Names Have Meanings

By Jacob -
When we named both of our boys we carefully considered the meaning. Sometimes names come with positive or negative connotations based on people we have known in the past. I think the best example of this is when I suggested using Lucy as a name for if we had a girl. I love the name... my wife, not as much. During a drive I believed that I had finally convinced her that it would be a great name to use. My confidence in my persuasive prowess was short lived when she concluded, "Yes! Lucy would be a great name for the new dog..."We weren't talking about the same thing!

 Silas Matthew - Saver of men, Gift of God
Silas Matthew is a very special name to me. I was almost named Silas and my middle name is Matthew. He will always have a special place in my heart as my first born. He truly is a gift of God to us. Our hopes are that we would teach him in wisdom and that he would grow to be a mighty man of God. A man that uses his gift to reach out to those around him and save men.


Jason Timothy - healed to honor God

Jason's name came to us in an incredible way. We were pregnant with him while we were in Botswana, Africa. On one of our dates together Carmen introduced the fact that we were halfway through the pregnancy, but we did not have a name yet. It was then that Jason Timothy came to mind. I cannot think of a more appropriate name to describe what God was doing in us.

Our time in Africa was very trying due to many external circumstances. We came back from Botswana broken. But God has healed us and now we are headed back to Tanzania to serve and honor God in what we do.

But even greater than having a name which means something significant is the new name which God will give to us. 

"To the one who conquers...I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it" Revelation 2:17

In ancient times is was customary for the victorious athlete to receive a white stone with their name inscribed on it. Names have significance. God gives us significance and meaning. After having run the course of this life well and for His glory, I would like to think that God, as my father, will give me a new name with meaning. 


Comments

Post a Comment

Recent Posts

Growing Sweethearts

By Jacob -
Image
It is about time we updated pictures of the children. The girls are growing and changing so fast! Every day they learn new things and get faster at crawling. Tivoli says Mama regularly and said Dada for the first time the other day! Esther is seriously addicted to her fingers and Tivoli decided a pacifier is a wonderful thing. They are nine months now. Tivoli (yellow headband)  Esther (purple headband) Many struggles over who gets which toy occur every day... And usually the result is one happy baby and one sad baby. Tivoli is almost always happy, steady, and consistent. However, she loves to explore and escapes every time the door is left open. She really likes the dogs who are probably five times her size and like to lick her face. Unfortunately, her explorations outside usually end with a very happy but filthy baby.  Well, this is 100% Esther when we say smile. She loves to snuffle her nose at you and once she is comfortable with someone she over
Read more

The Girls

By Jacob -
Image
It has been a while since I have posted pictures of the girls and people have been asking. In the meantime, I decided to give a little update on their progress in life. At 5 months and 12 pounds each, our two little princesses have been quickly growing and learning about life. They are able to sit up when supported, hold their heads up very well, roll over and grab their feet, and they love standing. Of course, they have two big brothers who love them a lot! Maybe a little too much sometimes... Their Mommy has been amazing with them, and their smiles tell us every day how happy they are.  And of course, their Daddy is great at making their day. At the end of the day Esther, and Tivoli are very tired and ready for a good night's sleep. Life for them is so simple right now. Before I know it, they will be crawling, walking, talking, and then having their own life adventures. Lord, please give us strength and wisd
Read more

A Trip to "Hobby Lobby"

By -
Image
I needed to pick up a few items for my sewing projects, however, I was not having any success finding what I needed. After asking around I was told of a market that would likely have what I needed. Kariakoo. Not knowing much about this newfound market other than that it is big and in the general direction of downtown, I debated how to go about a trip to "Hobby Lobby". Feeling as if going solo on this expedition was not the best idea, I had been contemplating on who would come with me. It so happened that the day before I was to go I met a lady at a used clothing market while I was looking for the next size for the girls. She helped me find a few items that were tucked away in an obscure corner of the market, walked me through the back neighbourhood, and helped me to the bus stop before going home. In the process of talking, I asked her if she had any plans for the following day. As she did not, I asked if she would like to go with me to Kariakoo. She agreed and we sor
Read more

JAARS Day

By Jacob -
Image
Yesterday we spent at JAARS Day. It is a day long presentation done biannually by the JAARS Center showing how Bible translation relies on JAARS for boats, airplanes, 4WD, media, software, and many other practical technologies available today. There are booths set up around campus describing the different support roles JAARS serves in with many practical demonstrations and even some hands on activities for the kids! Silas, pointing out where we will be going in Africa! The cafeteria at the JAARS Center. Tanzania's flag is the one on the top left of the photo (blue, black, yellow, and green stripes) One of the shelves of Bibles that have been translated around the world (there is another cabinet on the other side of the stage). Silas "Daddy, when I was big like you I used to fly airplanes like this one!" The Helio Courier that I am currently training in! During the JAARS Day event, two Helio Couriers and one R-44
Read more