He had a big smile and a big “thank you” for everyone who passed by, even for those who did not give him anything.

But this thing's shape is really odd.

“Now this is a wonderful sight this morning gentlemen. It does my heart good to see you both kneeling and what a wonderful job you’ve done. It would be such a blessing to have you kneel here again on the day of its dedication. Yes, the first two converts at our brand new Mercy Seat!”

Usually one sets out to go from room to room...

Probably most effective were the quiet personal words with soldier, airman, or sailor at a moment of deep need.

And then there was the other brother, never spoken of very much and when mentioned there was always a hush, or whispered words with the adjective “poor” before his name.

Both Ray and Gwen, along with extended family in those days fit well into several definitions of the word “angel”. They helped me stay on my feet. They helped me stand!

Who'd make the madness stop?

It was a particularly heavy-hearted-Sunday when the seed was first planted and the sentiments expressed then, continue to rise up in me at every report of terrorism, mass shootings, any examples of hate in the hearts of people…

And so it was yesterday…

There are spoons, plates, bookmarks, mugs, buttons, badges, thimbles, ribbons, medallions, planners, ornaments, pictures, calendars, and keychains.