home,” one last goodbye. From the church to a mile out of town, the people stood silently as I went by. The horse drawn hearse turned the final corner. I went off to war one day. As I entered through the gates, I heard the sharp click of heels and imagined their snappy salute. Those who sacrificed before me seemingly stood in a row. They honored me, for they too had gone off to war one day. Here I lay at home, at rest. My life cut short with no remorse. For freedom’s sake, I gave my all. Will those who follow know the price I paid? I pray they guard her and stand tall. My friends and I lay with one regret. We had only one life to give for freedom’s flag. I went off to war one day. Quietly, Pastor Allan © 2021 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved Reflections from the Heart of Allan Redenius
I recently read that one holocaust survivor, Joseph Kleinman, who testified against Adolf Eichmann, a Nazi commander at Auschwitz, recently died. He tells of his gripping survival story through this extermination camp. In 1930, at the age of 14, his whole family was rounded up and sent to Auschwitz. There he watched his mother, father, and sister die in this Nazi death camp. Why am I recounting this? In 1960, I was eleven years old and one of my jobs was to deliver the early morning Des Moines Register. I could sling a newspaper a half a block and have it land right at your doorstep. But for a time, I was captivated by the morning headlines of Eichmann’s trial. At that early age, I was stunned at the inhumanity, the brutality of one man against another. While that trial progressed and I read the paper intently, I was often late and sometimes I imagined people slinging something back at me because their paper was not on time for morning coffee. The plight of the Jews through the holocaust has forever been branded in my mind. Oh, some people today say that it never happened! One of my friends is living proof that it did happen. You see, he served in General Patton’s 4thArmored Division. As a tank commander, he and the 4th AD were one of the first to liberate one of many Nazi concentration camps. He showed me pictures that are too horrifying to describe. Once in the Nazi camp, the American soldiers made the Nazis uncover bodies buried in a mass grave and then hand dig a grave for each Jew. To my Jewish friends, who are all too few, I stand with you as even today you experience persecution and discrimination. You alone have withstood the terrible past with grace. To my Gentile friends, who are many, join with me as the Psalmist says in Psalm 122:6, “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem…” Shalom, Pastor Allan © Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved Reflections from the Heart of Allan Redenius
This is a really, really big day for me! I am blessed to be the pastor that confirms my oldest grandson, Micah. I baptized my youngest grandson and now I get to confirm my oldest! Oh, happy day!! As I think upon my own confirmation, I pray today is as meaningful for him as it was for me. Of course, I was nervous standing in front of the congregation. But standing there, somehow, using John Wesley’s words, “My heart was strangely warmed.” I pray it is so for Micah and those that stand with him today. You’ve read it before, but being grandpa or grandma, is the last great thing you can do. As I think upon my love for my grandpa, I pray that I might have the same kind of lasting impression on my grandsons as my grandpa did upon my life. So, Micah, this is to you. If you remember nothing else from me, always stay close to the Lord. He is your sure defense; He is your salvation. God bless you—grandson! Your Grandpa and proud pastor…. © 2021 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved Reflections from the Heart of Allan Redenius
Not that I’m an expert sailor by any means, but last week someone asked me about boating. So, this “land-lubber” gave the best boating advice I know. Are you ready? If you stay on ground, you don’t have to worry about drowning. Kind of like what I heard from an airline pilot as our plane, ready for take off, began to taxi back to the terminal, much to the disappointed groans of all on board. The pilot over the intercom said this. “Folks, it is better to be on the ground wishing you were in the air, than to be in the air wishing you were on the ground.” Here’s what advice I can give on boating in Iowa. If the water is rough, stay on shore. If you get caught in high winds and big waves, head your bow into the wind. That would be the front, the part that looks like a “v.” Front is bow, back is stern, right side is starboard, and left side is port. (Here’s a little memory trick. Left and port both have four letters.) 😊 But even if you’re on shore minding your own business, life sometimes slaps you in the face with unexpected challenges. I don’t know anything about flying. I know only a little about boating. Somedays, I don’t think, even with all my life experiences, I know much about life. Today what I think is the right answer, is completely wrong tomorrow. Even though my anchor is in Jesus, sometimes I get blown onto the rocky shoreline. A place I never anticipated. There, I’m often battered against the rocks. Every move, every decision seems to be wrong. You’ve been there too. So, even while I’m taking on water and even in danger of sinking, much like the disciples in their sailing with Jesus, I just wait. The disciples tried to fix things themselves and finally they woke up the Lord and asked for help. Of course, Jesus fixed everything with but His spoken word, “Peace, be calm.” In those frenzied moments, I wait upon the Lord. I know He will restore calm and peace in my life—and he’ll restore that same peace and calm in yours! Peace, Pastor Allan © 2021 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved May 2, 2021 Reflections from the Heart of Allan Redenius When I was in high school, the English teacher was a pretty strict, no nonsense, kind of teacher. You know the kind. One who strikes terror into your heart, but at the same time, is the one from whom you learn the most. I think in the spring of my senior year, some of the boys, trying to be men, decided to chew tobacco. YUK! Back then, there were no screens on the school windows. So, the guys along the window row would spit out the chew through the open window. Of course, they could only do that when the teacher’s back was to them. Chew-spit, chew-spit. You get the idea. Well, everything was going well for these guys. UNTIL—the teacher came along and shut all the windows for the entire period. She knew what was happening. She must have had eyes in the back of her head. Tobacco in their mouth, windows closed, by the end of the hour, the guys sitting on the window row were beginning to turn green. Never again were the windows open. Never again did those guys chew during her class. Yes, we all learned from her. Not only did we learn English, we also learned a life lesson. I’m just glad I wasn’t one of those turning green that day! What’s the life lesson from this vignette? Be careful what you take in whether it be in your eating, reading, hearing, or watching. What you take in often becomes who you are. Take in a drug and you’ll become an addict. Take in most carnal things and become a sinner. Take in the Bible and become a forgiven sinner! Blessings and love in Christ, Pastor Allan © 2021 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved April 25, 2021
Reflections from the Heart of Allan Redenius For one reason or another, I’ve been thinking a lot about death. Maybe its because I’m getting older. Maybe, as a pastor, it’s something I all too often deal with as an occupational hazard. For sure, none of us are going to escape it. My Dad, who was a man of few words, said as he was nearing death, “Everybody wants to live one more day.” Even a bunny in the grips of the talons of an eagle is screaming, “I don’t want to die!” If you know Jesus as your Lord, then death is not something to fear. Jesus says in John 14:2, “In My Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go and prepare a place for you.” So, if we know that heaven is our home, then why, at the end of life, are we so reluctant? Here’s the paradox we all face. As a Christian, we know heaven is beautiful beyond what words can describe. We should be anxious, excited to get there. For the most part, we are! Then enters the paradox. Somewhere in the beginning, God stuffed within every living creature, the instinct to survive. Every organ in our body fights to the very end. It is as if they each have a will of their own. I’m reminded of the movie, “Little Big Man.” The old, old chief decides that life is at its end, and it is time to die. He prepares for the day of his departure with great care. The chief marches up the mountain to his carefully prepared “dying place.” He lays down and ceremoniously proclaims, “This is a good day. I die now.” He lays there for a while waiting for death to take him. In the meantime, the sky grows dark and ominous. A few raindrops begin to fall, and you see the old chief squint as the raindrops hit his face. In a moment, the chief sits up and says, “Maybe I die another day.” And he heads back down the mountain. 😊 Though death is serious, this story brings a smile to my face. But though you may smile with me, death is permanent. So, are you ready? Remember, like the old chief, you can’t pick the day. “And as it is appointed unto men to die once, but after this the judgement.” (Hebrews 9:27) Live for the Lord this day and always, Pastor Allan © 2021 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved April 18, 2021
Reflections from the Heart of Allan Redenius I came to church one day. Unclean, unshaven, my hair unkept, I was a sight for sore eyes. Dirty clothes and those that weren’t dirty were torn and ragged. They were the best I had. Some I met looked down, as if to pretend not to see. They walked on by not knowing what to think of me. They made me feel out of place---all alone, lonely. I sat in the back. It was here I thought I would receive the least number of stares. You see, no one was dressed like me. Polished shoes and looking fine, a different class did they belong. The preacher began to preach about the poor and hungry. For a moment, I felt I just might fit in. Then that quick, he said, “Amen.” The people marched out as if in a band. Eyes straight ahead, no one extending a hand. Now all alone with no one but me. I looked at all the empty pews in front of me. A minute ago, the people sang hymns of old, professing to be Christians, loving and bold. They said they would love the unlovable, the homeless, broken and worn. You know, people like me. The music stopped and no one even knew I had sung right along. My heart began to hurt. You see, it is for all these I had come. They looked but did not see. They heard but did not hear. They sang but their words were empty. I loved them so. You know, I’m Jesus sitting here in the back row. Who is sitting next to you? Think about it……. In the Love of Christ, Pastor Allan © 2021 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved April 11, 2021 Reflections from the Heart of Allan Redenius Titonka Indian Days—those were the days. Every year, the carnival came to town. There was a huge parade with high school bands, from miles around, marching in the route. Every nearby town had its own float to promote their community. The town was always full of people. The three-block main street (that’s stretching it) was transformed to a gigantic entertainment center with merry-go-rounds, ferris wheels, loop-o-planes, and a whole lot of other carnival rides. It was great as I stood on the corner at Grandpa and Grandma’s house, watching the parade pass by, chasing down every piece of candy thrown out. Family, friends, they all came to join in the fun…oh, the memories. Then something happened. Suddenly, the parade wasn’t as long. The fun rides shrunk down to a few bouncy houses. I didn’t chase after the candy anymore. The “worker bees” that organized this monumental event, stepped down. I have a whole lot of recollections like that from my younger years. I can’t go back and relive those days gone by. So, I ask myself, “What changed?” I’m afraid the answer is simply, I grew up, I changed. In the rearview mirror, things and memories grow smaller and fade from view. What lay ahead, as I look forward, looms larger and by the day, more grandiose. The past is gone, and tomorrow is yet to be. But on the horizon, I see Jesus coming for me, for you. None of us can change what has been. But we need to live today to be ready for Jesus tomorrow. Oh, don’t forget, yesterday, today was tomorrow…… Jesus is coming soon! Love in Christ, Pastor Allan Reflections from the Heart of Allan Redenius
This week I’ve been reminiscing about Armona’s Mom and Dad who I love like my own. As I recalled fond memories, I remember this conversation Armona had with her Dad, Armon. (Now you know where the name Armona came from.) On vacation together in South Dakota, Armon turned south to go through the Badlands. As we were enjoying the scenery and miles from nowhere, I heard this conversation between Armona and her Dad. Armona: “Hey Dad, I just noticed we’re almost out of gas and miles from nowhere. When we went through that last town, I’ll bet you just forgot to pull over, right ‘cause that gas needle is on E.” Armon: After some pause, “Yep, we are almost out of gas.” Then after another pause, he said, “I can’t wait until tomorrow.” Armona: “Why can’t you wait until tomorrow?” Armon: “Then we’ll know if we made it or not.” There was some nervous laughter in the car and, yes…we did make it. My only regret is that Armona’s parents aren’t here with which to make new memories. Armona and I miss them to this very day….. Philippians 4:6 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Well, we were anxious about being stranded in the Badlands with a 100-degree heat. We did pray that there would be enough gas to see us through. Finally, we thanked God again and again that we made it! Always remember----check your gas! 😉 So thankful for family memories to share……. Love you all, Pastor Allan © 2020 Allan Redenius Reflections from the Heart of Allan Redenius
Over my lifetime, there are things I’ve never done. Oh, not because that thing is bad or wrong, it’s just that I’ve never done it. One of those things is to go to a “pawn shop.” So why would I want to go to a pawn shop? Here’s what has piqued my interest. Not too long ago, I saw one of my friends walking along the highway. He had no car, so I stopped to pick him up. As he got into the car I asked, “Where are you going?” “To the hardware store to buy an electric drill.” Being curious I asked, “Why do you need an electric drill?” To that he said, “I need to fix my door. Once upon a time I had an electric drill, but I took it to the pawn shop.” “Now why would you do that?” I asked. His answer set me back, “I needed food.” Whoa! Something I take for granted is being able to afford an electric drill and food. For my friend, he had to pawn his drill probably for pennies on the dollar just to by food. All of us should count our blessings, even the seemingly small ones. Today, as I was reflecting on my conversation with my friend, I decided to go to a “pawn shop.” As I walked through the door, the first thing to greet my eyes were electronics and tools, lots of them. For some reason, guitars must be a popular item to pawn. As I browsed around the once treasured stuff now selling for pennies on the dollar, I could not help but hear the merchandise cry out, “I’ve got a story to tell.” I’m sure a lot of stuff got there out of desperation, like my friend’s drill, or maybe it was once stolen. I asked the “not too eager to answer my piercing questions clerk” about how they operated. About the only thing I learned is that you can redeem your “pawned” item within thirty days for twenty per-cent interest. Simple math tells me that’s 240% per year. The other day I met my friend at Walmart. In the cart was an electric drill. The one at the hardware store was too expensive. I wonder how long before that new drill that he bought at retail is sold at less than wholesale. What did Jesus say about helping the oppressed and downtrodden? Love in Christ, Pastor Allan © 2020 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved |
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