“Adios, Au Revoir, Auf Wiedersehen”

Years ago, one of the most popular shows on television was the “Lawrence Welk Show”, a musical variety show that starred big band leader, Lawrence Welk.  It had a run of 32 years, ending in 1971.  You can still catch reruns, and even if you don’t like the big band sound, you will get a chuckle out of the hairdos and fashions!

One night when Corrine and I were visiting a famous BBQ restaurant just east of Pittsburgh in Monroeville, PA, called LaBarbe’s, the waitress told us a story about Lawrence Welk.  She said that the night before, just as they were getting ready to close, she heard her boss on the phone saying, “I am sorry Larry, we are about to close.  You do this every time; why don’t you call earlier?”  The Larry on the other end was Lawrence Welk, a boyhood friend of the owner, who wanted to bring the entire band in for some BBQ.   The waitress said her boss gave in like he did each time Larry called.

While I don’t recall much about the Lawrence Welk Show, I do remember that he always closed the show with the song, “Adios, Au Revoir, Auf Wiedersehen.”  Some of the lyrics seem most fitting as this is my last blog as your pastor.

“And though it’s always sweet sorrow to part,
You know you’ll always remain in my heart…
Here’s a wish and a prayer that every dream comes true
And now ‘till we meet again,
Audios, au revoir, auf wiedersehen”

A special thank you to Jessica Otto and JJ Getz, who against all of my protests got me blogging, and especially to Nikki Livingston, Dr. Ed Shoaf, and my wife Corinne: my ghost writers, editors, and encouragers.  Also, a thank you to all of you who took the time to read my blogs. I am sure someone else will slide into this slot soon. In the meantime, audios, au revoir, auf wiedersehen! 

"Zedekiah’s Question"

Over the  years I have been a homiletical pack-rat, collecting articles, stories, and anything else that I know “might preach.” I am starting to clean house in my office and in the process I came across this piece that I had tucked away in one of my old Bibles. I am glad I found it so I can share it with you!

I hope you will keep these little verse of scripture handy. There may be a time, now or in the future, when you ask the question Zedekiah asked Jeremiah long ago , “ Is there any word from the Lord?”  -Jeremiah 37:17-

Bible Reading Tips

1. When you are in trouble or sorrow, read John 14; Psalm 46.

2. When you worry, read Matt. 6:19-34.

3. When you have the blues; read Psalm 91.

4. When  God seems far away, read Psalm 139.

5. When you want rest and peace, read Matt. 11:25-30.

6. When in sickness, read James 5:7-30; Psalm 41.

7. When in danger, read Luke 8:22-25; Psalm 91.

8. When others fail you, read I Peter 5:7; Psalm 23.

9. When lonely or fearful, read Matt. 6:25-34; 11:28-30.

10. When discouraged or tempted, read Isa 40; Cor. 10:13.

11. When you have sinned, read I John 1:8-9; Heb. 7:25. 

12. When you forget your blessings; read Psalm 103. 

13. When your faith seems failing, read Heb 11.

14. When you want courage, read 2 Cor. 12:9.

15. When looking for happiness, read Col. 3:12-17.

16. When leaving home for travel, read Psalm 121.

17. When you grow bitter or critical, read I Cor. 13. 

18. If not a Christian, read John 3:16; Matt. 10:32-33; 22:35-40; 25:31-46; Rom. 10:9-13; Ephes. 2:8-9.

“Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path”   -Psalm119: 105-