As our family gathered around the table for this year's Thanksgiving dinner, we all noticed a new name card at each place setting. The photographs appeared familiar, and those who frequent this blog will also recognize them. These cards were the work of Kristin, our resident scrapbook archivist, stamping teacher, and gormet chef.

For years, salesmen have handed out business cards, collectors have exchanged sports cards, and amateur radio operators have sent each other QSL cards. One would expect that artists might eventually invent a better product that was individually creative.

So, the newest wrinkle is now Artist Trading Cards. There are only two absolute rules: The size must be 2.5 x 3.5 inches, and they must be traded freely, without cost. Any artistic medium is permissible. Optimumly, ATCs are exchanged in person, so that a new friendship results, but there are also digital trading cards that are swapped via the Internet.

Kristin prefers the old fashioned style made with rubber stamps and photographic prints. We were all pleased with our "priceless" gifts and took home custom-made mementos of a delicious meal.

Perhaps you have wondered about my blog name. Phototelegraphy is an actual word that was once used to describe what we now commonly call fascimile or fax. I am a "photo-telegrapher" because one hobby is taking pictures, the other is amateur radio. So, I know and use Morse code, dot-and-dash.

My links have a short list of "exemplary blogs." I read a great many more each day, but these few consistently stand out in my mind as being the best in terms of format, artistry, and content. If the list were not somewhat alphabetical, Voice of Martyrs would come first.

About a month ago, VOM ran a post about Morse code that really caught my attention. Rather than quote, please click the archives and read it for yourselves. These isolated prisoners were able to learn about Jesus' saving love, in a most unlovely situation, by a most unusual method.

After a week when we have enjoyed a thankful season of family gratitude, there is a desperate lesson that needs tapping out in our own hearts. There are those less fortunate in their freedom for faith, and our supportive prayers are a necessary, abundant gift to believers who are cruelly persecuted. This is my reminder to make The Voice of the Martyrs also your daily reminder.