Hello, God. It's me, Mara.

You know, Lord, some names that new babes are given make one wonder, how on earth did the parents come up with that name. Did they ever even think to check the meaning of the name? It's been said that even if unknown, the babe/child will grow into and live up to their name. Our daddy sure lived up to his name; he was "STRONG AS AN EAGLE" and "BRAVE." Mom was the "GRACEFUL ONE."

The source of a neighbor's name is Hebrew and means "CHRIST LOVE." It fit him. Another neighbor's name meant "GRACE AND MERCY."  The name given to several uncles, cousins, pastors and friends comes from Hebrew and means "GOD IS GRACIOUS;" spiritual connotation, "APPOINTED OF GOD." One name book mentions that that name has 93 various forms used in 29 different languages! Wow! No wonder it's popular.

Several friends' names are "VIRTUOUS" and "FREE;" the connotation being "ESTABLISHED IN FAITH AND TRUTH." Those gals surely do live up to those meanings.  A sculptor friend's name means "FAMOUS ONE/FULL OF HONOR." He fits it!

"LILLY/BRILLIANT, PURE" visits us occasionally - she's a gem! We had a great visit the other day with "ADVENTUROUS SPIRIT." He's traveled the world over! Hardly a negative word comes from our friend, "SHE WHO PRAISES/WISDOM AND HONOR." What fun to look up names and their meanings.  It's delightful to know a newly baptized babe wears the name which means "A PEARL/GIFT OF GOD."  Her middle name means "PROTECTRESS-WATCHFUL ONE." We know dozens of gals with the same name which comes from Psalms 18:32 "It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect."

Thank you, Lord, for we know that Your name, "JESUS" means "GOD SHALL SAVE."  That is why You were born, why Emmanuel has come, to save us from sin and death.

Love, Mara