While We Were Out

September may go down as the busiest month this blog has ever had, in terms of page views.  Two posts about a U.S. Senator ballooned the total to more 850!

Despite all this momentum, we were away from this blog for about the last two weeks -- a bit like a poker player who piles up a big stack, then leaves the table for awhile.  Before we explain what happened, here's a quick review of the poker-related activity we've done in recent weeks:

+ We filled some idle minutes at an online version of Ultimate Texas Hold 'em, staying in practice for our next casino trip.  The play is quick and addictive -- and after early gains, we lost more than 1,200 pretend dollars.

+ We played pretend cash games at Poker Stars, and practically broke even.

+ We found National League of Poker tightened its cash giveaways again.  Instead of running freerolls for money twice a day, now those games only qualify you for level 10 on a 12-step scale to win money.  It seems awfully time-consuming for little gain.

In all these cases, we did not stop at poker rooms as we have during other fall breaks.  That's primarily because our schedule and travel plans did not allow it.  But that's OK -- because we didn't lose any real money, and we focused on something much more valuable.

Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise.... it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest. - Proverbs 6:6-8

A wise poker player saves some of his winnings (if he wins enough to save) for tougher times.  But even then, we should keep in mind....

For riches do not endure forever, and a crown is not secure for all generations. - Proverbs 27:24

We were focused in recent days on an annual church festival picturing the coming Kingdom of God.  It included worship and daily (sometimes very detailed) Bible study.

How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver! - Proverbs 16:16

It's about striving for a prize much more priceless than a poker tournament's final table.

To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. - Romans 2:7

Eternal life with God and Jesus Christ is the greatest thing anyone could want.  So what are you trying to win these days?