My parents chose to name me after a Biblical hero (Joshua, ya know, the Jericho Joshua) and a powerful preacher (Lee Roberson). I'm proud to be named after two Godly men.
When Shannon and I were choosing names we wanted to give our child a similar heritage in her name. Cynthia Dymick was a friend of mine in junior high. She was a very godly and mature friend. At the end of seventh grade, she was diagnosed with lukemia. Through that year, as she suffered, she always wanted to encourage others; she was always a good friend. At the end of a year, the Lord took her home to be with him. I want my daughter to strive to have a vibrant testimony as well.
Esther Nix was a God-honoring woman. She raised three children to know and serve God. One of them is my mother-in-law. I'm very thankful for the influence that Esther had on Jody. Esther went home to be with the Lord long before I knew the McMillen family, but Shannon and I know that we are in debt to her faithfulness. We want our daughter to remember and be thankful for her Godly heritage from both the McMillen and Smith families.
Lastly the rose is one of the simplest and most powerful symbols of TRUE love. All that a girl can remember about those dozen long stemmed roses from her Valentine is their beauty. She probably won't mention the fact that rose leafs come in twos, or that the thorns are a light shade of brown. She does remember the vibrant red or white that the roses were. Cynthia will remember that all of life isn't a "bed of roses," but hopefully she'll know that the most fantastic part is remembering the rose petals and forgiving the thorns.
So what's in her name? Well, we in her name is our hope that Cynthia will be a faithful friend, a Godly woman, and that she will learn true love.
When Shannon and I were choosing names we wanted to give our child a similar heritage in her name. Cynthia Dymick was a friend of mine in junior high. She was a very godly and mature friend. At the end of seventh grade, she was diagnosed with lukemia. Through that year, as she suffered, she always wanted to encourage others; she was always a good friend. At the end of a year, the Lord took her home to be with him. I want my daughter to strive to have a vibrant testimony as well.
Esther Nix was a God-honoring woman. She raised three children to know and serve God. One of them is my mother-in-law. I'm very thankful for the influence that Esther had on Jody. Esther went home to be with the Lord long before I knew the McMillen family, but Shannon and I know that we are in debt to her faithfulness. We want our daughter to remember and be thankful for her Godly heritage from both the McMillen and Smith families.
Lastly the rose is one of the simplest and most powerful symbols of TRUE love. All that a girl can remember about those dozen long stemmed roses from her Valentine is their beauty. She probably won't mention the fact that rose leafs come in twos, or that the thorns are a light shade of brown. She does remember the vibrant red or white that the roses were. Cynthia will remember that all of life isn't a "bed of roses," but hopefully she'll know that the most fantastic part is remembering the rose petals and forgiving the thorns.
So what's in her name? Well, we in her name is our hope that Cynthia will be a faithful friend, a Godly woman, and that she will learn true love.
6:21 AM
Wow....that's pretty powerful stuff, Josh. There you go, making me cry again!! I love, love, LOVE the picture with the rose!!
Gramma was a very special person. Not only did she raise a family to follow the Lord, but Gramma herself came from an abusive background. To me, that makes her even more special -- she decided to leave the "thorns" behind and concentrate on the "petals" of life. I have so many fond memories of my Gramma, and I'm sure she would be thrilled to have a great granddaughter named after her!!
6:44 AM
awww, it all makes so much sense now! that's a cute picture
7:09 AM
That is so sweet! Making me cry too!! That's a really adorable picture of Cynthia. She is really lucky to have you 2 for parents. Congratulations!!
8:12 AM
How sweet! She is adorable, I can't wait to hold her, and I wish I could be closer to you so that I could make your parenting job more difficult by properly spoiling her (as an aunt should).
4:46 PM
Cynthia is beautiful! Congratulations!!!
4:53 PM
Beautiful picture, Josh--and beautiful explanation of the name also---you guys are already great parents ---keep it up!!
4:21 PM
Many congratulations to you both! Cynthia is beautiful. I was so excited to hear your news!
I hope that you all are adjusting well and getting some rest. Everyone told me to enjoy these first few weeks of life since babies grow so fast, and I found that it was SO true, so I say the same to you. :) I am enjoying your pictures. Please keep posting them! Again, congratulations!!
9:32 PM
Congratulations Josh and Shannon! She's beautiful and has a wonderful testimony to think about every time she hears her name. I look forward to seeing how God works in her life!
2:51 PM
her names do have beautiful meanings. - what a job! picking out names!
congratulations, she is so beautiful. i am happy for you guys!