Sam sounds better than Mr. god.

My late wife's name was Jeanne. And so when I talked to people about my lovely wife, I always identified her by name. Jeanne. I didn't keep referring to her as my wife. But rather as Jeanne. Because that made it more personal. I like to call people by their names. I have friends. Such as Cherie. And Rosie. I don't address them as 'friend.' Even though they are friends. Instead, I call them Cherie and Rosie. Maybe dear Cherie and dear Rosie. I use their god-given names. When I meet strangers, the first thing I try to do is catch their names. And to use their names. Preferably, their first names. I like the informality of using a first name. Less formal than the surname. Even if the person is older than me. I want to be on a first-name basis. And I want to be called by my first name. By my nickname. Jim. Even if a youngster is addressing me. I want to be called Jim. Not Mr. Broede. I keep wondering if god has a name. Something other than god. Like Sam. If so, that's what I'd call him. Sam. That sounds a lot better than Mr. god. Or just plain god. --Jim Broede