What's in a name?

Growing up I was never too excited when someone brought a "Meaning of Names" book to school. As a tomboy I didn't appreciate having a name that meant "sweetheart". Jill also means youthful, so as I near 40 that becomes a bit more meaningful. :) Once I became a Mom, the meaning of names became so much more important.

James Daniel, our 1st born, is the 5th James Beran and Daniel is my dad's name, so he has all the family connections. Joy, our oldest daughter, has the middle name Leanne - a combination of mine (Ann) and my mom's (Lee) middle names, while our other little lady is Jaylyn Marie after her grandma Marie. Next came Jedidiah Jay whose story is too long to tell, but you can read it HERE. Jesse Clay is our caboose and he has his middle name because all through my pregnancy with him I was reminded that I'm but clay in the Potter's hand! More can be read HERE and HERE. Finally, the little girl we lost - our Jenae Hope has a story too, which can be found HERE.

Visit Wendy's Site

Clearly names and their meanings are important to me, but lately I've been reminded of another name that is critical. The name that is above all names - the name that carries power and changes lives. I'm grateful to be part of Wendy Blight's launch team for "I Know His Name", her soon to be released book/Bible study. This study centers on the names of God and the prayer is readers will move beyond simply knowing about God to really knowing God in a very personal way.

Wendy wrote this study, but she is more than an author...she is one who knows God in a personal way. Through trials and pain she came to know Him in a deep way and He has healed, restored and remained faithful. As you read Wendy's writing and work through her study, you realize she is a friend you can laugh and cry with and a teacher you respect and learn from.

I Know His Name is a study with the potential to deepen your faith and strengthen your relationship with Elohim (your Creator), El Roi (the God who sees you) and Abba (our Father). How will this happen you may wonder? Friend, when we learn the names of God, we learn about His character and His nature. His names reveal His heart, mission and power. As we learn more about Him, we also come to understand Him better and trust Him more.

Wendy did a condensed version of this study on her blog a few years back and I remember it being a time of real learning, healing and growing for me. All my growing up years, I struggled with insecurity and feeling unworthy. Even since coming to Christ, this was a battle. I'd made some progress and He even led me to do things I never expected, but one day I found myself calling out to God, "Who am I? I don't deserve this, I can't do it." I'm not sure how long my little rant and pity party lasted, but eventually God whispered to my heart, "No Jill, who am I?"

Friend, that statement stopped me in my tracks and had my attention...my focus was on me and it needed to be on God. From then on, rather than trying to discover who I was or relive the junior high identity crisis, I searched the Scriptures to find out who God really was. Doing this on my own was good, but then Wendy's study came along and it was just what I needed...she led me to verses and made connections that opened my eyes and helped me understand God better and know Him more. In the process, I started to see myself rightly as well. I've made progress, but this will be a life-long journey, so I'm looking forward to what God has to teach me through Wendy's new book and my time in His Word.

I don't know if insecurity or worth is a struggle for you, but if it is this book and the Truth it points you to are sure to make a difference. And if you're blessed and don't struggle with this, the book/study will still speak to you!! God's Word is alive and He promises it will not return void!

My husband and I gave our kids their names and we learn more about them daily, which helps us understand and relate to them. Friend, God knew our name before we were born...if we want to know Him better we can learn His names!! Doing so will change our relationship with Him, our prayers, and our lives!!

To celebrate Wendy's new book and the healing work God will do as women study His Word, I'm giving away a copy today!! To enter let me know 1) the meaning of your name or the story behind your child's name, 2) a name of God you want to learn or if time is short 3) simply leave your name! I'll announce the winner on Friday and if you want to pre-order a copy yourself, click HERE.