What's in a Name?

We decided to name our little girl Claire Elizabeth.  We wanted a name that was not overly used, not too trendy, had family ties, and had a good meaning.  After much discussion - primarily my initiative ;) - and much contemplation, we were thankful to decide on a name.  Honestly, after seeing her ultrasound picture, she looked more like a "Claire" than any other name we were thinking.  I know you can't tell a lot from those pictures, but we could see enough.  Once we get our printer/scanner hooked up, I hope to post a picture of her.  

We've liked Claire for a while, which means "bright & radiant; clear".  

"Those who look to Him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame" (Psalm 34:5).  

Our prayer is that she will look to Christ and clearly see Him in all of His beauty, that she will radiate Him all of her days.   May she shine brightly for His glory during her pilgrimage on earth.  I'm sure she will bring much brightness to our life, as well!  Also, Elizabeth means "My God is a vow"; in other words, God is a trustworthy, faithful, covenant God.  Amen!  May Claire taste and see the goodness of God and find her refuge in Him (Psalm 34:8).  Verses 9 & 10 of Psalm 34, go on to say:

"O fear the LORD, you His saints; For to those who fear Him there is no want.  The young lions do lack and suffer hunger; But they who seek the LORD shall not be in want of any good thing."  I think I will just pray all of Psalm 34 over our little girl's life! 

After deciding on Claire, David's mom informed us that it was her mother's middle name. Elizabeth is my middle name, as well as both of my grandmothers'.

We are excited to meet little Claire, Lord willing, around September 24th.  I changed the ticker on our sidebar that counts down the days until Claire's arrival; the former one said that I had 132 days to go, and I knew that being a little over 2 months away, that couldn't be right.  This new counter says 80 days, which is more like it!  However, there is much to be done in not as much time as I thought!

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And just a little insight into my complicated way of thinking.  (Sometimes, when I try to articulate the way I think to my sweet husband . . . well . . . once he replied, “If I thought like you do, I think my head would explode!!” J)  

When thinking about a name, I try to imagine the name on a birth announcement; how does it flow when written on a Christmas card along with the names of our other family members?; will it need correcting on the first day of school when the teacher calls roll?; I imagine them as a teenager, introducing themselves to new friends; I try to picture their name on a wedding invitation; how does it sound with Mr./Miss in front of it?

Although, "John David" has already been a bit complicated at times; for example, filling out a form with FIRST and MIDDLE NAME blanks. It helps with they have that third, PREFERRED NAME spot where I can make it known that he goes by both names.  Despite that, I am still glad that we made him a "junior" and gave him David's name.   And then there are some people, especially those who are NOT from the south, who seem to insist on calling him either “John” or “David”.  Oh well, you simply name your child whatever you like!