I don't know how I get myself into these messes!

As many of you know from reading these bulletins, from time to time I mention the fact that as a hobby of mine, I build Atari 2600 cartridges. It's an amusing way to keep my idle hands out of mischief, and I have been doing it for almost two decades. Along the way, I have made many friends and shared a laugh or two with people who I have never met, but are nostalgic for the games the same way I am. Having things in common, in this case something very enjoyable, really encourages this kind of relationship. Some of these guys and gals are bankers, engineers, mechanics, plumbers, students, retirees, salespersons, managers, and I suppose a ditch digger here and there. Yet in spite of all these different walks of life, I have never heard anyone look down on anyone else. I just see the enthusiasm for the games, a bond that holds us all together.

In all the things I have done in my life so far, I am probably best well known to the largest number of people as a video game maker. You could probably carve that on my tombstone, it would be my biggest claim to fame. I am not sure if I should be proud of that or kinda bummed, but it seems to be true. Now, here is my dilemma. My wife is working at NEBS, the New England Business Supply place. Since she is an employee, she gets discounts on what they make, like forms or shirts or mugs. So, I did what I have wanted to do for a long time. I bought some trinket thing to advertise my video game hobby/business. I bought 100 sturdy, dandy canvas bags with my logo and web site url plastered on the side in big, bold, bright letters. My intention was to have a promotion, where the first 100 people who bought a game from me (one per household, of course!) would get a free bag with their order. It all sounds good so far. But then I realized I wanted a few for myself. Then I realized there are a lot of people over the years that have greatly helped the hobby, or even my personal part of the hobby, and I wanted to be sure to get them a bag as a token of gratitude.

I decided 40 bags would be enough, and set aside the other 60 for general orders. Then I started making up a list of those I felt deserve a bag for their hard work. I started with all those who have written a game or two or three in the last 10 years. I included those who supported them, who play tested their games, who helped them solve difficult routines or even usability problems. Then I added to the list those people who wrote articles for books or magazines that document the history of our hobby. Then I jotted down people who did favors for me, liked helped with my web page or made up labels, or even manufacture some of the cart parts I use to make games with.

You know what happened. Forty is not enough!! If I really thanked all those who deserve my gratitude over the years, (as if I could still locate them all), it would take more than a mere 100 bags. What a horrible thought that I have so many Atari friends! [grin!]

And it becomes very obvious to me why preachers don't mention names all that often when they are praising a congregation. Here we are, a group made of students, engineers, managers, workers, etc. Yet we are all there getting along equally, with love for one another, sharing a passion to serve the Lord. I am grateful for Kathy, for Bruce, for Brian, for Jan, for Terry, for Dave, for Deniese (in particular!), for Pam, for Holly, for Dawn, even for Kieran. I am grateful for Brent, for Steve, for Nancy, for Shirley, for Paula, for John, for Rob. I am grateful for you all! But I don't have room to mention you all here. It doesn't mean I don't think about each and every one of you. What a horrible thing that I have so many Christian friends! [grin!]

Colossians 4:7-15 All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord: Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts; With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things which are done here. Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister's son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;) And Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These only are my fellowworkers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort unto me. Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis. Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you. Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house.

II Timothy 4:19-21 Salute Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus. Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick. Do thy diligence to come before winter. Eubulus greeteth thee, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and allthe brethren.

Philemon 23-24 There salute thee Epaphras, my fellowprisoner in Christ Jesus; Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers.