The Master

I live in the Peach State of Georgia.  In April of each year the most prestigious golf tournament of all, The Masters, is played in Augusta, Georgia.  For those fortunate enough to get a ticket (even to a practice round) they are in for the time of their life.

Now if you’re not a fan of golf, it might not mean that much to you. But all week long the world’s top golfers converge on Georgia’s “Garden City.” All week long golf fans from all over the world attend. This in one of sports most coveted tickets. I know...I have coveted one...or two.

Do you know that people actually rent out their homes during Master’s week? Yes, and for exorbitant prices, too. Some of the professionals arrive two to three weeks early just to prepare for this tournament.

I checked this out and many people make their actual mortgage payments from the income of this season.

Wedding Ring: To Wear or Not to Wear....That Seems to Be The Question.

Prince William and Kate seem to have stirred up a great deal of interest  in the wedding ring.  Prince William has announced that he will not wear a wedding ring. 

Now the question is being asked about its importance.  How important is it that a man wear or not wear a ring.  Does it mean that he is not committed?  Does it make it easier for him to be unfaithful?  Does it mean....???

I for one never considered anything but receiving a ring from my bride and wearing it proudly.  Does it make me anymore married?  No!  Does it prove I am married?  No!  Does it declare I am married?  LOUDLY!!!

I wear a ring because my bride gave it to me.  It is a symbol of our commitment.  It is a token of our love.  It is an unending circle representing the permanence of our commitment.  It is made of precious metal symbolic of the purity of our love. 

I do take my ring off when I play golf.  I took it off when I use to play softball.  There were two reasons.  To keep from damaging it and to keep it from hurting me. 

My son-in-law lost his wedding ring playing beach volleyball.  You know what he did?  He went back to the court and dug methodically in the sand until he found it.  Miracle!  Of course he was praying all the while.

Men, when people see that ring on your finger it tells them you belong to someone else.  It should declare a commitment and love.

Whether Prince William wears a ring or not is his business, but it is also Kate's.  For one I think she should make a big deal about it.  She probably won't, but making a big deal about it now might keep it from being a big deal later.  Just saying.

Man up guys.  Declare to the world that you are committed.  Wear her ring and wear it proudly.

Honor thy....mother!

I know that Mother's Day is still a month away, but this could not wait.  For weeks now our youngest daugther (Katie) has been planning to take her mother on a surprise birthday getaway.  The date and certain information has been available, but the destination was a secret until they got to the airport in Atlanta.  Although we were guessing New York City, it was only a guess, but a good one, because when they arrived at the airport the boarding pass revealed the destination.  So a couple hours later I received a text that they had landed. 

In the weeks leading up to the trip I had told my wife not to be surprised if the other two daughters showed up.  She said, "No way!"  I said, "Way!"  Well maybe not those exact words.  No we did not know, but I know my daughers and they can plan and connive with the best.  How they did it is still not certain, but that they did is for sure.

After landing the second surprise showed up in the person of Natalie (our middle daughter).  When they arrived at the hotel the third surprise appeared (our oldest daughter Shauna).  They had t-shirts, and they went all over NY

My brother says that NY will never be the same.  Well, what does he know but I know that my wife will never be the same.  She will never forget this precious gift from three precious daughters.  I have never had a time that I was more proud of my girls and I have had many proud moments as a father.  Thank you girls for honoring your mom in this way. 

And....oh yeah...Happy Birthday, baby.