Who here is a total name person? I love names! I always loved looking at all the kitchy personalized name items at stores…key chains, picture frames, you name it! Maybe it’s because I am one of the lucky ones to normally have my name on those items–Rebecca. Both of my sisters rarely found their names: Whitney and Erinn.
I always grew up loving my name. Yes, I did have dream names I would want change it to at times, but maybe that’s just because I’m a writer and love to imagine the stories behind other names. I love the story behind my full name though–Rebecca Ruth. First off, I always like that both names were Bible characters. In Sunday school, I was like, “oh! There’s one of my names in the Bible!” (Even if Rebekah did seem a little sneaky at times!) However, I am not named for the Biblical women. I am named after both of my grandmothers. Rebecca is my Mimi and Ruth is my Nana. I love the fact that I was named after two strong women from my family–amazing moms, wives and women of God.
Because I am a total word nerd, I also love looking into the meanings of names. This was such a big deal for me in picking out my kids’ names. My daughter’s name is Amelia Joy, which means “vivacious happiness”–and boy, does she exemplify that! Her laughs and giggles can make anyone smile! Her twin brother is named Ian Alexander, meaning “God’s great gift.” Now he’s not any sweeter of a gift than his twin sister. But after dealing with years of pregnancy loss and infertility–this gift of two healthy babies seemed fitting in his name. Our youngest is Connor Dale. His middle name is for my grandpa’s first name and my father-in-law’s middle name–a perfect family name to pass on. We paired Connor with it to end up with the meaning, “one who holds on to God, even in the valley.” My name–Rebecca Ruth–means “captivating friend.” I don’t know if I completely live up to that, but I like that it gives some of who I am a deeper essence. Ultimately, we can all see…names mean a lot. They are more than just words. Jesus’ name is no different. And he goes by so many.
As I was reading through the chapter for Day 5 in The Wonder of Christmas about “the names of Jesus,” the song “Way Maker” by Sinach and covered by Leeland kept running through my head. We have been singing this in church recently and I knew I wanted to get this into my Bible. Here are some of the lyrics, but I encourage you to check it out!
You are
Way maker, miracle worker, promise keeper
Light in the darkness, my God
That is who You areEven when I don’t see it, You’re working
Even when I don’t feel it, You’re working
You never stop, You never stop working
So powerful! Take a moment today to reflect on some of the names of God: Emmanuel, Yahweh, Jehovah Rapha–just to name a few. Think about the meanings of those names and what He means to you!
I loved filling up the blank page at the start of the New Testament leading into Matthew and Jesus’ birth by using Brianna’s new set “Heaven and Nature Sing” to illustrate these pages. The set is so full of gorgeous lettering, doodles and adorable animals! Plus–you get two pages of amazing tags that look so darn cute under the Christmas tree!
Additional Supplies: 2018 advent washi | tiny storyteller alpha stamps | stazon ink | foam Tim Holtz alpha stamps | retired Illustrated Faith stamp ink gray, pink, teal and blue | retired You Are stamp set | foam adhesive squares | clear sticker paper | cardstock
