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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
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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 Reflections from the Heart of Allan Redenius
On October 4, 1997, I attended the Promise Keepers event in Washington, D.C., Stand in the Gap. As our entourage approached the National Mall, it was my intention to elbow my way forward to stand at the foot of the stage in front of the Capitol Building. Well, my intentions were dashed when I arrived. Not only could I not get near the stage, but I had to retreat to the Washington Monument, over a mile away. There were a million men there! Today as I ponder that retreat, I wonder if it was to teach me a lesson. Remember, I wanted to be up front. Could it be that around the throne of Christ, there are so many aborted babies, that you nor I may not even get close to the throne? Usually, these reflections are lighthearted with a divine message. This one isn’t so lighthearted, but there is a divine message. Here it is. From Psalm 139:13, “For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb.” Then we hear Jeremiah’s call in Jeremiah 1:4-5. “The word of the Lord came to me saying, “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, before you were born, I set you apart…” Now if God, “…knit us together in our mother’s womb..” and if the word of the Lord says, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you…” how can someone say a fetus has not life? Actually, the word “fetus” makes it too impersonal. “It” is a baby. But some would say, “A woman has the right to choose.” Yes, she should have a choice. But the choice lay before conception, not after. They could abstain or use birth control. Failing those choices, the next choice is to give the baby up for adoption. If there is no life before birth, then why do so many mothers who have endured a miscarriage, grieve the loss of their child? If there is no life before birth, then why do so many women who choose abortion suffer from Post Abortion Stress Syndrome? If there is no life, there should be no grief….but there is. Maybe if one baby is saved by me taking a stand, then I’ll boldly stand in that gap. God’s blessings and love to you all, Pastor Allan © 2020 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved Reflections from the Heart of Allan Redenius
Years and years ago, my father-in-law gave me a plaque with words of wisdom inscribed on it. (Keep in mind, (Armona’s Dad) had a GREAT sense of humor and loved to bring laughter to others. Now you know the “rest of the story.”) At any rate, the words inscribed on this plaque were, “When I works, I works hard. When I sits, I sits loose. And when I thinks, I falls asleep.” Well, at least I think they are words of wisdom. “When I thinks, I falls asleep” could be the reason that I’m not a great philosopher or writer like C.S. Lewis or any number of other wise scholars. Though not a scholarly or prolific writer, I’ve picked up some wisdom over the years. Let me share just a few morsels:
You may not find my wisdom particularly useful, but here’s some Divine wisdom from Proverbs 3:5. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” God’s blessings to each of you, Pastor Allan © 2020 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved Two weeks ago, I wasn’t so certain that my Christmas would be “merry” at all. I encountered a health issue that most males experience as they age.
Oh, how times have changed. When I was growing up if you asked your Mom, “Why is grandma in the hospital?” the answer was something like this, “Shhh….female problems.” So, I guess I have a “male problem.” 😊 So, you might be wondering why I’m so open with this private issue. In short, It’s a teaching moment for the people of God. In James 5:14-15, we are taught to pray for the sick. “Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of he Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well…” Verse sixteen goes on to say, “The prayers of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” Believing in those verses, I called upon all my God-fearing friends to pray for my healing. As a result, today is a much better day and I give God the glory for healing, even if He uses the doctor’s skills to accomplish His purpose. If I could give you any wisdom with this reflection it would be this. Hear the lyrics of that old, old hymn What a Friend We Have in Jesus—from verse two: “Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere? We should never be discouraged, take it to the Lord in prayer.” You know, life is full of trials and temptations. From sickness to loneliness, anxiety to depression—life may not always be easy. Never be discouraged, take it to the Lord in prayer! Blessings to each of you and thank you so much for praying for me. Happy New Year, Pastor Allan © 2020 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved As 2019 comes to a close, I think more of what lies ahead, than what lies behind. Sometimes I look forward with intentionality and purpose. Then there are times when the 1956 tune sung by Doris Day, “Que Sera, Sera (Whatever Will Be, Will Be)” more fits my mood.
One line in that tune says, “The future’s not ours to see.” As I think about those insightful words, I am more drawn to think of the present. The time in which I live right now. Today was one of those “in the moment” kind of days. It was dreary, cool, and wet. But in spite of having a sermon to prepare, a wedding to get ready for, administrative stuff to get off my desk, and a whole Bible to read, I took the day off with Armona and Todd and we trudged through the forest at Dolliver Park. You know, one of the good things about going to the forest is the dead tress calling out to you, “push me over.” If you haven’t pushed over a dead tree in your life, your life just isn’t complete. How refreshing to put responsibilities aside and bask in God’s creation—even if I’m pushing part of it over. 😊 So, if you’re making resolutions for 2020, put in a few of those “Que Sera, Que Sera” kind of days. At the end of the year, we will see who pushed over more trees, you or me. While you’re enjoying your “whatever will be, will be” kind of day, keep an eye out for God. I think He is more visible in your quiet time in the forest than in the busyness of everyday hustle and bustle. How do I know this? From 1st Chronicles 16:33, “Then the trees of the forest will sing for joy before the Lord!” Que Sera, Sera……. Blessing in the New Year! Pastor Allan © 2019 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved Dancer turns her head back toward Santa and politely asks, “Where are we going Santa? We thought we were done for the night.” In the background from Dasher, Prancer, Vixen, Cupid, Donner, and Blitzen, all you could hear was grumbling.
In an instant, Santa was barking out the new coordinates to the lead navigator, Rudolph. Then a new murmur could be heard from Santa’s reindeer. “Wow….that is Bethlehem way over in Israel.” Despite the chatter, Rudolph set the flight plan, and the reindeer and sleigh made haste to go to Bethlehem. Among the reindeer there arose more chatter! “Look how bright it is over Bethlehem.” “I hear what sounds like angels singing.” “I see shepherds running.” “Santa, tell us what’s happening?” Finally, Santa broke his silence and told all the reindeer. “Tonight, in the city of Bethlehem, the Savior is born. We are going to the manger to give Him our best.” Then Cupid said with the others, “Give Him our best? The sleigh is empty, and we have no more presents. What can we give to the new-born King?” Before Santa had even turned the empty sleigh around, he knew the answer. “He doesn’t want our presents or sacrifices. He wants us to love Him, and to know Him. So, we are all going to give this Baby Prince of Peace the only present we have left to give….our hearts. From my family to yours….Merry Christmas!! Love in Christ, the new-born King! Pastor Allan © 2019 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved As I reminisce about Christmas past, I think of memorable gifts given to me. Of course, most of those gifts revolve around toys. Toys like my 1957 Cadillac that would zing around the room once you got the wheels turning. Then there was the electronic train I almost didn’t get because I was snooping around the house trying to discover where the toys were hidden. Then there are the countless toys that are no more…..
But there is one gift that rises above them all. A Bible given to me by my Grandpa and Grandma. It is probably one of my most prized possessions. If the house were on fire, this present would be one I would save. What makes this gift so special to me are the words my grandparents penned on the inside cover. Here they are verbatim: “My Dear Grandson: I give you this Bible as a present through your life; but remember, this book will bring you to heaven or to hell, if you don’t read it. Read it every day if you can. If you are in trouble or need guidance, turn to God and read the following passage from Matthew 11:28-30. From your Grandpa and Grandma Stecker.” I get a tear in my eye every time I read this. Thanks Grandma and Grandpa---I still love you! Love to you all, Pastor Allan PS---Matthew 11: 28 through 30…hear Jesus speaking to all of us: “Come to Me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you. Let Me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke fits perfectly, and the burden I give you is light.” © 2019 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved Next Sunday here at First Covenant Church, we again tell the “greatest story ever told,” the birth of Jesus in a manger. Only this time we tell it through the voices of our youth. You don’t want to miss it as they sing and act, “Angels, Say What?”
As I watch and listen to them rehearse, I am reminded of my Sunday School days as a young boy. Every Saturday, for what seemed like months, there was the obligatory play practice. I know I didn’t want to go then, but now I realize the joy it brought my parents and grandparents as the play unfolded. Every year, the story was the same---Mary and Joseph, the shepherds and wise men, the idyllic Bethlehem scene with the shiny star. Each and every kid had a memory verse that was said before a jam packed church on Christmas Eve. It was always my hope to hit the big time and act out the part of Joseph. That never happened! If not Joseph, my ideal role was then to be a “wise man.” Well for obvious reasons J that didn’t work out either. So, along with thirty other kids, I was a lowly shepherd. God must have been thinking, “I know, I’ll make him a lowly shepherd now as a young boy so he can be a shepherd of My people when he grows up to be a man.” As I see it, I’ve been a “shepherd in training” for most of my life. God has you “in training” for something too. What is it? Ask Him to show you the way—trust me, He will. Getting excited for Christmas….. Pastor Allan 2019 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved Santa Claus is coming to town! He’ll be on main street Saturday morning bringing cheer and a “Ho, Ho, Ho” to you. You won’t miss him. He’ll be on a hay rack right in front of Titonka Savings Bank handing out candy canes and, if you’re lucky and know him under his disguise, you might even get a smile and a wink.
Cold or warm, sunny or cloudy, snowy or rainy, Santa never missed his appointed time. He was the town featured guest as local retailers kicked off Christmas in small town Iowa. On the hay rack with Santa, were local businesses promoting their stores with drawings for prizes. Every retailer had a box and people had been dropping in their names for weeks, all hoping to hit it big with a free turkey or ham. In high school, I worked for one of those retailers. It was my lucky day when the boss said to me, “I want you up on the hay rack to help me with the drawing.” I had made the big time! Instead of looking up at Santa, I was looking him eye to eye. My boss had the microphone and after hawking his store, he handed me the box of names we had been gathering. “Allan, draw out a name so I can give away this turkey!” I dutifully reached in, fumbled around, and pulled out a name. Immediately, I recognized the woman’s name I had drawn. Every time she was in the store we had to keep an eye on her. She would always stuff her pockets with everything from candy bars to cranberries. As soon as the boss saw the name, he announced, “Oh my, someone put in a blank piece of paper.” Everyone on the street laughed, my boss crumpled up the piece of paper with the shop-lifter’s name on it, put it in his pocket, and said, “Allan, draw another name.” I learned a lot about life that moment as the boss smiled and winked at me. Hope you have a smile on your heart! Pastor Allan © 2019 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved |
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