March 12, 2023
Reflections From the Heart of Allan Redenius When I was young, the carnival was the most exciting thing to come to town. Every year, Titonka, Iowa celebrated Indian Days. Amusement rides, cotton candy, church pies, were all the order of the day. Of course, then there was the annual parade with every surrounding town displaying their own float along with its own marching band. Every year, I stood on the corner of where Grandpa and Grandma lived to collect the candies thrown out. There was a time when the merry-go-round was all that mattered. I just wanted to ride the fastest horse. As you might imagine, my horse always was the one with lightning speed. I thought to myself, “Why didn’t my horse ever catch the one in front of him?” Then, as I grew up, I graduated to the “big kid rides,” the ferris wheel, tilt-a-whirl, and loop-a-plane. Here’s some advice, if you ride in the loop-a-plane, empty your pockets before you climb on board. Then, years later, Armona’s sister wanted to ride all of those spinney rides I so enjoyed as a teenager. “Sure Pam, I’ll ride as many rides as you want to.” I’m kind of thinking one ride every now and then. NO! Her idea was to do all the rides in twenty minutes. Everything was going fine, until….until…the rock-o-plane. It must have been about the tenth ride in those twenty minutes, or so it seemed. Pam’s idea of a fun rock-o-plane ride was not to rock, but to be upside down ALL the time. Now, even today, I get sick in the tea-cups. 😊 I still love the carnival, the fair. It reminds me of days gone by. As well, everyone at the fair is happy. And basically, I’m happy unless it’s too hot or too cold, unless the meal I just bought for an exorbitant price, didn’t live up to expectations, or unless the “carney guy” just bamboozled me out of some money and I didn’t get the teddy bear I wanted. (Why do grown men need a teddy bear anyway? Oh wait, grandchildren) 😊 At the fair, you need to pay to get in. At heaven’s gate there is no admission fee. Look at your ticket to heaven. Does it say, “Admit one by the grace of Jesus?” You do have a ticket---right? If you don’t have one, you better see the ticket Master. Come to Jesus and your admission is free!! Love in Christ, Pastor Allan ©2023 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved
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March 5, 2023
Reflections from the Heart of Allan Redenius Cowboys, the emblem of the rugged wild west in the late 1800’s. Ten gallon hat, chaps, a gun and holster, and a fast horse for your saddle, a man’s man. Rugged and tough, not willing to take any guff…always standing up for what’s right, that’s a real cowboy. Then there was the Rhinestone of Cowboys of the 1980’s, riding out on a horse in a star-spangled rodeo. A smile on his face hid all of his pain. A sparkly jacket to tarnish the image of a real cowboy. The scent of perfume---oh so sweet—hid the smell of tobacco around his cheek. Now a diamond ring in his ear and maybe bright, red fingernails---oh how the cowboy has tumbled. Riding high in the saddle so masculine and proud. Once a hero, diminished now to sometimes a rodeo clown. Kids don’t know a real cowboy, because there are so very few around. One day, I wanted to be a man like that cowboy of old. I pulled up my boots and strapped on my spurs. My hat on my head, indeed I looked the part. They brought out my steed breathing fire from his nostrils. Eye to eye did we meet. It was then I realized I was no match for this, the main event. I took off my spurs, pulled off my boots, hung up my saddle and said, “I’m no cowboy. I’ve got nothing to prove.” They taunted me and called me names. Who’s going to defend me and not put me to shame? About then, a real man’s man, the cowboy of cowboys showed up and said, “Follow Me and I will make you fishers of men.” No stallion, only a lowly donkey to ride, yet He made history the day He arrived. His name is Jesus and I’ll bet you never saw Him this way…. Just thinking, Pastor Allan ©2023 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved February 26, 2023
Reflections from the Heart of Allan Redenius When I was 14, I worked in the local grocery store in the thriving metropolis of Titonka, Iowa. My first day of work didn’t go so well. Somehow, I broke the handle on a mop. Yep, I started at the bottom, mopping floors. When the boss found out I was only 14, he had a cat. “Don’t tell anybody you’re only fourteen.” By age fourteen, I had already had jobs much more dangerous than working in the grocery store. Jobs like, climbing up a seventy foot silo to pitch silage, stacking hay in the hay mow, mowing lawns for half the people in town (that may be an exaggeration), and helping Dad milk cows by hand. Here’s some advice about milking cows. There are two reasons not to stand behind a cow. First, he might kick you. Secondly, well, just don’t stand behind a cow. With every job, I learned to do it well and fast. Mopping floors led to sacking and carrying out groceries, to being the butcher and running the meat counter. At a skinny 110 pounds, I learned how to stagger from the cold locker to the butcher block with a 180 pound quarter of beef on my shoulder. I only dropped one of those puppies once. It took me a half an hour to get it up off the floor. The boss knew about the mop handle. He never knew about the dropped quarter of beef laying on the floor in the saw dust. ☹ We all experience and learn of life through jobs we may have had. Always do your job to the best of your ability. That’s Biblical, you know. 1st Corinthians 10:31 says this about your job. “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” Have a great day at work tomorrow….. Blessings, Pastor Allan ©2023 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved February 19, 2023
Reflections From the Heart of Allan Redenius When I was younger, I noticed that those who were older said exactly what was on their mind. Though sometimes unfiltered, their words usually spoke truth and wisdom. Their words were, for the most part, short and to the point. Here’s an example. One day, while grilling some burgers together, I told my Dad, “I’m thinking of selling the lake home.” His few words of truth spoke volumes of wisdom. “If you sell it, you’ll never have it again.” I never sold it. When I started to get in the older category, I found myself doing the same thing. Speaking the truth, sometimes without filter. The older (but at that point maybe not wiser) I got, the more I realized that “truth” doesn’t take many words. But to the “younger” to whom the truth sometimes hurts, they would take offense. At that point I briefly said, “Sometimes you just need to deal with it.” See what I mean about using a few words and not beating around the bush? But now, in my aged wisdom, I’ve learned a new thing from Jesus. Jesus always spoke truth and with a few words, but never were His words hurtful. This is what I’ve learned from He Who created all things, even words. Always speak the truth in love. I’ll leave you with that thought. Always speak the truth in love………. Love in Christ, Pastor Allan ©2023 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved February 12, 2023
Reflection from the Heart of Allan Redenius The other day, I was chauffeuring my 11-year-old grandson, Noah, from church to home. He is often a deep thinker, and this day was no exception. From the backseat, he asks of me, “Grandpa, why do we need to pull over and stop when we see flashing red lights on a police car?” To that I replied, “Well, the policeman wants us to pull over and stop so he can safely pass us.” Noah clarifies, “But what about a high-speed chase? You know, when the “bad guy” is speeding away and the police are chasing after him. Why don’t we just slow down? Then the “bad guy” has to slow down, and then the police can catch him.” See what I mean by a deep thinker and a smart little boy? Makes perfect sense to me. Then I told him, “Well, the “bad guy” won’t slow down. The police car’s flashing lights warn us to move over and be careful. The police want to keep us out of danger.” To that came the next question. “Do the police always catch the “bad guy?” “Well Noah,” I said, “Most of the time, but sometimes the “bad guy” gets away.” There was a pause and then Noah said, “Oh, I see. The “bad guy’s” car is faster than the police car.” I told him, “No, the police car is faster than our car, or the “bad guy’s” car.” “What’s the fastest car?” he asked. “A race car,” I replied. “Then why don’t police have race cars?” More deep thinking that is hard to disagree with. Then came the deepest thought of all. “So, Grandpa, why don’t the police just radio ahead and have two semi-trucks drive side by side? Then they can go slower and slower and the “bad guy” can’t get around them and the police will then catch him.” To that I just said, “Yep, that makes perfect sense to me!” Gotta love him and I sure do! 😊 Watch out for the “bad guy!” Pastor Allan ©2023 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved February 5, 2023
Reflections From the Heart of Allan Redenius There’s an old hymn that begins like this, “I heard an old, old story, how a Savior came from glory…” There’s something about old hymns that have withstood the test of time. Somehow, their words, in a familiar melody, touch us in a special way. In case you haven’t figured it out by now, I love to tell stories. Over my lifetime, I’ve met only two or three men who could spin a good story to make you cry, laugh, or scratch your head and wonder. Here’s a short story I heard. I wish I could tell you it was an original thought of mine…but it wasn’t. One day a little boy decided to run away from home. He packed a few Twinkies in his lunch box, along with two cans of pop. As he walked along toward the city square, there sat an old man, obviously homeless. The boy smiled at him and the old man smiled in return. Eventually, the little boy, without saying a word, sat on the park bench by the old man. The old man said not a word either. The boy opened his lunch box and handed the old man one of his Twinkies and a can of pop. They sat there together in silence as they ate. By and by, the little boy closed up his lunch box, got off the bench, and began to walk away. After a few steps, he stopped, turned around and went back to the old man and gave him a hug. The old man smiled and the young boy went home. When he got home and closed the front door, his Mom asked what he had done that day. His reply was this. “I met God.” After a pause, the boy followed up with, “He’s older than I thought.” Meanwhile, the homeless man returned to his shelter and at the communal supper table, someone asked of him, “What did you do today?” The old man, once again with a smile on his face said, “I met God. He’s a lot younger than I thought.” I wonder how many times each one of us have met God unaware….. Love to all, Pastor Allan ©2023 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved January 29, 2023
Reflections from the Heart of Allan Redenius As I sit down to write this reflection, my heart is burdened and I am very sad. You see, one of my friends died unexpectedly. So now I sit back and ponder to myself, “Did I reach out enough?” Isn’t it strange that while someone is alive, we all just kind of “take them for granted.” We seldom look them in the eye and say things like, “I’m glad you are in my life. Tell me what’s happening in your life.” As I sift through my emotions about my friend, I even stumble across the thought, “What about the other people in my life?” Those “other people” are people who enter into my life for a season, maybe for just a moment, and then vanish even as the night disappears at sunrise. These “other people” sometimes help each of us live out our own lives. I think of the waiter I recently met on a cruise. Every night, he not only brought my family their meal, but he made them smile with his magic tricks. Then there was Number Seven (the number on his jersey), whose name turned out to be Javon. I spent an hour with him talking about Jesus. I pray my witness one day is remembered and Javon will ask Jesus into his heart. Then there was an airline clerk, frazzled to be sure, but she helped us check in and get us on our way. Armona took time in the rush to bless her. She said, “Thanks, I really needed that!” The list goes on and on. Do we even know the name of the clerk at our favorite grocery store we visit week after week? To be sure, we all need to embrace and encourage our loved ones on a routine and regular basis, but we also need to pay attention to the “other people” in our lives. Tomorrow just might be too late. Trying to live my life without regrets….. Pastor Allan PS: Remember your loved ones and remember the “other people” too! ©2023 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved January 22, 2023
Reflections from the Heart of Allan Redenius Every year, we wake up to the start of a new year. That morning is universally celebrated around the globe. Granted, due to staying up and greeting the “new year,” there are many eyes that don’t want to open! That thought of waking up on New Year’s Day prompts me to think about sleep every day. Sleep allows all of us to take a break, to escape, to fall into nothingness each night. Unconscious, not thinking, our body replenishes and rejuvenates. Then we awake to a fresh new day with anticipation of what this day might bring. For some, a new day brings new hope, new promise and for others, deep sadness and gloomy despair. Every new morning is all about life. The Psalmist said this about each new day, “This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.” But I want to focus on the time of sleep. Somehow, my body instinctively knows when to, as the expression goes, “knock yourself out.” Some nights, I truly am unconscious and unaware of whatever is going on around me. Other nights are more like half-sleep, half awake. My brain knows what’s happening all around, but even though my brain is aware, it does not react. (That happens when I am awake too.) 😊 Then there were nights of sheer terror as I once heard evil coming to devour me and I was unable to move, unable to escape. (I should never have gone to that movie in third grade entitled, Dinosaurs.) Don’t tell me what young people watch in a movie, or T.V. today doesn’t affect them tomorrow. For forty some years, I slept with the nightly fear of being unable to escape the pounding advance through the forest of that dinosaur, evil coming for me. My only avenue of escape was to cry out, “I rebuke you in the name of Jesus!” Now, in my older years, that dragon (dinosaur) has all but disappeared. Is he gone forever? No, I know he still lurks out there in the forest ready to pounce at the first moment of weakness. So, what’s my defense? The answer is Jesus, Who guards me and keeps me. Knowing that, I sleep like a baby! Sweet Dreams, Pastor Allan ©2023 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved December 25, 2022
Reflections from the Heart of Allan Redenius Where are you, oh little one? I’ve searched the world over to bring to you a package with not just anyone’s name on it, but yours. From pole to pole, from east to west, I’ve tried my best. The eve is almost gone. Dawn creeps ever closer. My tribe and I look side to side, to and fro, as we soar ever so high, even where bluebirds sometimes fly. But, I cannot find you. Maybe it’s my fault. If only I had started out on time. But, you see, one of my trusted reindeer, year after year, Blitzen, came down with reindeer hoof. There was only one in the corral to take Blitzen’s place among the eight. Not in shape and overweight, called into action with the blow of a whistle. Certainly he wasn’t thin as a thistle, or fit as a fiddle. Up he arose out of the hay and with a salute said, “I’m ready to fly.” I knew in an instant that, though his spirit was right, though he would pull with all of his might, he would not last the night. I needed to turn around, return to headquarters at the North Pole and recruit yet another. The sleigh with only one package for that one last boy or girl was almost empty and ever so light. In a flash, we were back and, as I unharnessed the one so willing but so unable, what to my wondering eyes should appear? With a nose so bright, I knew Rudolph could find you through the dark of night. Up, up and away we arose and just before you awoke, we landed on your roof top, covered in snow, the chimney belching out smoke. I plugged my nose and closed my eyes, with your package (the one just for you,) I jumped down the chimney and soon smelled of smoke. Just as the delivery was made, someone turned on the light. They called out your name and down the stairs you came running. I couldn’t leave, not just yet. I wanted to see what you would get. With a glimmer in your eye, I could see it was a manger set. You opened it with a love so special. It was then you saw me kneeling before the cradle. You see, I too worship that little Baby in the manger—Jesus Christ, my Lord. No time to waste, the dawn is near. Gotta go and get ready for next year. Love to all---Santa Claus Merry Christmas, Pastor Allan ©2022 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved September 25, 2022
Reflections From the Heart of Allan Redenius In a time, long, long ago, when Armona and I were first married, we lived in the quiet bliss of the country. One day it snowed and that night the moon was ever so bright. Soft, crunchy snow, glimmering in the soft glow of the moonlight. Even at night, there were a million diamonds sparkling in the snow. Just outside our house, was a beckoning hillside softly whispering in my ear, “Come out and play.” I took the cue and said to my young bride, “Let’s go outside and go sledding.” The kids were all tucked into bed. What could go wrong? Parkas all zipped up, gloves pulled up tight, boots on and out we went for some winter fun. The sled we had, held two. We were all set. Perched at the top of this very steep hill, with laughter, we pushed off. Faster and faster did we slide, the bottom fence approaching, oh so fast! Hair flowing, as if flying at lightning speed. Then----BOOOOOM---the sled stopped and we kept on flying. Over and over in the snow we both tumbled….all the laughter and giggles ceased and then, in an instant, was silence. As we both laid there looking up at the stars, I asked, “Are you O.K.?” “I don’t know. Let me lay here and take inventory,” came her reply. Her laugh was a clear tale sign that she had no broken bones. Both of us had forgotten about the garden we had plowed in the fall. Sleds work really well on snow covered grass, but not at all on a “no-covered” plowed ground. They stop in an instant while you keep on going. For sure, we created a memory moment that cold winter’s night. Had we stayed in by the cozy, warm fireplace that night, we wouldn’t have that memory to share today! Sharing the gospel is sort of like that sled run. You can stand at the top of a hill and just think about the exhilarating ride down to the bottom, or you can just do it and see where it takes you. Telling someone about Jesus has the potential of being the most memorable moment in your life! Go ahead—give it a try! I’ll push you if you need me to get you started! Pastor Allan ©2022 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved September 18, 2022
Reflections From the Heart of Allan Redenius Several years ago, I attended a seminar for pastors. Yes, even they, me included, need a time of learning and refreshment. It didn’t take long and, as you might expect, every one of the twenty coalesced into one harmonious group, willing to share deep personal experiences. Here are three of those shared experiences.
I learned from those experiences that “everybody’s got something.” An emotional scar can stay with you all of your life. If you are carrying a burden in your life, give it to Jesus. In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus says, “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Giving it all to Jesus….. Pastor Allan ©2022 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved September 11, 2022
Reflections From the Heart of Allan Redenius There are days in our lives that are memorable memory markers. Historical events that are burned into our memories for all of time. Here are three of my memorable memory markers.
Indeed, everything changed after September 11, 2001. What remains are memories of the heroes that emerged from that terrible day. The firemen, the police, who ran into those buildings to save others. While everyone else was running away, they ran into the burning, collapsing buildings and not away. Jesus said this in John 15:13. “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” Let us never forget….. Pastor Allan ©2022 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved August 21, 2022
Reflections from the Heart of Allan Redenius As a young lad, I had several close encounters. Some of them, you’ll never hear about. 😊 But I’m thinking of primarily turkeys, ganders, and a banty rooster, who at one time or another, all chased after me and scared me to no end! Even then, I was fifty pounds heavier and a whole lot smarter than any of these “birds of a feather.” My brain against their bird brain, and I’m running away from them? How can this be? In today’s environment, you might say these guys bullied me. Their fowl play was no fun! 😊 I don’t remember the end game for the gander or the banty rooster, but I do remember when Mr. Turkey met his waterloo at the end of an axe on a tree stump. No longer did I need to look around and locate that Tom Turkey and then calculate my run time to safety. I think about him every Thanksgiving---and smile. Go ahead, puff up your feathers, now I’m a lot bigger than you, probably thanks to you! 😊 All of us have a nemesis that we fear, even the great prophet, Elijah. He just scored a major victory over the prophets of Baal. Of course, it really wasn’t Elijah’s victory, but God’s. Yet, though Elijah single handedly killed nine hundred Baal prophets, he was afraid of one woman, Queen Jezebel. In the end, she met her waterloo when she fell out of a window and was trampled by a parade of horses. I wonder if Elijah let out a sigh of relief. Whether it is Tom Turkey or some modern-day Jezebel haunting you, give your fears over to the Lord. Run to Him, for He is your shelter and refuge! Fear not—trust in God! Pastor Allan ©2022 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved August 14, 2022
Reflections From the Heart of Allan Redenius Oh boy! What a day! Life surely would have changed—if only. If only, I had won the $1.3 billion lottery prize last week. But I did not---I guess you must buy a ticket to have a chance. 😊 At the dinner table, probably like most of America, my family discussed, “What would we do with that much money?” I pray we would spend and use it wisely. But, without a doubt, a windfall of that much money would change anyone’s life. Personally, the first thing I would do, after catching my breath, would be to sit down and have a time of prayer and talk with Jesus. With that much money, so much Kingdom work could be done. From feeding the hungry to caring for the orphans, God’s work is never done. I would want to be a good steward of the wealth entrusted to me. Of course, I have my own personal wish list, which, by the way, would be fairly modest. After giving away a healthy portion of that fortune, then one needs to think about investing what remains. The after-tax proceeds of this lottery winning was somewhere around $700,000,000. That’s a LOT of money! If you invested it at a one percent rate of return, you would earn more money that you could spend in one year, $7,000,000. Talk about a well that never runs dry—a money tree that never stops growing. So, besides buying a private jet and yacht (just kidding), how would you use that much money? Remember God told Solomon he could have anything he wanted, and Solomon chose wisdom. Because he chose wisely riches beyond measure were added unto Solomon. If you wished you had won the lottery, I say….be careful what you wish for. As for me, if a Genie pops up and gives me one wish---I’m asking for a thousand more wishes. 😊 Just dreaming…. Pastor Allan ©2022 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved August 7, 2022
Reflections from the Heart of Allan Redenius We all like sparkly things. In our world today, we call it bling. But there’s a difference between real and bling. People are like that, some are just bling and others are real. Over the years, I’ve learned the difference between high quality diamonds that sparkle and glitter, and diamonds of lower quality that have no luster about them at all. Maybe that’s why I so enjoy window shopping at a fine jewelry store. If there ever comes a time to buy a diamond, always take it away from the counter and look at it under normal lighting conditions. In the display case there are really bright lights which make even poor diamonds, sparkle. People are a lot like diamonds. Some sparkle and glimmer while others don’t. Those whom you think are of high quality, once outside the display case, lose their appeal. Then there are those who, no matter the light, never shine out. Sometimes though, it’s those who are the least among us, with a little polishing and love, that glow the brightest. On the other hand, all of us want to be around people who are natural shining stars, but often, when not in the limelight, they disappoint. Sometimes the friends we choose are like brilliant diamonds that last forever. At other times, there are friends that are there just for a season, and soon lose their shine. Proverbs 17:17 says this about friends. “A friend loves at all times….” Who is the one friend you can count on at all times? His name is JESUS! I know I need a lot of polishing, but thanks for being my friend!! 😊 Love, Pastor Allan ©2022 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved July 24, 2022
Reflections from the Heart of Allan Redenius I’ll admit it. I’m a dreamer. When I was younger, my dreams were imaginative and even sometimes beyond reach. Way back then, I was young and didn’t know some dreams just don’t come true. Though beyond my grasp, my quest for what I dreamed, was not diminished. Could it be my dream will come true, just over the next hilltop? I’ve climbed a lot of hilltops and, when there at the pinnacle, do you know what often comes into view? In the distance, on the horizon, are a thousand more hilltops. Every once in a while, at the top, I find a treasure. Those treasures motivate me to move ever forward, hoping the next impossible dream is realized. Here are some dreams of my youth:
There are dreams yet to be realized. Yes, there are dreams to be had, dreams to be fulfilled, even in old age. That’s God’s promise in Joel 2:28. “…your old men shall dream dreams…” Here are just a few of my dreams of today.
Over the years, my dreams have changed. The dreams of my youth were, for the most part, self-centered. I climbed a thousand hilltops to find treasure here on earth. Now my dreams are centered on that mansion just over the hilltop. What are your dreams? Pastor Allan ©2022 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved July 17, 2022
Reflections from the Heart of Allan Redenius A long time ago, I belonged to an investment club. Once a month, twelve of us would gather, pay dues, have the club pay for our lunch, all the while thinking we were getting a free lunch on the club. Our adopted motto was simple. “Buy high, sell low.” At least, that’s the way it worked sometimes. In the end, I don’t know if I made any real money, what with the club buying my monthly meal, but I made friends and had a good time. Every month, someone was designated to research a stock of their choice and come with a recommendation to buy that particular stock. Here’s the funny thing about the stock we did sometimes sell. If the investment made a profit, the person who recommended that stock always reminded the others, “That was my recommendation.” On the other hand, if a stock incurred a loss, no one stepped up to say, “That one was mine.” Funny how that works. As of late, we’ve all watched our investments go down. It was fun riding the roller coaster up the hill. Not so much fun as we come back down. I am reminded of what Will Rogers from the 1920’s once said. “I am not so concerned about the return on my money, as I am the return of my money.” Wise words to live by. Jesus had a lot to say about money too. Here’s what I’ve learned from Him. You’ll never lose if you invest in Jesus! You can take that to the bank! Lay Up Your Treasures in Heaven, Pastor Allan ©2022 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved July 10, 2022
Reflections from the Heart of Allan Redenius Recently, I was reminded of Saturday nights as I grew up in the metro complex of Titonka, Iowa. 😊 All the community gathered around to visit and shop. Every Saturday night was like going to the county fair. One of the weekly events, was that the high school band would perform. The street was roped off, chairs were set up, people gathered around to hear music played into the open atmosphere. Now today, every Sunday evening in Fort Dodge, Iowa, the Karl King Municipal Band performs at the iconic Oleson Park Bandshell. No longer is the street roped off, but people do gather around the bandshell to hear the instrumentalists play. Last Sunday, and before each musical arrangement, the announcer introduces each composition by Karl King. Know that Karl King traveled with the circus and composed many scores related to the circus in the early 1900’s. Here was one introduction. “In the circus, the ring master asked Karl King to play whatever music fit the performance happening in the ring. One particular act involved three clowns. So, Karl King wrote a tune called Arabian Nights to fit their act.” I had never pictured that King’s music might fit and concurrently tell a story as an act was performed. Throughout the musical piece, I imagined three clowns doing what clowns do, juggling, spinning plates, making people laugh. When the number was over and the applause had faded away, I asked my friend if he had seen the clowns. Here was his reply. “You’re not quite right.” 😊 Sometimes, I like “not being quite right.” It keeps people laughing and guessing as to what I might say next. Besides, I saw the clowns and my friend did not. So, I ask, “Who got more out of that musical score production?” 😊 When you read the Bible, take time to imagine the sights, the smells, the people gathered around, feel the emotions in the words you read. You might even feel the brush of angel’s wings. Who knows, you might even hear a talking donkey. Check out Numbers 22! Imagine….. Pastor Allan ©2022 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved June 26, 2022
Reflections from the Heart of Allan Redenius Recently, while talking to one of my favorite friends, a woman of intelligence and grace, she told me that things weren’t going so well for her. I asked, “What’s wrong?” She replied, “The doctor has diagnosed me with…. oh, I can’t remember what it’s called. All I know is that the other day I picked up my clothes and I couldn’t find the washing machine.” She laughed and cried at the same time…. I did too. I was there for her the morning her first husband died. I was there for her the morning her second husband died. Both times, I did not know what to say. So, it was as she told me of her doctor’s diagnosis of dementia. I did not know what to say. What I’ve learned over the years is that when tragedy befalls upon another, sometimes it is better not to say anything. Just be there to provide a shoulder to cry on. Words of advice are often meaningless when someone is in the center of the storm. I learned in the book of Job that after Job’s losses in chapter one, his friends came and sat with him for seven days. All was well during those days. Then the friends began giving advice to Job. That’s when the trouble started. But if you know someone with dementia, be patient, be understanding, know this too. I give this advice from close personal experience of a loved one who suffered from dementia. You, as you walk the walk beside your loved one, watching them grow more distant every day, you actually experience many deaths. First come the mental separations---each day noticing more and more the anxiety and confusion of your loved one. Then, ultimately, the last death---the physical death. If ever I suffer from memory loss, I know this from Isaiah 46:4. This is my confidence that Jesus will see me through. “Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He, I am He Who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and rescue you.” I might not remember God’s promises. But I know God will not forget His promise to me. Laughing with, but mostly crying, as I tell you of my friend….. Pastor Allan ©2022 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved May 15, 2022
Reflections from the Heart of Allan Redenius High rolling, green, picturesque hills look down upon me. Lush meadows lay ever before me. A soft gentle breeze rustles the prairie grass through which I walk ever waving, as if to greet me. Yellow flowers fill the valley that lies ahead of me. Soft, pink, wild roses sprinkle the valley floor with beauty and grace. A ribbon of water threads its path and gently beckons with its soothing ripple. As I pass, the rustling grass, the water’s flow, soothing my soul. I am going home. Birds overhead, the meadowlark sings its morning song. The deer that runs ahead, the fox who just blends in, the pheasant’s call, life in the valley lived to the full. Even the mighty lion, who follows so closely, causes me no fear. In fact, in his care, I am protected. I am going home. Oh, the joy of distant laughter just ahead. Out of sight, but yet I recognize familiar voices so dear, all from long ago. Over the next hilltop and then I will see. What then will my vision be? Loved ones through my life who once were so near? I am going home. My thoughts overwhelm, my heart beats at a faster pace. My palms sweat, anticipation peaks, my feet quicken, there is a new feeling that wells up within. I’m almost there. I am going home. Though I run faster, the grass upon which I tread is not trampled under. I sing a new song as glory begins to fill the atmosphere. The crest of the hill draws ever close to me. I am going home. A light begins to shine over the hilltop. The valley floor illumined brighter still. A few more steps and I’ll be there. Surely, the light before me will make me blind. Yet, I turn not around. I’m almost there. I’m going home. The crest of the hill is upon me, I look, and behold! The majesty before me exceeds the beauty behind. There to greet me, the sounds I heard, are loved ones to escort me. To the light they take me. There I fall on my knees in front of He Who made me. There to hear Him say, “You are home.” Fear not, friends. The best is yet to come….. Pastor Allan ©2022, All Rights Reserved, Allan Redenius |