Scrabble Tournament you say? What is that? I didn't know they existed a year ago either. Now I have experienced one for myself.
The tournament was held in a meeting room at the Hyatt Place near the Atlanta airport on December 4-5, 2010. A complete listing of the results can be found here. My name is listed as 13th place in Division 4. If you click on the plus beside my name you can see a game by game summary of my results.
I was excited about my first tournament. I had gotten some pointers from some of the people in the club I regularly attend. The tournament director told me that she thought I would do well, although I took that with a grain of salt as she was trying to get me to sign up. I really just wanted the experience, but I did hope to at least break even with wins and losses.
DAY ONE
Saturday morning my first game was against an elderly woman who had difficulty hearing and moved very slowly with a walker. On her 7th play she made the bingo SAILING. Meanwhile I was struggling with a consonant heavy rack. I finally elected to exchange. Then she plays TOONIES for another bingo. I elect to challenge, but the word was acceptable and I lose my turn. At this point she has two bingos and I have taken two zeros, so I whimper home to a humiliating loss. She is a good player though and I have gotten the nerves out of my way.
My second game is against a young man who graduated from Georgia Tech in 2008 and who is playing in his first tournament as well. We had chatted a bit waiting for the tournament to start. I figure I should be evenly matched against him. He goes first and opens with the bingo SEAGULL for 66. Two plays later he bingos with GROUPIES and I am down by 109 points. I never find the big play for myself and wind up losing by that same margin.
My third game is against the number one seed, a fourteen year old red haired girl. I play the bingo DOILIES on my second play and am able to maintain that lead until she bingos with RACKING for 84 points on her ninth play. From there she scores 40, 23, 38, 34, 22, 11, while I struggle with 5, 14, 14, 23, 6, 18, 6. I feel like I should have scored much better in the end, but played poorly.
My fourth game is against an opponent that attends my regular scrabble club. I am confident against her because I have played her in the past. I open with QUEASY for 56 and make the bingo WOOLIEST later for the win.
Lunch is then served at the hotel, but it is rather forgettable.
I next play a young lady from Huntsville, Alabama. I play horribly in this game and get really frustrated. She finally bingos with DIRTIES on her twelfth play and follows it up with QAID for 48. This game has me questioning what I am doing here. My best play is only 30 points.
Next I take on the eventual champion. She is a local young lady in just her second tournament and her appearance makes one think she would be more at home in a beauty pageant than at a scrabble tournament. I succumb on the strength of her two bingos, RECLINE and AREOLAS, to my none. This game was played on a board with orange tiles with blue letters. The letters almost seem to jump up off the tiles like 3D. After this game I am mentally exhausted, but the day is not over yet.
My seventh game of the day is against another regular from my club. I have never beaten her at club though, so I know it will be tough. She goes first and opens her word vertically, the only vertical opening I have seen at the tournament. My play opens up the DL-TW for her. She says, "Preston, you know better than to leave a vowel there like that." as she scores 48 points. She bingos with MUSKETS a few plays later and as she normally does, she shuts down the board. I take another loss.
My final game of the day is against an older gentleman. He moves out to an early lead, but I get the bingo STILLEST on my ninth move. He slowly crawls back into it and I eventually lose by ten points after I struggle with a vowel heavy rack playing EAU, OE, and EAU on consecutive turns. After only winning one game on the first day I am not so sure I want to do this any longer.
DAY TWO
My first game of the day (9th overall) is against the number two seed. On her second play she bingos with STABLES, but I bingo right back with GRINDERS. From there she slowly extends to a bingo sized lead. Finally the bag is emptied and I have my last chance to bingo. I glance at the clock. 2:52 left. I decide that I have to bingo so I look and look and look. There is one bingo lane that would required my word to start with a vowel. I try and try to find something for that spot, but finally give up. There is another spot where she had left the word CROUTE. I could add an S and make a bingo through the TWS, but surely she would have closed that lane off. I decide it is my only shot. I lay down STORIES, creating CROUTES, for 79 points. She challenges the word. She is certain CROUTES is not valid. But it is! I am out. I catch her with the Q and a lot of letters and get 38 points added to my score. I have a 10 point win. She congratulates me, dumbfounded because she was certain she would win. We fill out the slip to turn in. Then she looks at the clock. She says, "you went over." I look at it and see a -0:53. 10 point overtime penalty. The game has ended in a tie. Now I am in shock. I thought I had won. But it is a tie.
My next game is against the 10 year old sister of the 14 year old number one seed. She is playing in her first tournament and hasn't won a game yet. It is almost like taking candy from a baby, but I try not to run up the score or play questionable words against her as I coast to a win.
My next game is against another first time player. Neither of us bingo, but she passes on a turn, swaps twice, and I successfully challenge off one of her words. She also takes an overtime penalty and I win the game. So far so good.
My next game is against someone I had played and beaten at the Decatur Scrabble club. I have a tight game going. I play a two blank bingo TAMALES. On his 14th play with a 40 point lead he lays down LWEI for 23. I challenge and lose. Then I desperately play a word that he challenges off and I wind up losing big.
My next game is against another older lady. I get one bingo SPARING. She plays ZEDS for 53. She has a lead of that amount when I play SIX for 43 on my 16th turn. She manages to hold me off for a 20 point lead, but she kept repeating, "I don't like this game" on her last several turns.
My next game is against a guy from South Carolina. We play a tight game. Then I make a huge mistake and leave a triple letter square exposed next to a vowel. Finally he plays the X on it both ways and scores 61 points on his 15th turn and I lose by 56 points. Huge mistake on my part on a game I should have won.
My final game of the tournament my opponent bingos on his third turn with BAILERS. I am behind. He plays ROUTE leaving the hook exposed into the TWS for CROUTE which was such a pivotal word in my first game of the day. I get 41 points for the word I did not record. He challenges CROUTE and loses his turn and I am back into the game. He struggles through some vowel heavy racks and we go back and forth in a very tight game. That is until I leave a vowel exposed next to a premium square and he uses the X to get 36 points late in the game and I limp home from there.
The tournament ends and I have gone 3 wins, 11 losses, and 1 tie. I am not happy about my results because I believe I could have done better. I made some critical mistakes. I also realize that I really need to learn the three letter words, especially the twos into threes. We'll see when I make my next venture into a Scrabble tournament.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Atlanta Sunday Scrabble Competition Conclusion
I was reminded that I have not posted any blog entry in over a month. My last blog entry was about a competition at the Atlanta Sunday Scrabble club. I really left my readers hanging on the outcome.
The final week of the competition was my best yet. By this time I already had an idea of who the stronger and weaker players are. Fortunately for me I was not paired against some of the stronger players on this day. The first game was against Patricia and I won 348-268. The second game was against Fred whom I had never before seen at the club, but was apparently a regular before some health problems. I beat Fred 321-288. My opponent for Game #3 was Lisa. I made 87 points for STRIFES and won the game 408-285. The final game of the day was against JJ. It was a tight game and then she challenged VIG late in the game. Four plays later I had won 330-303. I was able to turn the day into four wins. I still finished out of the money though.
The final week of the competition was my best yet. By this time I already had an idea of who the stronger and weaker players are. Fortunately for me I was not paired against some of the stronger players on this day. The first game was against Patricia and I won 348-268. The second game was against Fred whom I had never before seen at the club, but was apparently a regular before some health problems. I beat Fred 321-288. My opponent for Game #3 was Lisa. I made 87 points for STRIFES and won the game 408-285. The final game of the day was against JJ. It was a tight game and then she challenged VIG late in the game. Four plays later I had won 330-303. I was able to turn the day into four wins. I still finished out of the money though.
My friend has a blog!
One of my good friends has finally published some of her writings into a blog. Check it out!
From Caterpillars to Butterflies
From Caterpillars to Butterflies
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Atlanta Sunday Scrabble
For the past few weeks I have been attending a scrabble club on Sundays. You can read about my first experience at the club on this previous blog post.
At my second time to the group, the organizer Artis had decided to host a month long competition for the regular attendees. To be eligible you had to have attended at least three previous meetings. Only games against other eligible participants would be counted for the competition, so I was a bit concerned that no one would want to play scrabble with me. After I finished my first game, Artis came to me and said since she had the power to make up any rules she wanted that she would allow me to participate in the competition. She said I was good enough to compete fairly with the others and I helped even out the numbers.
The first game that week was against Cynthia. Cynthia is actually from another club, but said she wanted to get in as many games as she could before she went to the National Scrabble Championship the next week. She played very quickly and very well. I was a bit intimidated honestly. I do not remember the outcome of the games from that week, other than I lost most of them, maybe all of them.
The next week things ran a little more smoothly as far as moving from table to table for each game. We all played four games apiece. I challenged my first word and was successful. I actually challenged a few words that day successfully and one unsuccessfully. I also had a good word that I played challenged. When you opponent takes a zero for a turn, it helps your chances of winning. I won one of four games that week.
The third week in August was a disaster for me. I lost all four games I played. I had no bingos. I lost two word challenges.
Today was week four. My best week yet. The first game I played JJ and won 387-318 with a bingo. Game #2 was against Lisa whom had barely beat me the previous weeks. This time I came out on top 356-344 with a bingo. I almost lost at the end trying to play too conservatively. Game #3 was against Bright. I successfully challenged two of his bingo attempts. However I did not challenge his third bingo attempt. I knew the word was good, but I failed to pay enough attention to the hook. After the game we checked and his hook VEGS was invalid. I did not have a bingo myself in this game, although I did have a double letter J in a triple word score in JOINS hooked by the S to make SHAGS on another triple word score for 81 points. I lost this third game 341-368 and I am still kicking myself. The final game of the day was against Pearl and she beat me handily 315-428. I did manage another bingo though. So for the day I was 2-2 with three bingos.
Today I tried some of the pizza for the first time. I had a slice of Oz Special and a slice of Veggie Deluxe. The pie was thin and slightly doughy underneath the heap of toppings. The crust at the edge was thick and chewy and well done. The veggie certainly had some interesting flavors on it with the baked eggplant and artichoke hearts. The Oz Special was very good. They served the pizza with a knife and fork and I tried to use it, but the bottom crust did not cut very well. At the same time it was not stiff enough to really pick up and eat by hand, at least not while trying to play a game of scrabble.
Next week is the end of the competition. Cash prizes will be awarded for most cumulative bingos, highest cumulative score, and highest word score. I am really not in the running for the first two prizes, but it only takes a one shot deal to win the third. Wish me luck next week.
At my second time to the group, the organizer Artis had decided to host a month long competition for the regular attendees. To be eligible you had to have attended at least three previous meetings. Only games against other eligible participants would be counted for the competition, so I was a bit concerned that no one would want to play scrabble with me. After I finished my first game, Artis came to me and said since she had the power to make up any rules she wanted that she would allow me to participate in the competition. She said I was good enough to compete fairly with the others and I helped even out the numbers.
The first game that week was against Cynthia. Cynthia is actually from another club, but said she wanted to get in as many games as she could before she went to the National Scrabble Championship the next week. She played very quickly and very well. I was a bit intimidated honestly. I do not remember the outcome of the games from that week, other than I lost most of them, maybe all of them.
The next week things ran a little more smoothly as far as moving from table to table for each game. We all played four games apiece. I challenged my first word and was successful. I actually challenged a few words that day successfully and one unsuccessfully. I also had a good word that I played challenged. When you opponent takes a zero for a turn, it helps your chances of winning. I won one of four games that week.
The third week in August was a disaster for me. I lost all four games I played. I had no bingos. I lost two word challenges.
Today was week four. My best week yet. The first game I played JJ and won 387-318 with a bingo. Game #2 was against Lisa whom had barely beat me the previous weeks. This time I came out on top 356-344 with a bingo. I almost lost at the end trying to play too conservatively. Game #3 was against Bright. I successfully challenged two of his bingo attempts. However I did not challenge his third bingo attempt. I knew the word was good, but I failed to pay enough attention to the hook. After the game we checked and his hook VEGS was invalid. I did not have a bingo myself in this game, although I did have a double letter J in a triple word score in JOINS hooked by the S to make SHAGS on another triple word score for 81 points. I lost this third game 341-368 and I am still kicking myself. The final game of the day was against Pearl and she beat me handily 315-428. I did manage another bingo though. So for the day I was 2-2 with three bingos.
Today I tried some of the pizza for the first time. I had a slice of Oz Special and a slice of Veggie Deluxe. The pie was thin and slightly doughy underneath the heap of toppings. The crust at the edge was thick and chewy and well done. The veggie certainly had some interesting flavors on it with the baked eggplant and artichoke hearts. The Oz Special was very good. They served the pizza with a knife and fork and I tried to use it, but the bottom crust did not cut very well. At the same time it was not stiff enough to really pick up and eat by hand, at least not while trying to play a game of scrabble.
Next week is the end of the competition. Cash prizes will be awarded for most cumulative bingos, highest cumulative score, and highest word score. I am really not in the running for the first two prizes, but it only takes a one shot deal to win the third. Wish me luck next week.
ZELDA'S QUEST FOR ZAGNUT
STAGE 1
Today I accepted a challenge for the Princess Zelda. Her kingdom is void of the rare confectionary jewel known as Zagnut. Her desire is to hold in her hands this rare jewel. I being the noble warrior that I am, have undertaken to provide her this pleasure.
My first step in this quest is to formulate a plan. To that end, I researched among the records of the Zagnut manufacturer for locations which are known to house this jewel. Alas, the villages in and around my current locale show no presence of the confection. I broaden my record search to include the closest metropolis. Eureka, there are a handful of locations known to contain the rare jewel. Each of these bear the name of a common retail merchandiser.
Suddenly my research is interrupted by an incoming signal on my communication device. My last born offspring is in dire need of transportation. I hastily discontinue my work to rescue the fruit of my loin. I speedily navigate my warship to her transmitted location. I arrive there safely only to find she has departed by the hand of her embryonic hostess without a notification unto me to abort my emergency mission.
I am now faced with a choice. Do I begin the quest with the incomplete knowlege I have already attained or do I seek nourishment for body? I opt for nourishment amidst the company of other warriors while listening to the exhortation of a journeyman.
My body and soul refreshed, I slowly traverse back to my abode keeping my eyes alert for possible places that a Zagnut may be kept. I spy a shop bearing the name of those shops encountered during my research. I slow my warship into the docking area to gain access into this structure. Time has been unkind to the environs here. I enter the shop and scour the aisles in search of the treasure. I spy another rare treat with the name of Zero and gain hope, but those are quickly dashed. The shopkeeper approaches me to offer assistance. The puzzled look as I pronounce the name Zagnut causes my heart to sink even before the word no escapes her lips.
Stage 1 has failed, but failure is only a stepping stone towards future success.
STAGE 2
I have received intelligence reports that indicate the elusive Zagnut may be found within striking distance of my weekly gaming rendezvous. I shall allot time to detour to these destinations as I make my trek in several days.
In the meantime, I searched a trio of local establishments during the hour reserved for consumption of midday vittles. Although the Zagnut jewel was not found, I did manage to corner another rare jewel known as the Clark Bar. I have provided photographic evidence of my conquest here.
Clark Bar
STAGE 3
Several days have passed since my last excursion on Zelda's Quest. Armed with the intelligence reports, I resumed my search this afternoon. Would success be mine?
I had a route planned based upon the deviation from the standard course. The first stop was just a few hundred yards from the major interchange of defense highways which are a part of my normal Sunday routine. However it has been twenty years since I last actually stopped my vehicle in this territory. Media outlets often contain reports of lethal violence at the large closed market just across the way. This is not exactly a destination for tourists.
I slowly proceeded along the local thoroughfare keeping my visual field attuned to my surroundings. It was only a few seconds before I spotted a tall mast bearing the name of the establishment purported to contain the Zagnut.
As I pulled into area designated for parking I was immediately struck by woeful neglect that afflicted this habadashery. A large crater with the appearance that it had been caused by an improvised explosive device interrupted the flow path of the entering and exiting ships. Sadly, I believe this crater was actually formed by the unabated erosive forces of nature over time.
The building housing the mercantile also showed signs of age and neglect and evidence that a criminal element oft lurked nearby. The glass doors and windows were protected by vertical bars of steel to prevent unauthorized access. Nothing I saw inspired peace about my expedition.
I docked my warship and proceeded on foot into the structure. Scanning the natives in the midst, I quickly ascertained that my appearance betrayed that I was an alien to these parts. Taking a deep breath I went straight to the rack containing the type of treasures that I sought. My eyes quickly caught the large yellow lettering on the bright red background. ZAGNUT it proclaimed in the bottom left corner of the rack.
I kneeled down to take my prize into my hands. I carefully felt the long rectangle of crunchy peanut butter toasted coconut throught its protective layer. The first few I felt had evidence of rough treatment and were not whole. Then I felt one that was complete. Having come so far I decided that I would not stop with just one bar. I found one for myself as well as one for Princess Zelda.
I stood in line to hand over the monetary value of these precious jewels to the woman in charge of collections. She barely acknowledged my existence as she shoved the change into my hand. My quest complete. I hurriedly exited the premises and entered my trusty warship to depart from this place.
Here is the photographic evidence of my success.
Zagnut
Today I accepted a challenge for the Princess Zelda. Her kingdom is void of the rare confectionary jewel known as Zagnut. Her desire is to hold in her hands this rare jewel. I being the noble warrior that I am, have undertaken to provide her this pleasure.
My first step in this quest is to formulate a plan. To that end, I researched among the records of the Zagnut manufacturer for locations which are known to house this jewel. Alas, the villages in and around my current locale show no presence of the confection. I broaden my record search to include the closest metropolis. Eureka, there are a handful of locations known to contain the rare jewel. Each of these bear the name of a common retail merchandiser.
Suddenly my research is interrupted by an incoming signal on my communication device. My last born offspring is in dire need of transportation. I hastily discontinue my work to rescue the fruit of my loin. I speedily navigate my warship to her transmitted location. I arrive there safely only to find she has departed by the hand of her embryonic hostess without a notification unto me to abort my emergency mission.
I am now faced with a choice. Do I begin the quest with the incomplete knowlege I have already attained or do I seek nourishment for body? I opt for nourishment amidst the company of other warriors while listening to the exhortation of a journeyman.
My body and soul refreshed, I slowly traverse back to my abode keeping my eyes alert for possible places that a Zagnut may be kept. I spy a shop bearing the name of those shops encountered during my research. I slow my warship into the docking area to gain access into this structure. Time has been unkind to the environs here. I enter the shop and scour the aisles in search of the treasure. I spy another rare treat with the name of Zero and gain hope, but those are quickly dashed. The shopkeeper approaches me to offer assistance. The puzzled look as I pronounce the name Zagnut causes my heart to sink even before the word no escapes her lips.
Stage 1 has failed, but failure is only a stepping stone towards future success.
STAGE 2
I have received intelligence reports that indicate the elusive Zagnut may be found within striking distance of my weekly gaming rendezvous. I shall allot time to detour to these destinations as I make my trek in several days.
In the meantime, I searched a trio of local establishments during the hour reserved for consumption of midday vittles. Although the Zagnut jewel was not found, I did manage to corner another rare jewel known as the Clark Bar. I have provided photographic evidence of my conquest here.
Clark Bar
STAGE 3
Several days have passed since my last excursion on Zelda's Quest. Armed with the intelligence reports, I resumed my search this afternoon. Would success be mine?
I had a route planned based upon the deviation from the standard course. The first stop was just a few hundred yards from the major interchange of defense highways which are a part of my normal Sunday routine. However it has been twenty years since I last actually stopped my vehicle in this territory. Media outlets often contain reports of lethal violence at the large closed market just across the way. This is not exactly a destination for tourists.
I slowly proceeded along the local thoroughfare keeping my visual field attuned to my surroundings. It was only a few seconds before I spotted a tall mast bearing the name of the establishment purported to contain the Zagnut.
As I pulled into area designated for parking I was immediately struck by woeful neglect that afflicted this habadashery. A large crater with the appearance that it had been caused by an improvised explosive device interrupted the flow path of the entering and exiting ships. Sadly, I believe this crater was actually formed by the unabated erosive forces of nature over time.
The building housing the mercantile also showed signs of age and neglect and evidence that a criminal element oft lurked nearby. The glass doors and windows were protected by vertical bars of steel to prevent unauthorized access. Nothing I saw inspired peace about my expedition.
I docked my warship and proceeded on foot into the structure. Scanning the natives in the midst, I quickly ascertained that my appearance betrayed that I was an alien to these parts. Taking a deep breath I went straight to the rack containing the type of treasures that I sought. My eyes quickly caught the large yellow lettering on the bright red background. ZAGNUT it proclaimed in the bottom left corner of the rack.
I kneeled down to take my prize into my hands. I carefully felt the long rectangle of crunchy peanut butter toasted coconut throught its protective layer. The first few I felt had evidence of rough treatment and were not whole. Then I felt one that was complete. Having come so far I decided that I would not stop with just one bar. I found one for myself as well as one for Princess Zelda.
I stood in line to hand over the monetary value of these precious jewels to the woman in charge of collections. She barely acknowledged my existence as she shoved the change into my hand. My quest complete. I hurriedly exited the premises and entered my trusty warship to depart from this place.
Here is the photographic evidence of my success.
Zagnut
Friday, August 20, 2010
Be a Blessing
This morning as I was praying for the people in my life to be blessed, I felt like God said that I need to be a blessing unto them. Part of God's blessing for Abraham was that he would be a blessing to others.
Genesis 12: 2 I will make you a great nation; I will bless you And make your name great; And you shall be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you; And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed."
And the blessing of Abraham has been passed on to us through the work of Jesus on the cross as it says in Galatians.
Galatians 3:13 Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree"), 14 that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
I need to meditate on this. It could be revolutionary! Can you imagine living life to be a blessing to everyone? Most of us just hope to not be a bother to anyone. Me anyway.
Genesis 12: 2 I will make you a great nation; I will bless you And make your name great; And you shall be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you; And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed."
And the blessing of Abraham has been passed on to us through the work of Jesus on the cross as it says in Galatians.
Galatians 3:13 Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree"), 14 that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
I need to meditate on this. It could be revolutionary! Can you imagine living life to be a blessing to everyone? Most of us just hope to not be a bother to anyone. Me anyway.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
The Big Boss Man
I stumbled upon this article about the Big Boss Man when I was looking for something else.
I considered Ray Traylor a friend. Our daughters were close friends through elementary and middle schools, frequently spending the night with one another. I never knew him as a wrestler, but rather as a man. He was probably the nicest, friendliest man I ever knew. He always had a smile on his face and a friendly greeting for everyone he met. Kids loved him.
I remember one time when our daughters were in middle school and were going on a field trip to Perry for the state fair. Somehow when I dropped her off, I got talked into going along as a chaperone. Ray went too, but not before trying to convince me that we should follow behind in his truck instead of riding the bus. I refused the ride so Ray climbed his huge frame onto the bus too. At the fair, the teacher let the kids pick which chaperone they wanted to stay with to walk around the fairgrounds. 90% of the kids went straight to Ray.
His life ended much much too early. It is hard to believe he has been gone almost six years now. Our daughters just graduated high school together. You are still missed Ray.
I considered Ray Traylor a friend. Our daughters were close friends through elementary and middle schools, frequently spending the night with one another. I never knew him as a wrestler, but rather as a man. He was probably the nicest, friendliest man I ever knew. He always had a smile on his face and a friendly greeting for everyone he met. Kids loved him.
I remember one time when our daughters were in middle school and were going on a field trip to Perry for the state fair. Somehow when I dropped her off, I got talked into going along as a chaperone. Ray went too, but not before trying to convince me that we should follow behind in his truck instead of riding the bus. I refused the ride so Ray climbed his huge frame onto the bus too. At the fair, the teacher let the kids pick which chaperone they wanted to stay with to walk around the fairgrounds. 90% of the kids went straight to Ray.
His life ended much much too early. It is hard to believe he has been gone almost six years now. Our daughters just graduated high school together. You are still missed Ray.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Look Past the Distractions
Yesterday morning at church during a prayer before the service, I prayed to myself that God would remove any distractions that would hinder us from worshiping. I felt like God replied to me that He wouldn't do that, but rather that I need to learn to look past the distractions and look to Him. There will always be things in this life that can distract us. If He removed one distraction, but our focus is upon distractions rather than on God, then pretty soon we will be distracted by something else because we live in an imperfect world. We need to be focused upon Jesus and leave the other stuff where it is.
Hebrews 12:1-2 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:1-2 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Friday, August 6, 2010
Help a Friend Win!
My friend Jeff Chandler is trying to win a contest sponsored by 104.7 to win $10,000 for a charity he supports, 4SARAH. All you have to do is watch this video of him singing a song he wrote. He is really good, so don't worry about not enjoying it.
Click here to see the video.
Click here to see the video.
Friday, July 23, 2010
My First Real Life Bingo
Sunday afternoon I attended a new Scrabble club for the first time. The Atlanta Sunday Scrabble Meetup is much more competitive club than the Kennesaw group I have been attending. The try to abide by the official rules of the North American Scrabble Player's Association which includes the use of clocks.
This group meets at Oz Pizza in East Point. I did not try any pizza as I was stuffed from a after church meal with my family. I arrived early and waited for the restaurant to open. As the the door was unlocked the group organizer Artis got out of her car with a satchel. After some introductions and instructions I was paired with a fellow named Bright to play my first Scrabble game on the clock.
It was a little intimidating at first to use the clock. Each player gets a total of 25 minutes to complete all his turns before incurring penalty. You make your play, announce your score, and then hit the clock stopping your time and starting the clock for your opponent. Each of you keeps track of the game score.
On Bright's fourth play, he got a bingo. A bingo is a word that uses all the letters on your rack and you awarded a 50 point bonus. "What had I gotten myself into?" I wondered. But then a few plays later I played my first bingo ever in real life - ZEALOUS through the top center triple word score for a total of 105 points on one play. What an amazing rush! In the hundreds of games I have played online, I think I have only had three 100+ point plays, so to get one in my first time in an official type setting was quite enthralling.
After my bingo I was able to extend my lead and won that game by the score of 382-318. While we played our first game, other people had arrived and started games so we played another game with each other. In the second game Bright bingoed twice and won 378-331. Bright played quickly and we finished our second game around the time the others finished their first. Then we exchanged opponents.
Now I was paired against Phyllis who I later learned has been playing in tournaments for over 20 years. She offered to give me help. She went first and then I played the bingo TRAILING on my first turn. She then withdrew her offer to help me find points. Phyllis was tracking tiles - writing down each word played and crossing the letters off a list. I went on to lose the game 416-366.
For my next game I was paired against Delbra. We did not have a clock for this game as not enough people have one. This was my first game of the evening when I could not achieve rack balance between consonants and vowels. I struggled and was beaten soundly 437-288. It was also during this game that I realized that the restaurant was a bit on the warm side.
Next I played JJ. I learned that she had played in one tournament but did not think she would try that again. I got to open our game together and played the bingo DEMOTEE. I wasn't sure if it was a word or not, but I figured I would take the risk since it was the opening play. JJ did not challenge, but as she started to lay her tiles down she realized that she had misread my word, but it was too late. I wound up losing the game 360-306.
After my first game with JJ, some folks left. We decided to play another game with each other. It was during this game that I played my fourth bingo of the night - ARCSINES. I won this game 360-310.
I went 2-4 with 4 bingos my first time playing in this type of environment. I was pleased with the competition and pleased with my results. I realized that I need to really learn the two and three letter word lists in order to achieve greater success at this game. I am looking forward to next time.
This group meets at Oz Pizza in East Point. I did not try any pizza as I was stuffed from a after church meal with my family. I arrived early and waited for the restaurant to open. As the the door was unlocked the group organizer Artis got out of her car with a satchel. After some introductions and instructions I was paired with a fellow named Bright to play my first Scrabble game on the clock.
It was a little intimidating at first to use the clock. Each player gets a total of 25 minutes to complete all his turns before incurring penalty. You make your play, announce your score, and then hit the clock stopping your time and starting the clock for your opponent. Each of you keeps track of the game score.
On Bright's fourth play, he got a bingo. A bingo is a word that uses all the letters on your rack and you awarded a 50 point bonus. "What had I gotten myself into?" I wondered. But then a few plays later I played my first bingo ever in real life - ZEALOUS through the top center triple word score for a total of 105 points on one play. What an amazing rush! In the hundreds of games I have played online, I think I have only had three 100+ point plays, so to get one in my first time in an official type setting was quite enthralling.
After my bingo I was able to extend my lead and won that game by the score of 382-318. While we played our first game, other people had arrived and started games so we played another game with each other. In the second game Bright bingoed twice and won 378-331. Bright played quickly and we finished our second game around the time the others finished their first. Then we exchanged opponents.
Now I was paired against Phyllis who I later learned has been playing in tournaments for over 20 years. She offered to give me help. She went first and then I played the bingo TRAILING on my first turn. She then withdrew her offer to help me find points. Phyllis was tracking tiles - writing down each word played and crossing the letters off a list. I went on to lose the game 416-366.
For my next game I was paired against Delbra. We did not have a clock for this game as not enough people have one. This was my first game of the evening when I could not achieve rack balance between consonants and vowels. I struggled and was beaten soundly 437-288. It was also during this game that I realized that the restaurant was a bit on the warm side.
Next I played JJ. I learned that she had played in one tournament but did not think she would try that again. I got to open our game together and played the bingo DEMOTEE. I wasn't sure if it was a word or not, but I figured I would take the risk since it was the opening play. JJ did not challenge, but as she started to lay her tiles down she realized that she had misread my word, but it was too late. I wound up losing the game 360-306.
After my first game with JJ, some folks left. We decided to play another game with each other. It was during this game that I played my fourth bingo of the night - ARCSINES. I won this game 360-310.
I went 2-4 with 4 bingos my first time playing in this type of environment. I was pleased with the competition and pleased with my results. I realized that I need to really learn the two and three letter word lists in order to achieve greater success at this game. I am looking forward to next time.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Razor Sharp
This weekend I got a new razor. If you are not aware of the fact, I tend to push the useful life of items as long as I can under the banner of frugality. I usually don't start using a new razor or blade until I perceive the quality of my shave has diminished. Shave quality has two primary components: the smoothness of my face afterward and the comfort provided during the process.
The odd thing about waiting so long to change razors is that there is such a profound difference between the quality of the last shave with an old blade and the first shave with a new one that I wonder why did I not change earlier. However, it is hard to perceive the difference in quality on a day to day basis. I know that it will only get worse each day, but that imperceptible daily difference eventually results in me doing this daily activity with much greater effort with worse results than it should.
I think that life in general is somewhat like this. We go through our daily activities over and over, each day dulling the sharpness of our souls until we are putting forth much more effort with worse results than we should tolerate yet we might not even realize it. We must make a conscious effort to renew ourselves in order to get the most out of our lives.
I am reminded of Steven Covey's 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. The 7th habit is Sharpen the Saw. It is something I definitely need to work on.
The odd thing about waiting so long to change razors is that there is such a profound difference between the quality of the last shave with an old blade and the first shave with a new one that I wonder why did I not change earlier. However, it is hard to perceive the difference in quality on a day to day basis. I know that it will only get worse each day, but that imperceptible daily difference eventually results in me doing this daily activity with much greater effort with worse results than it should.
I think that life in general is somewhat like this. We go through our daily activities over and over, each day dulling the sharpness of our souls until we are putting forth much more effort with worse results than we should tolerate yet we might not even realize it. We must make a conscious effort to renew ourselves in order to get the most out of our lives.
I am reminded of Steven Covey's 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. The 7th habit is Sharpen the Saw. It is something I definitely need to work on.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Draw Me Close
Last night at church June Evans taught on seeking God. To me this message served as a reminder of a truth that God had revealed to me several years ago as I was driving to work. I still remember the exact spot on the highway where He showed this to me.
I was singing the worship song "Draw Me Close to You" when I felt like God asked me, "What more do you want me to do Preston? I gave my only Son so that the world could be close to me. The veil into my presence is removed. My Spirit lives within you. How much closer can I get?"
It hit me like a ton of bricks that when I don't feel close to God, then I need to examine myself. God hasn't gone anywhere. It must be me that is distracted from seeing that truth. God doesn't manipulate us into a relationship with Him. We have a choice. James 4:8 reads "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you." God has already done His part. We just need to receive Him.
I was singing the worship song "Draw Me Close to You" when I felt like God asked me, "What more do you want me to do Preston? I gave my only Son so that the world could be close to me. The veil into my presence is removed. My Spirit lives within you. How much closer can I get?"
It hit me like a ton of bricks that when I don't feel close to God, then I need to examine myself. God hasn't gone anywhere. It must be me that is distracted from seeing that truth. God doesn't manipulate us into a relationship with Him. We have a choice. James 4:8 reads "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you." God has already done His part. We just need to receive Him.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
The Carnivore Challenge
Last night I made my second visit to Big Pie in the Sky. This pizzeria has what they call the Carnivore Challenge. Two people get one hour to eat a 30 inch, 11 pound all meat pizza to win a cash prize. They are proud of the fact that it has been featured on the Travel Channel show Man V. Food.
I thought maybe I might could pull off this feat. I am a big guy and I love to eat. I ordered a slice of the Carnivore pizza to get a taste of the pizza. After just a few bites I knew that there was no way I could attempt such a thing. The meat on this pizza was cured to the point it would survive a trip across the Atlantic on the Mayflower: salt cured ham, salt cured bacon, salty and spicy pepperoni, spicy sausage. I also had problems keeping the meat on my slice. It was just piled up loosely with very little cheese. I had to drink plenty of sweet tea just to wash it down.
Later in the evening a pair of young, athletic looking men did attempt the Carnivore Challenge. They started off quickly stuffing the pizza into their faces. As I kept glancing in their direction I noticed their pace quickly declining. I walked by their table when their pizza was about 2/3 gone and noticed one of the fellows had that glassy look in his eyes. Just a few moments later he bolted out the front door and his companion followed. They returned several minutes later to box up the remains of their failed challenge.
And just in case you are wondering, I won both Scrabble games I played.
I thought maybe I might could pull off this feat. I am a big guy and I love to eat. I ordered a slice of the Carnivore pizza to get a taste of the pizza. After just a few bites I knew that there was no way I could attempt such a thing. The meat on this pizza was cured to the point it would survive a trip across the Atlantic on the Mayflower: salt cured ham, salt cured bacon, salty and spicy pepperoni, spicy sausage. I also had problems keeping the meat on my slice. It was just piled up loosely with very little cheese. I had to drink plenty of sweet tea just to wash it down.
Later in the evening a pair of young, athletic looking men did attempt the Carnivore Challenge. They started off quickly stuffing the pizza into their faces. As I kept glancing in their direction I noticed their pace quickly declining. I walked by their table when their pizza was about 2/3 gone and noticed one of the fellows had that glassy look in his eyes. Just a few moments later he bolted out the front door and his companion followed. They returned several minutes later to box up the remains of their failed challenge.
And just in case you are wondering, I won both Scrabble games I played.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Second Scrabble Group Experience
Last night I made my second appearance at the Kennesaw Scrabble Meetup Group. This meeting was held at the House of Brews Coffee Cafe, a new coffee house on Highway 41 in Kennesaw. I was not as impressed with this facility as I was with the previous venue.
I arrived a little before the appointed time of 7:00 in order to make a food and beverage purchase. I walked in with someone whose face I recognized from last time, but not their name. I passed on the $8 sandwiches and just got a frozen caramel mocha while we waited for others to arrive.
Soon enough we get started and break into two games of four people each. Once again I am seated to the right of the New Yorker. Her name is Maddy as I learned. Across from me sits Christy who holds a degree in physiology and a master's in public administration and yet she has worked for twelve years as a firefighter. To my right is Tracy, a young phlebotomist.
All of the players at our table are good. I draw the J and Q late figuring correctly that I will only have two more turns. I manage to play both for decent points and surprisingly come out the winner. Our table finishes our game at a similar time as the other table, but we decide to stay put and not switch.
The second game is just as close as the first. After the bag is emptied, I play a six letter word to ensure that I will go out next turn. I manage to go out and the added points from my opponents once again puts me in first place. A few people leave, but a mother with two teenage daughters has shown up to play. From our table Tracy is replace with Susan. Susan and Maddy seem to be very good friends and equals as scrabble players.
In the third game Christy races out to an early lead, but then she starts playing defensively which I believe is a mistake in a multiplayer game. The other players alternate big scores with small ones while I seem to be consistently scoring in the 20s with each turn. Susan gets the X played on double letter in two directions late to take a nice lead. I hold the blank, I & R on my last hand down by 22 points to Susan. She has 5 tiles still on her rack so I know that I really only need to score 13 to win if I go out. And go out I did victoriously.
Three games, three wins for me against equal competition. I am liking this.
I arrived a little before the appointed time of 7:00 in order to make a food and beverage purchase. I walked in with someone whose face I recognized from last time, but not their name. I passed on the $8 sandwiches and just got a frozen caramel mocha while we waited for others to arrive.
Soon enough we get started and break into two games of four people each. Once again I am seated to the right of the New Yorker. Her name is Maddy as I learned. Across from me sits Christy who holds a degree in physiology and a master's in public administration and yet she has worked for twelve years as a firefighter. To my right is Tracy, a young phlebotomist.
All of the players at our table are good. I draw the J and Q late figuring correctly that I will only have two more turns. I manage to play both for decent points and surprisingly come out the winner. Our table finishes our game at a similar time as the other table, but we decide to stay put and not switch.
The second game is just as close as the first. After the bag is emptied, I play a six letter word to ensure that I will go out next turn. I manage to go out and the added points from my opponents once again puts me in first place. A few people leave, but a mother with two teenage daughters has shown up to play. From our table Tracy is replace with Susan. Susan and Maddy seem to be very good friends and equals as scrabble players.
In the third game Christy races out to an early lead, but then she starts playing defensively which I believe is a mistake in a multiplayer game. The other players alternate big scores with small ones while I seem to be consistently scoring in the 20s with each turn. Susan gets the X played on double letter in two directions late to take a nice lead. I hold the blank, I & R on my last hand down by 22 points to Susan. She has 5 tiles still on her rack so I know that I really only need to score 13 to win if I go out. And go out I did victoriously.
Three games, three wins for me against equal competition. I am liking this.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
My First Scrabble Club Experience
Last night I attended my first Scrabble club meeting. Yes, there are such things! I didn't realize there were six months ago either.
I found out about the club meeting just that same morning. I decided to attend out of curiosity as much as anything. I almost chickened out though at the last minute. I am not one who usually does spontaneous things, nor do I often freely choose to do things that are inherently social, much less alone.
The club meets on the second Tuesday of the month at Big Pie in the Sky in Kennesaw. I parked outside and asked myself if I really wanted to do this. I knew no one there. How would I recognize the Scrabble club? What if no one was there yet? I set my fears aside and walked in the door.
I saw a couple of scrabble games laying on the second table from the door. At the third table were four ladies of varying ages. My eyes scanned around the restaurant. A family here, a couple on a date there, this must be the club. I stopped at the table and asked if they were here for the Scrabble club. Yes, they were.
After quick introductions to those seated, I was invited to go order some food from the counter and pull up a chair. A couple of them already had a slice of pizza. And by slice I mean a triangular shaped piece of pizza that was about 15 inches long and 10 inches wide at the crust. I place an order for a slice of supreme and make myself a drink and pull up a chair to the table.
Over the next several minutes a few more people show up and my giant slice arrives. The crust is extremely thin and crisp. The pizza is more like a heaping of meat and vegetables on a giant cracker. I am forced to eat it with a knife and fork out of necessity.
Someone holds out a hand with tiles and asks me to pick one. I draw an I. I am told that the I's are to play together on an adjacent table. They have decided to play 3 games of 3 people each. I pick up my huge aluminum pizza tray and move to the next table where I am joined by two women. We elect to finish our pizza slices before commencing with our game. Well, I finish mine anyway. They just quit eating and place the rest in a box.
Our table has a very nice game board. The kind with the built in turntable and plastic seats for the tiles. Each rack has the tile distribution printed on it. The tiles are in a cloth bag. The other tables are stuck with the more common boards.
I am seated on one side of the table with two ladies across from me. I know I was introduced to them when I first walked in, but I cannot remember their names now. About a third of the way through the game I ask them to repeat their names. Elizabeth is the tannest natural redhead I have ever seen in my life. She has been teaching swimming lessons since her summer started. Directly across from me is Nicole, a young African American. These ladies are both teachers and spend most of the game discussing that subject with each other.
About halfway through the game Nicole gets a phone call and shortly thereafter a woman enters and hands her a book. She explains that it is a book written by a woman to help women understand and converse about sports. She is attending an NBA finals watching party on Thursday and wants to be prepared.
I don't remember much about the game itself, except that I win. The game progresses very much like a game with my family would. I play the most unfamiliar word and am questioned about it but not challenged.
After all three tables finish our first game, one of the player leaves. We now redivide into two games of four players each for a second game. Elizabeth leaves to join another table and Nicole and I are joined by Daphne and another woman whose name I did not remember. I do remember however her New York accent.
I get to go first on this game and then the New Yorker, Nicole, and Daphne in that order. Daphne sets me up for a nice triple word score to take a lead. I have quickly ascertained that the New Yorker is the most experienced scrabbler at the table. She shows me her rack of all vowels and asks me what I would do. I say I would swap and she does so.
After a few turns, my rack becomes not so desirable and all my best plays set up possible triple word plays for someone with an S. I decide to do that anyway. Big mistake. The New Yorker has not only an S, but she is able to play QUITS on triple word score. I rue that I didn't play my second option, but she still would have had QIS on triple word score.
Daphne has set up another triple word score but I am hurting for playable letters and dump two vowels elsewhere. The New Yorker makes big on another triple word score and my lead has evaporated. I manage to go out first, but even catching the Z on Nicole's rack does not make up the difference and I finish second to the New Yorker.
While we are playing the second game, a customer walks out through the double doors with the largest pizza box I have ever seen in my life. She had to use both doors because the box was so large. I would love to have seen the pizza itself sitting on a table in front of me.
All in all it was a very enjoyable evening and I look forward to the next one.
I found out about the club meeting just that same morning. I decided to attend out of curiosity as much as anything. I almost chickened out though at the last minute. I am not one who usually does spontaneous things, nor do I often freely choose to do things that are inherently social, much less alone.
The club meets on the second Tuesday of the month at Big Pie in the Sky in Kennesaw. I parked outside and asked myself if I really wanted to do this. I knew no one there. How would I recognize the Scrabble club? What if no one was there yet? I set my fears aside and walked in the door.
I saw a couple of scrabble games laying on the second table from the door. At the third table were four ladies of varying ages. My eyes scanned around the restaurant. A family here, a couple on a date there, this must be the club. I stopped at the table and asked if they were here for the Scrabble club. Yes, they were.
After quick introductions to those seated, I was invited to go order some food from the counter and pull up a chair. A couple of them already had a slice of pizza. And by slice I mean a triangular shaped piece of pizza that was about 15 inches long and 10 inches wide at the crust. I place an order for a slice of supreme and make myself a drink and pull up a chair to the table.
Over the next several minutes a few more people show up and my giant slice arrives. The crust is extremely thin and crisp. The pizza is more like a heaping of meat and vegetables on a giant cracker. I am forced to eat it with a knife and fork out of necessity.
Someone holds out a hand with tiles and asks me to pick one. I draw an I. I am told that the I's are to play together on an adjacent table. They have decided to play 3 games of 3 people each. I pick up my huge aluminum pizza tray and move to the next table where I am joined by two women. We elect to finish our pizza slices before commencing with our game. Well, I finish mine anyway. They just quit eating and place the rest in a box.
Our table has a very nice game board. The kind with the built in turntable and plastic seats for the tiles. Each rack has the tile distribution printed on it. The tiles are in a cloth bag. The other tables are stuck with the more common boards.
I am seated on one side of the table with two ladies across from me. I know I was introduced to them when I first walked in, but I cannot remember their names now. About a third of the way through the game I ask them to repeat their names. Elizabeth is the tannest natural redhead I have ever seen in my life. She has been teaching swimming lessons since her summer started. Directly across from me is Nicole, a young African American. These ladies are both teachers and spend most of the game discussing that subject with each other.
About halfway through the game Nicole gets a phone call and shortly thereafter a woman enters and hands her a book. She explains that it is a book written by a woman to help women understand and converse about sports. She is attending an NBA finals watching party on Thursday and wants to be prepared.
I don't remember much about the game itself, except that I win. The game progresses very much like a game with my family would. I play the most unfamiliar word and am questioned about it but not challenged.
After all three tables finish our first game, one of the player leaves. We now redivide into two games of four players each for a second game. Elizabeth leaves to join another table and Nicole and I are joined by Daphne and another woman whose name I did not remember. I do remember however her New York accent.
I get to go first on this game and then the New Yorker, Nicole, and Daphne in that order. Daphne sets me up for a nice triple word score to take a lead. I have quickly ascertained that the New Yorker is the most experienced scrabbler at the table. She shows me her rack of all vowels and asks me what I would do. I say I would swap and she does so.
After a few turns, my rack becomes not so desirable and all my best plays set up possible triple word plays for someone with an S. I decide to do that anyway. Big mistake. The New Yorker has not only an S, but she is able to play QUITS on triple word score. I rue that I didn't play my second option, but she still would have had QIS on triple word score.
Daphne has set up another triple word score but I am hurting for playable letters and dump two vowels elsewhere. The New Yorker makes big on another triple word score and my lead has evaporated. I manage to go out first, but even catching the Z on Nicole's rack does not make up the difference and I finish second to the New Yorker.
While we are playing the second game, a customer walks out through the double doors with the largest pizza box I have ever seen in my life. She had to use both doors because the box was so large. I would love to have seen the pizza itself sitting on a table in front of me.
All in all it was a very enjoyable evening and I look forward to the next one.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
June 4, 2010
Yesterday was a pretty significant day in my life. My middle daughter Kimberly graduated high school and I turned 40 years old. I hope you were able to obtain a free doughnut to celebrate with me as it was also National Doughnut Day.
I am very proud of my daughter. Actually I am proud of all three of my daughters, but because yesterday was her graduation, I am focused upon Kim right now. She graduated with honors, which entitled her guests to sit in chairs on the field for graduation. (My south Georgia readers may be surprised to learn that most high school football stadiums in north Georgia have seating capacity just a fraction of a typical south Georgia stadium.) I am proud of Kim for her accomplishment in the classroom.
We were here two years ago for my oldest daughter Lizzie's graduation. Here we sat again through the ceremony. As the senior class president gets up to speak, I turn and ask my youngest daughter Marlea if that is the same girl that was hanging out with Kim just the other day. Indeed it is; I know her by her nickname. I recognize that the senior class vice-president, the recipient of the only award given out graduation night, and the author of the senior song are also all three friends of Kim who had been to our home. It makes me proud to know that my daughter has chosen friends who are successful. Our friends have an influence on us, no matter what our age, so I am glad she has chosen wisely.
As I sit through the over 300 names that are called after Kim has received her diploma, I look up at the sky. The sky is a rich blue with a few white thin clouds scattered about. It is as if I am staring at a painting of the sky because from the moment I notice it, the sky does not move at all. For over an hour the clouds remain perfectly motionless. There is no breeze at all. The only changes to the sky are the occasional balloon released upward and the passenger jets streaming towards Atlanta. I don't know that I have ever witnessed clouds stay so still for so long.
I pray that Kim will be richly blessed as she commences her adult life.
I am very proud of my daughter. Actually I am proud of all three of my daughters, but because yesterday was her graduation, I am focused upon Kim right now. She graduated with honors, which entitled her guests to sit in chairs on the field for graduation. (My south Georgia readers may be surprised to learn that most high school football stadiums in north Georgia have seating capacity just a fraction of a typical south Georgia stadium.) I am proud of Kim for her accomplishment in the classroom.
We were here two years ago for my oldest daughter Lizzie's graduation. Here we sat again through the ceremony. As the senior class president gets up to speak, I turn and ask my youngest daughter Marlea if that is the same girl that was hanging out with Kim just the other day. Indeed it is; I know her by her nickname. I recognize that the senior class vice-president, the recipient of the only award given out graduation night, and the author of the senior song are also all three friends of Kim who had been to our home. It makes me proud to know that my daughter has chosen friends who are successful. Our friends have an influence on us, no matter what our age, so I am glad she has chosen wisely.
As I sit through the over 300 names that are called after Kim has received her diploma, I look up at the sky. The sky is a rich blue with a few white thin clouds scattered about. It is as if I am staring at a painting of the sky because from the moment I notice it, the sky does not move at all. For over an hour the clouds remain perfectly motionless. There is no breeze at all. The only changes to the sky are the occasional balloon released upward and the passenger jets streaming towards Atlanta. I don't know that I have ever witnessed clouds stay so still for so long.
I pray that Kim will be richly blessed as she commences her adult life.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Breakfast is for the Birds
This Saturday morning I had intended to sleep late, but I woke up about the time I usually leave the house to go to work. Instead of rolling over and shutting my eyes, I had a desire to go outside. I am finding that the mornings on the weekend are some of my favorite times.
This morning the air is cool. The sky is still covered with a blanket of gray clouds, but last night's rains have ended and left behind a fresh feeling in the air. A gentle breeze blows to maintain that freshness. As I sit in a rocking chair on my front porch, the breeze changes direction and suddenly brings to me the sweet scent of the gardenia in full bloom.
The birds are especially active this morning. Not only are they all singing their unique songs, but breakfast awaits them. Time after time a bird will swoop into the yard and strut along the grass before burrowing its beak into the soft wet soil to extract a worm. Cardinals, bluebirds, robins. The brightly dressed birds seem to be the most active today.
Other birds land in the small dead tree in my neighbor's yard. I realize that this eyesore is providing meals for other birds. A pair of birds that seems as small as an infant's hand make a feast there. After they leave another bird arrives to find its meal.
I am struck by the order of it all. The birds do not compete with one another for territory. The earth is big enough for them all to coexist and still enjoy abundance. Why can't we do likewise?
This morning the air is cool. The sky is still covered with a blanket of gray clouds, but last night's rains have ended and left behind a fresh feeling in the air. A gentle breeze blows to maintain that freshness. As I sit in a rocking chair on my front porch, the breeze changes direction and suddenly brings to me the sweet scent of the gardenia in full bloom.
The birds are especially active this morning. Not only are they all singing their unique songs, but breakfast awaits them. Time after time a bird will swoop into the yard and strut along the grass before burrowing its beak into the soft wet soil to extract a worm. Cardinals, bluebirds, robins. The brightly dressed birds seem to be the most active today.
Other birds land in the small dead tree in my neighbor's yard. I realize that this eyesore is providing meals for other birds. A pair of birds that seems as small as an infant's hand make a feast there. After they leave another bird arrives to find its meal.
I am struck by the order of it all. The birds do not compete with one another for territory. The earth is big enough for them all to coexist and still enjoy abundance. Why can't we do likewise?
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
One from the Archive
I wrote this song for my wife and performed it at a talent show at our church several years ago. Most of you weren't there.
WHEN I FIRST MET YOU
When I first met you, I did not know
You were the one for me.
We worked together, but I didn't know
How soon together we'd be.
Then one night when we worked late
I noticed your bright smile.
You caught my attention, but how could I know
Together we'd be for a while.
Becky my sweet dear wife,
I want you to know
Every day of our blessed lives
My love for you still grows.
When we got married, I did not know
What was in store for me.
We started bumpy, so how could I know
How great our life would soon be.
Things may have moved much too fast
And sometimes I acted uncouth.
I ask your forgiveness, I pledge unto you
I love you, this is the truth.
Becky my sweet dear wife,
I want you to know
Every day of our blessed lives
My love for you still grows.
When we had children, I did not know
How great a mother you'd be.
With diapers to change and noses to blow
You did not complain once to me.
You've molded babies into teens
And taught them right from wrong.
Your selfless love has inspired me
To sing to you this song.
Becky my sweet dear wife,
I want you to know
Every day of our blessed lives
My love for you still grows.
When I first met you, I did not know
You were the one for me.
We were together, but I didn't know
How happy together we'd be.
Through the years we've grown together
And turned two lives into one.
I can imagine life still getting better
With you by my side, it is done.
Becky my sweet dear wife,
I want you to know
Every day of our blessed lives
My love for you still grows.
WHEN I FIRST MET YOU
When I first met you, I did not know
You were the one for me.
We worked together, but I didn't know
How soon together we'd be.
Then one night when we worked late
I noticed your bright smile.
You caught my attention, but how could I know
Together we'd be for a while.
Becky my sweet dear wife,
I want you to know
Every day of our blessed lives
My love for you still grows.
When we got married, I did not know
What was in store for me.
We started bumpy, so how could I know
How great our life would soon be.
Things may have moved much too fast
And sometimes I acted uncouth.
I ask your forgiveness, I pledge unto you
I love you, this is the truth.
Becky my sweet dear wife,
I want you to know
Every day of our blessed lives
My love for you still grows.
When we had children, I did not know
How great a mother you'd be.
With diapers to change and noses to blow
You did not complain once to me.
You've molded babies into teens
And taught them right from wrong.
Your selfless love has inspired me
To sing to you this song.
Becky my sweet dear wife,
I want you to know
Every day of our blessed lives
My love for you still grows.
When I first met you, I did not know
You were the one for me.
We were together, but I didn't know
How happy together we'd be.
Through the years we've grown together
And turned two lives into one.
I can imagine life still getting better
With you by my side, it is done.
Becky my sweet dear wife,
I want you to know
Every day of our blessed lives
My love for you still grows.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Freezer Fail
***WARNING: DO NOT READ WHILE EATING***
This past weekend I plugged in an electric yard tool into one of the receptacles on the outside of the house but there was no power. I immediately knew that the GFCI had been tripped. I also knew that the freezer in the garage was on the same circuit. How long had the freezer been off?
I opened the door of the freezer just enough to stick my hand in to feel if the food was still frozen. At the same time that my hand went through a soggy warm cardboard pizza box, the overwhelming stench of death hit my nostrils. I quickly shut the door and reset the GFCI.
This morning I emptied the freezer of its refrozen spoiled contents because today is trash pickup day. The items at the bottom of the freezer gave me some trouble. They were frozen in a pool of animal blood that had dripped through the wire shelving and settled at the bottom. I had to pry the items loose with a screwdriver.
I was reminded of Galatians 6:8 "For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life." I imagine that our works decay just as quickly if we allow something to interfere with the flow of the power of God into our lives.
This past weekend I plugged in an electric yard tool into one of the receptacles on the outside of the house but there was no power. I immediately knew that the GFCI had been tripped. I also knew that the freezer in the garage was on the same circuit. How long had the freezer been off?
I opened the door of the freezer just enough to stick my hand in to feel if the food was still frozen. At the same time that my hand went through a soggy warm cardboard pizza box, the overwhelming stench of death hit my nostrils. I quickly shut the door and reset the GFCI.
This morning I emptied the freezer of its refrozen spoiled contents because today is trash pickup day. The items at the bottom of the freezer gave me some trouble. They were frozen in a pool of animal blood that had dripped through the wire shelving and settled at the bottom. I had to pry the items loose with a screwdriver.
I was reminded of Galatians 6:8 "For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life." I imagine that our works decay just as quickly if we allow something to interfere with the flow of the power of God into our lives.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Handing out the pink slip
I had to let an employee go today because our company doesn't have enough work. I'm not exactly relishing the moment.
Get a whiff of this
My blog mentor recently wrote about her experience here while riding a motorcycle. And this morning my friend rode his motorcycle to my house. So I decided to simulate a motorcycle ride as best as I could on my morning commute. I rolled the windows down on the Buick Lesabre, the ultimate sport luxury sedan (Did I say that with a straight face?), and sped to the office.
The wind whipping around my face felt nice and soft. It was only occasionally that I was able to smell the sweet savor of flowers though. Each time I did I would glance out the window to see the fence row covered in blossoming honeysuckle. Somehow I don't think this experience even comes close to replicating a motorcycle ride. Oh well.
The wind whipping around my face felt nice and soft. It was only occasionally that I was able to smell the sweet savor of flowers though. Each time I did I would glance out the window to see the fence row covered in blossoming honeysuckle. Somehow I don't think this experience even comes close to replicating a motorcycle ride. Oh well.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.
This past weekend I watched the classic movie "The Princess Bride" while visiting my parents. It had been years since I had seen it. One scene in particular stirred up something within me. Unfortunately I did not have internet access or this blog entry would have been posted that night. I did, however, find pencil and paper to write down what I wanted to share.
The scene is a sword fight between Inigo Montoya and the man who murdered his father when Inigo was a boy. Inigo had prepared his entire life to avenge his father's death. He knew that when he met his enemy he would say, "Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die."
In the duel Inigo is wounded and slumped against a wall. It appears as though he is doomed. Then he manages to hoarsely whisper, "Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die." He regains a little strength and is able to deflect the enemy's blows. Then he repeats the saying and staggers forward on the offensive. He repeats the lines over and over, each time more boldly than before and it brings him greater strength until he is victorious in the battle.
I was reminded that I need to make a similar confession as Inigo did. After all, Romans 10:10 tells us that "...with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." And in Revelation 12:11 "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony."
Inigo's confession had three parts:
1. He said who he was. "I am Inigo Montoya."
2. He spoke to his enemy and reminded the enemy of his transgression. "You killed my father."
3. He demanded that the enemy do something. "Prepare to die."
Inigo stirred himself with his confession and it brought him strength. Each time he said it, he was bolder, reminding himself of who he was, the purpose of the battle, and the victory to be won. Jesus told us in Mark 11:23 "...whoever says to this mountain, 'Be removed and be cast into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says."
But notice also that the enemy did not just roll over at Inigo's words. He had to fight the battle. The enemy struck and wounded him, yet Inigo kept fighting. Proverbs 24:16 says "For a righteous man may fall seven times And rise again..." and Paul said in 2 Corinthians 4:9 that he was "...struck down, but not destroyed."
Let us remind ourselves with our confession just as Inigo did until the battle is won.
The scene is a sword fight between Inigo Montoya and the man who murdered his father when Inigo was a boy. Inigo had prepared his entire life to avenge his father's death. He knew that when he met his enemy he would say, "Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die."
In the duel Inigo is wounded and slumped against a wall. It appears as though he is doomed. Then he manages to hoarsely whisper, "Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die." He regains a little strength and is able to deflect the enemy's blows. Then he repeats the saying and staggers forward on the offensive. He repeats the lines over and over, each time more boldly than before and it brings him greater strength until he is victorious in the battle.
I was reminded that I need to make a similar confession as Inigo did. After all, Romans 10:10 tells us that "...with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." And in Revelation 12:11 "And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony."
Inigo's confession had three parts:
1. He said who he was. "I am Inigo Montoya."
2. He spoke to his enemy and reminded the enemy of his transgression. "You killed my father."
3. He demanded that the enemy do something. "Prepare to die."
Inigo stirred himself with his confession and it brought him strength. Each time he said it, he was bolder, reminding himself of who he was, the purpose of the battle, and the victory to be won. Jesus told us in Mark 11:23 "...whoever says to this mountain, 'Be removed and be cast into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says."
But notice also that the enemy did not just roll over at Inigo's words. He had to fight the battle. The enemy struck and wounded him, yet Inigo kept fighting. Proverbs 24:16 says "For a righteous man may fall seven times And rise again..." and Paul said in 2 Corinthians 4:9 that he was "...struck down, but not destroyed."
Let us remind ourselves with our confession just as Inigo did until the battle is won.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh My!
Today was the finale for my daughter's high school's production of the Wizard of Oz. I am extremely proud of her for her participation in this musical as a featured dancer.
I think most of us can identify with one of the main characters of this story. For me it is the lion. There are times in my life when I allow fear to rob me of the blessings that belong to me because I forget who I am. I start looking at the problem instead of at the answer. Or even worse, I allow imagination to conjure up the illusion of a problem that isn't there at all.
In the play, the lion helped to rescue Dorothy from the Wicked Witch, which was a courageous act. But he didn't see himself as courageous and he didn't feel courageous. Yet he overcame his fear enough to act and to do something that needed to be done. It was only afterward that he felt courageous when the Wizard awarded him a medal. But he was still the same lion; a medal didn't change that. The lion acted and the feelings followed.
Proverbs 28:1 says "The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion." I had this verse prophesied over me fifteen years ago at a time when I felt anything but bold. I still remember that word and the reaction I felt at the time. And I still don't feel bold, but I am bold because God's Word says that I am.
This morning at church we did the song "You Are Here (The Same Power)". The words are simple but powerful:
The same power that conquered the grave
Lives in me, lives in me.
Your love that rescued the earth
Lives in me, lives in me.
This morning as we played the song that message resonated anew within me. It is truth. Romans 8:11 is where it is found: "But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you."
There is a scene in the Disney movie Lion King where Mufasa appears as a vision to Simba when he has run away from the kingdom. Mufasa says, "Why have you forgotten me?" Simba replies, "I haven't forgotten you." Mufasa tells him, "You have forgotten who you are and thus you have forgotten me." I remember watching that when my kids were small and being impressed that I had been like Simba, forgetting that I am a son of the King. Not just any king, but the King of Kings. Galatians 3:26 tells me, "For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus." The sons of kings have authority. They have an inheritance. They don't cower in fear of the unknown. They act in a manner consistent with who they are and the authority that comes with their position.
I'm challenging myself to remember who I am and to act accordingly.
I think most of us can identify with one of the main characters of this story. For me it is the lion. There are times in my life when I allow fear to rob me of the blessings that belong to me because I forget who I am. I start looking at the problem instead of at the answer. Or even worse, I allow imagination to conjure up the illusion of a problem that isn't there at all.
In the play, the lion helped to rescue Dorothy from the Wicked Witch, which was a courageous act. But he didn't see himself as courageous and he didn't feel courageous. Yet he overcame his fear enough to act and to do something that needed to be done. It was only afterward that he felt courageous when the Wizard awarded him a medal. But he was still the same lion; a medal didn't change that. The lion acted and the feelings followed.
Proverbs 28:1 says "The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion." I had this verse prophesied over me fifteen years ago at a time when I felt anything but bold. I still remember that word and the reaction I felt at the time. And I still don't feel bold, but I am bold because God's Word says that I am.
This morning at church we did the song "You Are Here (The Same Power)". The words are simple but powerful:
The same power that conquered the grave
Lives in me, lives in me.
Your love that rescued the earth
Lives in me, lives in me.
This morning as we played the song that message resonated anew within me. It is truth. Romans 8:11 is where it is found: "But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you."
There is a scene in the Disney movie Lion King where Mufasa appears as a vision to Simba when he has run away from the kingdom. Mufasa says, "Why have you forgotten me?" Simba replies, "I haven't forgotten you." Mufasa tells him, "You have forgotten who you are and thus you have forgotten me." I remember watching that when my kids were small and being impressed that I had been like Simba, forgetting that I am a son of the King. Not just any king, but the King of Kings. Galatians 3:26 tells me, "For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus." The sons of kings have authority. They have an inheritance. They don't cower in fear of the unknown. They act in a manner consistent with who they are and the authority that comes with their position.
I'm challenging myself to remember who I am and to act accordingly.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Nature's Orchestra Warm Up
This morning I stepped outside hoping to catch a glimpse of the rising sun. Instead the sky was blanketed in a solid gray cloud from horizon to horizon. A moderate cool humid breeze chilled my skin reminding me that today's forecast calls for precipitation.
I stood quiet and still and began to hear the sounds of the birds. From all sides I could hear what at first seemed to be a cacophony.
Then I listened more closely. I could make out the distinct songs of the different birds. I cannot begin to put in words the majesty of each individual song. Some were long and low pitched. Others were rapid high pitched trills. In between was a wonderful assortment of tweets, whistles, and caws coming from all sides.
I was reminded of the times I had arrived early for a musical and the orchestra was warming up in the pit, hidden from view. It is a random assortment of notes and rhythms all happening at once that do not produce music for the listener. However a person can listen intently and hear each individual instrument performing the exercises that best prepare him to play his best during the main event.
Much as an orchestra warms up in preparation for a great performance, I could imagine each creature warming up to prepare for its great performance of this day.
I stood quiet and still and began to hear the sounds of the birds. From all sides I could hear what at first seemed to be a cacophony.
Then I listened more closely. I could make out the distinct songs of the different birds. I cannot begin to put in words the majesty of each individual song. Some were long and low pitched. Others were rapid high pitched trills. In between was a wonderful assortment of tweets, whistles, and caws coming from all sides.
I was reminded of the times I had arrived early for a musical and the orchestra was warming up in the pit, hidden from view. It is a random assortment of notes and rhythms all happening at once that do not produce music for the listener. However a person can listen intently and hear each individual instrument performing the exercises that best prepare him to play his best during the main event.
Much as an orchestra warms up in preparation for a great performance, I could imagine each creature warming up to prepare for its great performance of this day.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Buford's Barber Shop
Today I got my hair cut. For most of my life this has been a task I dreaded. First as a young child forced to sit still while my hair was sheared from my head in a time when long hair was the fashion. Later as an adult who never seemed to find satisfaction with the results of randomly selecting a time and place for the inevitable task.
In between were the years that I frequented Buford's Barber Shop in Moultrie. Stepping into his old shop on East Central was like stepping into a time capsule. The place never seemed to change from my vague early childhood memories of visits there with my father. The place became comforting enough that even when I left Moultrie for several years afterward I would always try to work in a visit to Buford when we made a trip to see family.
It has been many years since his shop was torn down to make way for progress, but I still miss the place. Two ornate red barber chairs sat in front of the mirror and sinks along the back wall as you entered the shop, although he had been the only barber there for years. In between the sinks was a brilliant antique cash register that didn't really work, but just held the denominations of bills separate from each other.
The light fixtures were harsh and simple, suspended from the high ceiling. The tile floor was plain and drab, creating a stark contrast to the colorful barber chairs. Rows of matching attached red chairs lined two of the walls for you to sit and wait your turn.
It was your responsibility to take notice of who was there as you entered. Not once did I ever walk in without having to wait. One by one each person took his turn until those faces were gone and you now had the pleasure of sitting in the big red chair.
Buford always wore the same white barber shirt. He talked with all the customers, mostly about the weather it seemed. I always found it hard to have a conversation though when I sat in the chair as the clippers would whir so loudly in my ears.
Whenever I would first sit down, he would ask me, "Do you want a good haircut?" I always replied yes. I don't ever recall telling him anything other than that about how to cut it. As I moved away to Atlanta and the trips became less and less frequent, he would ask, "Do you still want a good haircut?" "That's why I came to see you," I would reply.
Buford would always ask about my father and grandfather. I was a third generation customer. After my grandfather passed away, Buford would speak with admiration of his work ethic.
My haircut usually took about twenty minutes in the chair. I loved the final touches with the straight razor and hot shaving cream to trim the edges on my neck. The best part was the cleanness you felt when you were done and how you could rub your fingers across the short hairs on the back of your head and feel the grain and texture.
After Buford was forced to move his business, I still visited a few times, but it was never quite the same. The charm of the shop was gone, even though he moved his chair and cash register with him. He finally retired and with him a piece of small town America. He endured for decades preserving the history of the old fashioned barber shop and I am glad that I had the privilege of experiencing it.
In between were the years that I frequented Buford's Barber Shop in Moultrie. Stepping into his old shop on East Central was like stepping into a time capsule. The place never seemed to change from my vague early childhood memories of visits there with my father. The place became comforting enough that even when I left Moultrie for several years afterward I would always try to work in a visit to Buford when we made a trip to see family.
It has been many years since his shop was torn down to make way for progress, but I still miss the place. Two ornate red barber chairs sat in front of the mirror and sinks along the back wall as you entered the shop, although he had been the only barber there for years. In between the sinks was a brilliant antique cash register that didn't really work, but just held the denominations of bills separate from each other.
The light fixtures were harsh and simple, suspended from the high ceiling. The tile floor was plain and drab, creating a stark contrast to the colorful barber chairs. Rows of matching attached red chairs lined two of the walls for you to sit and wait your turn.
It was your responsibility to take notice of who was there as you entered. Not once did I ever walk in without having to wait. One by one each person took his turn until those faces were gone and you now had the pleasure of sitting in the big red chair.
Buford always wore the same white barber shirt. He talked with all the customers, mostly about the weather it seemed. I always found it hard to have a conversation though when I sat in the chair as the clippers would whir so loudly in my ears.
Whenever I would first sit down, he would ask me, "Do you want a good haircut?" I always replied yes. I don't ever recall telling him anything other than that about how to cut it. As I moved away to Atlanta and the trips became less and less frequent, he would ask, "Do you still want a good haircut?" "That's why I came to see you," I would reply.
Buford would always ask about my father and grandfather. I was a third generation customer. After my grandfather passed away, Buford would speak with admiration of his work ethic.
My haircut usually took about twenty minutes in the chair. I loved the final touches with the straight razor and hot shaving cream to trim the edges on my neck. The best part was the cleanness you felt when you were done and how you could rub your fingers across the short hairs on the back of your head and feel the grain and texture.
After Buford was forced to move his business, I still visited a few times, but it was never quite the same. The charm of the shop was gone, even though he moved his chair and cash register with him. He finally retired and with him a piece of small town America. He endured for decades preserving the history of the old fashioned barber shop and I am glad that I had the privilege of experiencing it.
Blog Inspiration
This blog is less than twenty-four hours old, yet a friend has shared with me that it has inspired the creation of her own personal blog. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, so I am truly flattered.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
A kid and a kiss
Last night at church as I was walking out the door, I heard a young voice excitedly calling my name. "Preston, Preston" I turned around in time to see very young friend come running towards me across the church foyer. "Preston, kiss me." I was startled because this not a common occurrence in my life and I wasn't sure I heard correctly. "What?" I replied. By this time she was standing in front of me as I stood with my back to the door. "Preston, kiss me" she repeated. With that she puckered up her lips.
I bent down to comply with her request. I carefully kissed her small puckered lips and she gleefully ran away. The tiredness I felt melted away and a smile appeared on my face. Our kiss lasted for less than a second, but the joy of that small moment created a memory that will last forever in my mind.
I bent down to comply with her request. I carefully kissed her small puckered lips and she gleefully ran away. The tiredness I felt melted away and a smile appeared on my face. Our kiss lasted for less than a second, but the joy of that small moment created a memory that will last forever in my mind.
First Entry
Someone suggested that I create a blog recently. This raised an eyebrow on my part. Why should I create a blog? Do I really want to allow any random person to read my personal thoughts?
So today I had something I wanted to share, but didn't know with whom to share it and it wouldn't really make a good status message on facebook. So maybe I could use a blog for that.
So today I had something I wanted to share, but didn't know with whom to share it and it wouldn't really make a good status message on facebook. So maybe I could use a blog for that.
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