Tuesday, January 26, 2016

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.

54 comments:

Wendy Blight said...

Jill, thank you so much for sharing some stories about your family names. So interesting!! Thank you also for taking precious time on your blog to share about my new book "I Know His Name." I remember doing this study long ago with you and God working in your life through your time with His names.

And thank you for giving a copy away! Praying now for just the right person to receive your copy!!

Blessings to you,

me

Heather Bleier said...

We named Stacy after my step mother who entered heaven's gates far too early. Her middle name, Maria, is shared by my mom and I. I'm hoping she carry on the tradition of giving her first little girl the same middle name.

Heidi said...

My first name was the name of someone my Mom used to babysit for when she was younger and my middle name is my Great Grandma's middle name, Melissa :)

Unknown said...

My name, Anna, means grace. I was named after a great grandmother. Lived Wendy's "Living So That" study, and would love to join on this one.

The Forever Joyful Homeschool said...

My name is Leslie, and that means Peaceful Meadow. I love that one of God's names is the LORD our Righteousness. We would love to have you link up your post at Literacy Musing Mondays #LMMLinkup. http://www.foreverjoyful.net/?p=782

Seeds of Scripture said...

Insecurity and worth have always been struggles for me. It was far worse in my teen years before I knew God, but even now I fall victim to questioning myself. Today, right now in fact. I met Wendy in Israel this past fall and she is terrific. I can't wait to read the book.

Ann Connell said...

My name Ann is a Hebrew name He(God) has favored me and also grace. I would to know more about all the names of God. Our pastor did a series of sermons on the names of God.

kjd1295 said...

My middle name, Janeen, is after my mom and my oldest daughter is Catherine after my grandmother.

Unknown said...

My name is not too exciting: Mom always wanted a "Julie" and after 3 boys she finally got one. My middle name "Ann" is after my grandma's middle name. Our children's names were chosen as combination biblical and family connections. I am so excited about studying God's names in a deep and meaningful way with Wendy. Thanks for giving away a copy!

Miranda said...

My mom picked my name out of a baby book but I like that I'm a law and a rights!! My son is named Logan named after wolverine and my daughter is named Lily which my husband named her. My sons middle name Edward is a family middle and my daughter name Ann is also a family name. The most weirdest/freakiest name story I've ever experienced was my three yr old sister at the time had an imaginary friend named Kourtney she was real to her that my mom had to bathe her then all of the sudden she stopped playing with her, my mom asked where's Kourtney she looked at them and said she's in your belly my mom found out she was pregnant a few days later. My mom tried to name her Jenna but my sister wasn't having it.

safe said...

God is moving me into the meaning of my name which is "warrior", but it is a very difficult time and I am focusing more on going deeper is my relationship with Him.i would love This book about God's names to help me in my growth in Him. I am always blessed by Wendy Blight's writing's, her books, her blog and her devotions on first5 app.

Unknown said...

My Mom named me after one of her favorite movies that came out at that time, Pollianna. Anybody remember that old movie?
I love studying God's different names.

RCraig418 said...

I have already pre-ordered my copy, but if I win this book I will give it to my daughter Elizabeth! She is a fairly new christian, and she is named after my great great grandmother. She loves the Lord with all her heart and soaks up the knowledge found in each one of the books I have bought her, written by the amazing ladies at Proverbs 31. I am so excited to start this study. I done a study not too long ago on a few of the names, and can't wait to learn even more! I am currently doing the 5 day devotion by Wendy, and have already learned so much. I love your blog today, and plan to subscribe! Thank you for the chance to win this book!

RCraig418 said...

I have already pre-ordered my copy, but if I win this book I will give it to my daughter Elizabeth! She is a fairly new christian, and she is named after my great great grandmother. She loves the Lord with all her heart and soaks up the knowledge found in each one of the books I have bought her, written by the amazing ladies at Proverbs 31. I am so excited to start this study. I done a study not too long ago on a few of the names, and can't wait to learn even more! I am currently doing the 5 day devotion by Wendy, and have already learned so much. I love your blog today, and plan to subscribe! Thank you for the chance to win this book!

Wendy Blight said...

What a wonderful tradition, Heather. I didn't know any of that!
Bo is Edward Montague Blight IV!! Poor kid. No wonder we call him Bo. :)

Love you,

me

Wendy Blight said...

It's so fun to hear the history of everyone's names. Thanks for stopping by and sharing.

Wendy

Wendy Blight said...

Anna, one of my best friends named her daughter Anna for that very reason. I never knew that is what it mean till her Anna was born. And thanks for you kind words about Living So That. Love connecting with friends who have done that study. Thanks for stopping by!

Wendy

Wendy Blight said...

I learned something new today. I didn't know that your name means "peaceful meadow." What a wonderful name!! And thanks for sharing your favorite name of God. That is a great one that we don't hear too much.

Blessings,

Wendy

Wendy Blight said...

Cathy, I LOVE seeing your smiling face! I remember you very well from our trip to Israel. You always made me smile. :)

Don't ever fall victim to those lies, sweet friend. You are valuable and precious in God's sight, created with a great purpose and call on your life. Remember that and walk in it!!

Blessings,

Wendy

Wendy Blight said...

Ann, thanks for sharing the history of your name. I am learning so much today! You will be so blessed if you choose to study God's names. So many magnificent and wonderful promises are found in His names.

Blessings,

Wendy

Wendy Blight said...

Thank you for sharing!

Wendy

Wendy Blight said...

Julie, my name isn't too exciting either. And for my daughter, I picked a name I liked (Lauren) and Bo got his great grandfather's name. He is a fourth!

I love having you along on this launch journey. Thank you for joining us.

Blessings,

Wendy

Wendy Blight said...

Wow! That is an amazing story, Miranda!! Honestly, that is really freak/wierd but also so cool. And since I am a lawyer, I really do appreciate your name. :)

Thanks for sharing.

Blessings,

Wendy

Wendy Blight said...

Wow! Warrior, what a powerful name to have. Goodness. I never knew that. WALK CONFIDENTLY IN THAT NAME!!

Thank you for all your kind words of encouragement about my ministry work. I love connecting with new friends!!

Hope you will join us for this new study about the names of God. I know God will do wonderful things in and through them.

Blessings,

Wendy

Wendy Blight said...

I do! I do!! That is a great name! Thanks for sharing.

It's good to meet a fellow lover of God's many names. :)

Blessings,

Wendy

Wendy Blight said...

So excited to connect with you here. And thanks for pre-ordering "I Know His Name" and joining us for the Five Day Devotional.

And what a blessing to have a daughter who not only knows the Lord but loves Him and loves to dive into His Word and into books that teach her more about Him. Thanks for sharing our P31 books with Him. Are you all doing First 5? It's a great way to start the day in God's Word!

Anonymous said...

My name is Allenia named after grandmother dont know what it means I know some of the lord names like healing would love to learn morw

Miranda said...

Yes it is freaky and weird lol. Does your name have a special meaning?

RCraig418 said...

Oh yes I was so excited when they announced the First 5 app! I absolutely love waking up to it!! :)

RCraig418 said...

Oh yes I was so excited when they announced the First 5 app! I absolutely love waking up to it!! :)

Leigh Ellen said...

When I was expecting our son, my husband and I poured over his name. We researched the meaning of names for what seemed like the entire 9 months I was pregnant. In the end, we chose Joel - which means "The Lord is God." His name was very important to us, as we knew every time we said his name, we would be speaking its meaning over his life.

Anonymous said...

Susan means 'Lily'.
I would like to know more about God who is Sovereign.
Susan Hageman

Anonymous said...

The first paragraph made me chuckle, however I think it fits :) excellent post though. I really enjoyed the short 5 days study!
Brooke S.

Unknown said...

I was named aftera comic strip, no kidding. I have 9 brothers and 5 sisters. Me being #14 of 15 kids, my parents were having a hard time thinking of a name for me. My sister's were reading the "funnies", as they used to be called. One said, hey how about Betty? Another said, how about Veronica? So I became Betty Veronica.

Unknown said...

I was named aftera comic strip, no kidding. I have 9 brothers and 5 sisters. Me being #14 of 15 kids, my parents were having a hard time thinking of a name for me. My sister's were reading the "funnies", as they used to be called. One said, hey how about Betty? Another said, how about Veronica? So I became Betty Veronica.

Heather Bleier said...

LOL, my brother is Herbert Edgar Scranton the IV. He opted not to pass that on to his son Ayden.

Jill Beran said...

Wendy, it is a pleasure!! I know God has worked through in my life so it is with joy and confidence I recommend your new study to my friends here!!

Jill Beran said...

Love those family connections and traditions!!

Jill Beran said...

Thanks for stopping by Heidi!! That little Heidi must have been a special little girl for your mom!!

Jill Beran said...

You will love this new study as well!! Have you worked through "Hidden Joy"? It's wonderful and life changing too!!

Jill Beran said...

Thanks for sharing Leslie! And thanks for the invitation, I'll check that out!

Jill Beran said...

Cathy, you are definitely not alone in that struggle, but with God's help and the Holy Spirit's filling we can overcome!! Praying for you now to be who God created you to be - His masterpiece!!
Here's a link to a lesson I learned on worth - http://titus24u.blogspot.com/2014/10/are-you-worthy.html
I agree Wendy is terrific!!

Jill Beran said...

Thanks for sharing Ann!! Asking God to be with you as you study His names!!

Jill Beran said...

More family connections! Thanks for stopping by!!

Jill Beran said...

Thanks for stopping by Julie! Great to 'see' you here!! Lots of "Anns" today!

Jill Beran said...

That is quite the story!! Thanks for stopping by and sharing!!

Jill Beran said...

That is a name to embrace!! I'm praying God shows up in tangible ways for you as you deep in!! Friend, His Word will not return void!!

Jill Beran said...

Yes, I remember that movie as well!! May God bless you as you study more!!

Jill Beran said...

Thank you for stopping by and sharing! I pray you and your girl are able to study through this book together...may God strengthen your relationships with Him and one another!!

Jill Beran said...

Allenia, this book will help you learn God's names and grow closer to Him!!

Jill Beran said...

Leigh, Joel was one of the last two names we had for our last little guy. He was a few hours old when we finally settled on Jesse - "Gift" or "God exists". It fits him perfectly. Pray your Joel helps others see and know the Lord is God!!

Jill Beran said...

Thanks for stopping by Susan! Wendy's study will learn about our sovereign God!!

Jill Beran said...

Brooke, I'm sure that did make you laugh, but I'm serious!! You know how junior high kids are!! Grateful you enjoyed the devos!!

Jill Beran said...

15 kids!! Wow, you're mom must be amazing!! My sis and I named our 3rd sister as well...my mom wanted Jessica, but Jamie and I insisted on Jenny!!