Posts by Allen Reding
The Surprising Power of Small Gestures
The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. Matthew 25:40 Once, I ran into a friend I hadn’t seen or spoken to in several months. I was heading into the grocery store just as he was…
Read MoreFrom Humble Beginnings to Grateful Lives
I began my last day at sea by going out on deck to watch the sun come up over the horizon. On a clear day it can be quite dramatic, but the skies this morning were far from clear. Thanks to a short break in the clouds the sun eventually made a brief appearance before disappearing once again
Read MoreA Con in a Can: The Deceptive Allure of Quick Riches
The pursuit of quick riches often leads to emptiness. Through a childhood memory and the story of a lottery winner, this piece explores how the allure of wealth can leave us unfulfilled, reminding us that true peace and fulfillment come only through God.
Read MoreEnduring Like a Mighty Oak: Finding Strength in Psalm 1
Living along the Texas coast, I’ve marveled at the mighty trees that have weathered fierce storms, bearing scars of strength. Psalm 1 paints a similar picture of spiritual resilience. Discover how to move from feeling like a tumbleweed, blown by life’s challenges, to being deeply rooted in God’s unwavering truth.
Read MoreWhat Faith Looks Like in Troubling Times
Four years ago, we returned to schools amid the uncertainty of COVID-19. Today, new challenges like rising crime and social unrest test our faith. Yet, Psalm 46 reminds us: God is our refuge and strength. Trusting Him requires both courage and wisdom, guiding us through these troubling times.
Read MoreFaithfulness in Small Things: The Parable of the Talents Revisited
Even capable students can get lost in “The Nothing,” just occupying space without purpose. Reflecting on the Parable of the Talents and my father’s quiet determination, I’m reminded that true faithfulness lies in using whatever gifts we have, however humble, to make a difference.
Read MoreFinding Peace in Uncertainty: A Story of Faith & Gratitude
Some battles come without warning, appearing in the most ordinary places—a pharmacy counter, a routine errand, an unexpected bill. On an ordinary Wednesday, I was blindsided by a $314 price tag for my medication, forcing me to confront what truly holds us steady when life throws us off balance.
Read MoreA Little Bit of the Griswolds in Us All
Dreaming of the perfect escape often sets us up for disappointment. From vacations gone wrong to unattainable ideals, even the Griswold family can’t escape reality. The Apostle Paul reminds us to find contentment not in far-off dreams but in the simple, everyday blessings that make life rich.
Read MoreThe Spinach Can & the Journey to Understand My Father
Looking back, I now see that my father was like someone who had been burned in a horrific fire as a child, and he bore many awful scars from it. Those scars were not easily visible, but if you looked at the cautious, frugal way he lived his life, they become apparent.
He did not spend if he could avoid it; instead, he saved and saved and saved.
Read MoreThe Thrills and Spills of Embarkation Day
Embarkation day in Galveston was anything but smooth—think chaotic traffic, near-misses with shuttle buses, and long buffet lines. Yet amid the heat and the madness, the excitement of setting sail kept our spirits high, knowing the adventure was just beginning.
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