We've chosen a name!!!

About a month ago, a name popped into my head. I didn't really know where it came from or why. Bryan and I had picked a name about 3 months ago but decided that we would like to pick something a little more meaningful than our first choice. We felt like this little girl needed a name that really represented who she is and what she is doing in our lives.

I was talking with a friend that has become very close to me recently and she mentioned something that I had never thought about until she mentioned it. Our little girl has been diagnosed with Potter's Syndrome. In the bible, God has been compared to a Potter and we are the Clay.

Isaiah 64:8 (New International Version)

⁸ Yet, O LORD, you are our Father.

We are the clay, you are the potter;

we are all the work of your hand.

Wow, How amazing!!! We must not only submit to the ways of the Lord, but also to His prescribed means. The Lord says He wants us to be as clay in His hands. Think how a potter will take the clay in his hands, work it, roll it, and shape it according to any design he wants. So, I am trusting that the ironic name of her syndrome indeed is related to HIS works. He, as the Potter, is molding us into exactly what he wants and using us as the clay to spread HIS word.

The name that popped into my head was Eden Grace. I decided to look up the meaning of each name immediately.

Eden means the following:

1. A delightful place; a paradise.
2. A state of innocence, bliss, or ultimate happiness

Grace means:

1. Blessing

2. Good will

3. Favor, Thanks

Another interesting thing from my past is the church that I was raised in from the time I can remember. I was saved and baptized at this small church in Longview. The preacher of the church lived next door to us and our families were very close for many years. The pastor had a passion for this church and the people of our community that I didn't understand at the time. The name of the church started out as Eden Drive Baptist Church. They kept that name for a few years and then decided after much thought to rename the church to Grace Church.

It's interesting to me that my Potter has brought me back to a place that is much like the beginning of my life. The beginning of the world as we know it was also in Genesis and the Garden of Eden. I am now doing what my family was committed to doing in a similar community. My Potter has put me and my baby Eden at a small church in a small community. I have been blessed with feeling as though I am in a time of pleasure. Our number one focus should be HIM. That will give us pleasure.

I had asked my mom what she thought of the name Eden Grace and how it related to what we are living now. She said, "So I guess I see all of this as more of a current thing....Baby Girl will always be in a state of innocence. Going from her safe momma cave straight to paradise, and if she's really lucky, into a delightful "Jackie hug." : ) Never experiencing this fallen place. It's her own story." (Jackie Burnett was an amazing lady that I grew up with at Eden Drive, Grace church and then at Fellowship Bible Church. I don't remember a time that I didn't know her. She was someone that you always felt like you were safe and happy with. She didn't let you out of her presence without giving her a BIG hug. I was very lucky to know her and George. Jackie passed away last year and has been greatly missed by so many people. But, she will be there to give Eden Grace a big hug and I have much comfort knowing that.)