Tuesday, February 14, 2006
Oh what a night... (shush. don't tell the Christians!)
"Late December back in '63.
What a very special time for me.
I remember, what a night."
Now that's a cool song. Tonight was great. It was a worship team social round Jen's (choir masters) and Paul's house and I think we managed to cram about 20-25 people into their front room at one point.
The Journey
Firstly we had to drive there which is always entertaining. There's roadworks on the motorway at the moment though, meaning that you can't go over 50mph (lest thee be speed camera'd) most of the trip, but at some points, because we were in a convoy, we had to slow down to 20mph, on a clear motorway!!
I also had someone (lets call her Bright Beam) who was driving behind me and was practically blinding me with her head lamps. I swear she was on full beam!
Buzz and Chips
Jen and Paul had agreed to pop to the chippy to get chips which was nice. So we had chips. But we also played this cool music quiz game called Buzz. It's just a quiz show where it plays you a clip of music and you have to answer questions based on what you heard. Very cool. However, if you keep on pressing your button, the presenter will get a bit mad with you and say random stuff like:
'Ok. Ok player 4. You just need to chill. Chhiiiilllll.'
'Player 1. If you break the buzzer you're just going to have to buy a new one.'
'Come on Player 2. Just calm down. CALM DOWN.'
You had to be there. But we started playing 'who could aggitate the presenter the most by continually pressing their button' which kept us entertained for some reason.
Now. On to more serious matters.
Texas Hold 'Em
Yes yes. Us dirty Christians played poker. Now. I don't usually get annoyed with people because they believe something is wrong, but I do get annoyed with people when they believe it's wrong simply because it can be used to gamble real money on. Unfortunately, Poker has been classed as a Grade A sin by some people simply because it could lead into a genuine loss of money. I'm not saying it wrong to not play if you feel convicted, cos obviously at least you've experienced it.
But don't pass it off because you think it's gambling. Cos you can play without money.
Monopoly would be a bit hard without those multi-coloured pieces of paper after all. Basically, what I'm saying is you can gamble on anything. And you shouldn't play Monopoly...
Without me...
*rant over*
Anyway. Me, Nami, Gem, Andy, Jen and Paul all played some Poker. Probably for about 2 hours at least.
If you know Andy in any sort of way, you're going to understand when I say that watching him during the game was hilarious. The thing that made us laugh the most was when he dealt the cards. He just didn't have a clue how to slide them or shuffle. He's brilliant.
Again. You had to be there.
So the comment (don't tell the Christian's!) in the title relates a little to the reception we got when announcing that we'd be playing poker because after that we were all just in the micky taking mood, so everytime we did or saw someone else doing something that others might think was wrong, we'd use that catchphrase.
What a very special time for me.
I remember, what a night."
Now that's a cool song. Tonight was great. It was a worship team social round Jen's (choir masters) and Paul's house and I think we managed to cram about 20-25 people into their front room at one point.
The Journey
Firstly we had to drive there which is always entertaining. There's roadworks on the motorway at the moment though, meaning that you can't go over 50mph (lest thee be speed camera'd) most of the trip, but at some points, because we were in a convoy, we had to slow down to 20mph, on a clear motorway!!
I also had someone (lets call her Bright Beam) who was driving behind me and was practically blinding me with her head lamps. I swear she was on full beam!
Buzz and Chips
Jen and Paul had agreed to pop to the chippy to get chips which was nice. So we had chips. But we also played this cool music quiz game called Buzz. It's just a quiz show where it plays you a clip of music and you have to answer questions based on what you heard. Very cool. However, if you keep on pressing your button, the presenter will get a bit mad with you and say random stuff like:
'Ok. Ok player 4. You just need to chill. Chhiiiilllll.'
'Player 1. If you break the buzzer you're just going to have to buy a new one.'
'Come on Player 2. Just calm down. CALM DOWN.'
You had to be there. But we started playing 'who could aggitate the presenter the most by continually pressing their button' which kept us entertained for some reason.
Now. On to more serious matters.
Texas Hold 'Em
Yes yes. Us dirty Christians played poker. Now. I don't usually get annoyed with people because they believe something is wrong, but I do get annoyed with people when they believe it's wrong simply because it can be used to gamble real money on. Unfortunately, Poker has been classed as a Grade A sin by some people simply because it could lead into a genuine loss of money. I'm not saying it wrong to not play if you feel convicted, cos obviously at least you've experienced it.
But don't pass it off because you think it's gambling. Cos you can play without money.
Monopoly would be a bit hard without those multi-coloured pieces of paper after all. Basically, what I'm saying is you can gamble on anything. And you shouldn't play Monopoly...
Without me...
*rant over*
Anyway. Me, Nami, Gem, Andy, Jen and Paul all played some Poker. Probably for about 2 hours at least.
If you know Andy in any sort of way, you're going to understand when I say that watching him during the game was hilarious. The thing that made us laugh the most was when he dealt the cards. He just didn't have a clue how to slide them or shuffle. He's brilliant.
Again. You had to be there.
So the comment (don't tell the Christian's!) in the title relates a little to the reception we got when announcing that we'd be playing poker because after that we were all just in the micky taking mood, so everytime we did or saw someone else doing something that others might think was wrong, we'd use that catchphrase.
- "Oh. He like's his Shandy." (don't tell the Christians!)
- "Check out the Bond girl on this playing card." (don't tell the Christians!)
- "I can't believe you thieved my chips while I was out the room." (don't tell the Christians!)
I hope this blog doesn't offend anyone! But there's a comment field if it does. I'm just interested to see it from the other point of view really.
# posted by TommyDB @ 1:26 a.m. 
Comments:
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I don't think playing poker is wrong (as you well know), and do enjoy playing it.
However, in 1 Corinthians 8 there was an issue raised about meat (bear with me..this does relate!). Basically, meat that was sacrificed to pagan gods was then sold at a market. The question asked Paul was whether it was okay to eat the meat.
Paul's response was that it's perfectly okay to eat the meat, however if it's going to cause a brother/sister to stumble, then you shouldn't do it.
In 1 Corinthians 10 he's talking about the same kind of thing, however this scripture might be more relevant to last night's situation (though I wasn't there);
1 Cr 10:31-33
[31] Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. [32] Give no offense, either to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God, [33] just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.
Now I'm not saying that we shouldn't ever challenge someone on their viewpoint, or have a discussion which may cause offence. But if it's going to really offend someone for you do play poker in front of them, maybe we should think twice. (I'm pretty sure I'd just still go ahead and play anyways, but that just be because I'm stubborn and to prove a point, LoL). Our motivation in every situation should be God and what would benefit others in their walk with Him - not stubborn-ness in my case ;)
However, in 1 Corinthians 8 there was an issue raised about meat (bear with me..this does relate!). Basically, meat that was sacrificed to pagan gods was then sold at a market. The question asked Paul was whether it was okay to eat the meat.
Paul's response was that it's perfectly okay to eat the meat, however if it's going to cause a brother/sister to stumble, then you shouldn't do it.
In 1 Corinthians 10 he's talking about the same kind of thing, however this scripture might be more relevant to last night's situation (though I wasn't there);
1 Cr 10:31-33
[31] Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. [32] Give no offense, either to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God, [33] just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.
Now I'm not saying that we shouldn't ever challenge someone on their viewpoint, or have a discussion which may cause offence. But if it's going to really offend someone for you do play poker in front of them, maybe we should think twice. (I'm pretty sure I'd just still go ahead and play anyways, but that just be because I'm stubborn and to prove a point, LoL). Our motivation in every situation should be God and what would benefit others in their walk with Him - not stubborn-ness in my case ;)
I understand all the points made, like not to purposefully offend someone but I do think some people tend to just assume things about poker but when ppl did that last night it just made it more fun anyway! 'Don't tell the Christians'- so funny!
I think that really lots of things offend lots of people.
Risk is war
Monopoly is capitalism
Cluedo is secretive
Lust on TV
Swearing like everywhere Seriously!
But all these things are permissable if not always beneficial. If you don't like it then don't join in- that's why I don't hang around with people who smoke - cos I don't like it.
However I wouldn't drink alcohol infront of an alcoholic. y'know I reckon someone who struggles with some sin should be supported not blatantly tempted.
Risk is war
Monopoly is capitalism
Cluedo is secretive
Lust on TV
Swearing like everywhere Seriously!
But all these things are permissable if not always beneficial. If you don't like it then don't join in- that's why I don't hang around with people who smoke - cos I don't like it.
However I wouldn't drink alcohol infront of an alcoholic. y'know I reckon someone who struggles with some sin should be supported not blatantly tempted.
Yo T. Me and you were on the same wavelength with that scripture.
And also with the stubborness bit!
I was surprised by the amount of comments on here too.
My main point I'm trying to put across is Poker does not = gambling.
Some people have put that association upon it (understandably) and I'm just trying to challenge that view point. Mainly because I think it's a great game and people are missing out by not playing, tbh!
And also with the stubborness bit!
I was surprised by the amount of comments on here too.
My main point I'm trying to put across is Poker does not = gambling.
Some people have put that association upon it (understandably) and I'm just trying to challenge that view point. Mainly because I think it's a great game and people are missing out by not playing, tbh!
Loz. I've covered it from your point of view in the blog. The blog was in no way aimed at your view point because I understand it.
"I'm not saying its wrong to not play if you feel convicted, cos obviously at least you've experienced it.
But don't pass it off because you think it's gambling. Cos you can play without money."
And I'll clarify my 'missing out' comment.
I meant that from my point of view, ie: my experiences, people who decide not to play because they think it's a sin based solely on the fact that it has associations with gambling are potentially missing out.
Phew. that's a mouth full!
I also think this sort of mentality can be seen in many other situations in life where people simply accept something just because they've been told it's true (or wrong) and are not 'living life more abundantly' because of it.
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"I'm not saying its wrong to not play if you feel convicted, cos obviously at least you've experienced it.
But don't pass it off because you think it's gambling. Cos you can play without money."
And I'll clarify my 'missing out' comment.
I meant that from my point of view, ie: my experiences, people who decide not to play because they think it's a sin based solely on the fact that it has associations with gambling are potentially missing out.
Phew. that's a mouth full!
I also think this sort of mentality can be seen in many other situations in life where people simply accept something just because they've been told it's true (or wrong) and are not 'living life more abundantly' because of it.
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