Wednesday, March 13, 2013

What's in a Name?


      Patricia PacJac Carroll here to have a little fun with names. I might start with PacJac - it's my initials and my husband's. When I started to get on the internet, I found others with my name, but I am the only Patricia PacJac Carroll.

As a writer, the meaning of words is important to me. A few weeks ago, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. You can follow my healing journey on my blog.  : ) Smiling for when you see the name of my blog.

I went to a hospital and pondered on just why anyone would want to go to a memorial hospital. Makes it sound like your treatment comes with a headstone. I would much rather they call them – Getting Well Center or Hallelujah, I Feel Better Place. Or Fighting Cancer Center. Guess that might be too many words for a sign. Yes, names and words mean something to me. 

Names. Think how important they are and what they mean. In the Bible days,  names had a meaning. Isaac meant laughter. Joshua means God is salvation. Caleb means dog. Hmm. Well, there must have been a good reason for that one. 

Since Easter is close, think about these names. Barabbas means son of the father. And Jesus is the Son of the Father. Interesting. The people were asked to chose the son of a father or the Son of the Father.  Wonder how many caught the irony.


The names of God show His attributes. God Almighty, Prince of Peace, The Great I AM, Lion of Judah, Lamb of God, Mighty Counselor, Our Provider, Our Healer. Messiah. Risen Lord. Jesus, Name above all Names.

Names are important. 

We have the Victorian and Elizabethan eras named after queens of England. What if George Washington had been named Elmer Fink. Would we want to go to Fink D. C.? 

Would John Wayne be as well known if he’d used his real name Marion? Many actors have their names changed to appeal to the audience. For the same reason, authors can spend a lot of time searching for just the right names for their heroes and heroines. Characters with a name that starts with a J, R, or D sound strong. 

Would Gone with the Wind  be the same if instead of Scarlet and Rhett they were Ophelia and Emil?

In the movie, Open Range,  Robert Duvall's character is known as Boss, but before the big fight, he reveals his given name as Bluebonnet.

During the 1890s, Texas had a governor named Jim Hogg. In one of the most cruel examples of poor naming, his daughter was named, Ima. Yes, Ima Hogg. She became known as the 'First Lady of Texas' and lived an interesting life giving to others.

The entire time I was writing Liberty Belle, my heroine was named Ashley. But I knew I would have to change her name because in 1859 Ashley was a man’s name – so she became Liberty. 

To end our fun with names, Celebrate Your Name Week was last week. Explore the link for some fun facts and interesting name trivia.

Leave a comment and let me know what some of your favorite names are.  You might just see them in a book. : )

Don’t forger to leave a comment to be in our daily giveaways!
Grand Prize – Kindle, drawn on April 1st
2nd Place Prize - $25 Amazon gift card
For each day you comment on CFHS, you’ll receive one entry in the Kindle and one in the $25 Amazon gift card giveaway. Comment on every post in the month of March and earn 31 entries!

***Also if you comment on this post, I am giving away a copy of Liberty Belle.
Thanks for stopping by and have a blessed day.

76 comments:

  1. Amongst my favourite names are some very traditional ones which happen to be King's names- Edward (nothing to do with the hideous Twilight saga- I liked if before that), which means something like 'Wise/Strong guardian or protector' in Anglo Saxon/ Old English which it is derived from. No fewer than 11 kings of England or Saxon kingdoms had that name- and few princes too.
    I also like 'Richard' which I think means 'wealthy ruler'.
    For girls I like Katherine and Eleanor- a few Queens names there, and I think Elizabeth too.

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    1. Edward and Richard do make you think of kings. You have a royal taste in names. Thanks for stopping by.

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  2. I feel for Ima Hogg. Like the name Liberty.
    I choose my nickname on line Ausjenny cos there were so many Jenny's online. Aus shows Im from australia.

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    1. Oh, I know. Poor girl. But she didn't let it stop her. She didn't have a middle name and I don't think she married. It does give one food for thought to be careful what you name your baby.

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  3. Ophelia and Emil. . .still chuckling. Point well made, Pat. :) Fun article!

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    1. : ) yes, the famous last line just wouldn't be the same. Frankly Ophelia...

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    2. Ima Hogg didn't marry, and her beautiful home and spectacular gardens are open for tours and visits here in Houston. Hers is a fascinating history and she left a wonderful legacy of giving to others that has us native Texans proud of her and her heritage.

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    3. She sounds like she was a wonderful person. And certainly overcame any problems with her name.

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  4. I enjoyed your post about names. I agree I am not sure some of the books/movies would do as well if the main characters names would be different.

    Thank you for the chance to win.,

    griperang at embarqmail dot com

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  5. Very interesting, I am enjoying the posts! Thanks for the chance to win!

    bcrug(at)myfairpoint(dot)net

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  6. I hated my name when I was little, and certainly a name meaning "house of dates" couldn't be too thrilling! But over the years I've come to like my name - Bethany - and appreciate it for how it sounds, more than what it means!
    BTW, I thought it was very, VERY interesting about Barabbas' name. Never looked up the meaning before, but it is very ironic.

    jimmynmatthewsmom [at] netzero [dot] com

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    1. Bethany is a pretty name.
      I remember when I looked at Barabbas name and what it meant. God is amazing.

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  7. Thanks for this post, Pat. Finding names for my characters gets harder and harder as I've used up most of my favorites. I go to the baby name sites online to find some less obscure names.

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    1. Usually mine just pop in my head - along with my characters. But sometimes they don't work. Like Ashley. You have so many books I bet it is hard to find a fresh name. Thanks for the comment.

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  8. Hi Patricia, Fun and well-written blog. Yes, names are important. My favorite is Emily Rae (my mom's middle name is Rae and she always wanted to be called Emily Rae-so why didn't she name me Emily Rae!) My name means 'pretty' in Spanish. I'm feeling for poor Ima Hogg but maybe that helped her face life with more character! Thanks for the opportunity to win....Linda
    dmcfarl101(at)juno(dot)com

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    1. I think God names us. Of course I agree with poor Ima, but like you say it may have made her more resilient.
      Thanks for the comment.

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  9. I enjoyed today's post and love the name Liberty Belle. Thanks for the opportunity to win.

    Katie J.
    johnsonk133[at]yahoo[dot]com

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  10. I don't really have any favorite names, but I don't care for some of the names people make up by stringing a few syllable together. I guess I prefer ones that have history.
    may_dayzee (at) yahoo (dot) com

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  11. I love name trivia, etc. When I decided to use a pen name I got a variety of different responses. If anyone's interested you can read a post I wrote back in 2011. http://wordservewatercooler.com/tag/pen-names/
    Choosing names for characters is critical in my opinion and lots of fun. I can ususally tell when a characters name doesn't quite fit and I've been known to go back and change a characters name when my novel is completed and I've grown to know my characters better. Great stuff here, Pat. Blessings on your healing journey.
    Jill

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  12. Ms. Carroll,

    I had this lovely note all ready to post, and I accidently clicked the close button! I'll try to give my thoughts, once more! :/ I had clicked over to your personal blog finding if filled with wisdom and humour, two keys to healing and recovery! I do hope that once the cancer is dealt with that it will not return to harm you! Blessings most high in this regard! I too, am in love with 'names', as I always want to give a character a name that first struck me as being one that has a good meaning behind it {I have a world baby name book that I adore!} as much as to give the reader a slight pause in wondering why I choose it! Laughs.

    Names for Girls: Myrna {for Loy!}, Arabella, Delphine, Imogene, Philomina, and Vesta

    Myrna {Irish, Gaelic} "Beloved"; Arabella {Latin} "Prayerful"; Delphine {French} "of Delphi, the Ancient Greek city"; Imogene {English} "Maiden"; Philomina {English, German, Late Greek} "Friend of Strength" & "Love"; Vesta {Roman Mythology} "Goddess of the Hearth - a continuous fire"

    Names for Boys: Asher, Eldridge, Gideon, Hezekiah, Thaddeus, and Wyatt

    Asher {Hebrew, English, Biblical} "Happy" & "Blessed"; Eldridge {German} "Sage Ruler"; Gideon {Hebrew} "Feller of Trees" & "Powerful Warrior"; Hezekiah {Hebrew} "God Gives Strength"; Thaddeus {English, Latin} "Heart" OR "Gift of God"; Wyatt {Medieval English} originates from "Wigheard" to "Wyot" to "Wyatt!" means: "Battle", "Brave", "Hardy".

    {They are of the Victorian, Edwardian, and Titantic eras!}
    The best resource I found today was: behindthename.com AND thinknamebabynames.com which give the history of each!

    Thank you for the opportunity to win a copy of Liberty Belle! I'd be delighted to read her story, as I love strong characters set in that time period!! Rock on!

    inkand-bookaways(at)usa.net
    //Florida

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    1. Thanks for the reply Jorie. I like your name choices. Very different from the usual. One of my friends named her son, Asher.
      Have a blessed day!

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    2. One of my friends recently became a grandmother again and her daughter named the baby Asher. I use that name in my next novel. :)

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    3. Ms. Carroll,

      I'm thankful you enjoyed reading the list I came up with today! :) Oh, how lovely that you and Ms. Kent know of someone named Asher!! :) It was one of the names that struck me to be a strong name for a boy!

      Thanks, Ms. Kent for letting me know Asher had special meaning to you, too!

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  13. One of my favorite names is Marcella - it was my great-grandma's name and means "brave." It fit her well too! In 1902 she came to America to be re-united with her husband, she had one son with her and gave birth their second son on the ship - I think that qualifies as brave! :-) Thank you for the chance to win Liberty Belle!
    sgmintheozarks(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Hi Lynn. Thanks for the comment. When I was a little girl, one of my friends was named Marcella. As a young child I always thought of marshmellow, but now I can see how it relates to a roman soldier and sounds very brave.
      Some of those old names are really interesting.

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  14. I have always loved the name Julia... not sure why, just pretty and feminine I guess. My true first name is Priscilla which means ancient... I have always gone by Patty which means of noble descent, the two are not really connected. I think my parents knew a Priscilla/Patty at the time of my birth=)

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    1. Thanks for the comment, Patty. In school I knew a Priscilla and she went by Prissy. Whatever our names - they beat Ima Hogg. : )
      Have a blessed day.

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  15. Oh my goodness, the name of your blog is THE BEST. :) Good for you! I have always liked the "older" names like Adrianna, Sylvia (my daughter), and Elanore. Thank you for this post!
    farmygirl at hotmail dot com

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    1. Thanks Sue. I just couldn't resist the name for my blog. Those older names do have a ring of elegance and refinement don't they?
      Have a blessed day.

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  16. I like names too. I love Kiaya Faye, which is probably why I named my baby girl that. I also like Rosalind...Josiah...Andrew...Sawyer...Grayson...Adalind...Sonora...Elise...etc.
    Picking names for my characters is one my favorite things to do when I'm writing. Thanks for having the giveaway.

    Rose
    harnessrose(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  17. Thanks for the comment. Ohh, I really like Sawyer. Hmm, might have to use that one.
    Have a blessed.

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  18. Hi, very interesting post...sometimes we don't really think about that...especially how in the Bible names were so important for their meaning...
    thanks for the chance to win.

    truckredford *at* gmail (dot) com

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    1. Thanks for the comment, Eliza. And I like the name Eliza. Sounds strong and independent.

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  19. Patricia, first of all, let me just say that the name of your blog is so fantastic!! I am a follower now. Just from reading your blog and this post, I can tell that you are truly a treat to be around. Your love for life shines through your words. Please know that I am praying for you, sweet lady.
    As for names, hmmm....some would say that my name is unique. My mother did not know how to spell Deborah when I was born, so my birth certificate says Deborha. I've had to explain the spelling my entire life, but I've come to love the name because it was what my mother gave me....and thanks to author Joanne Bischof, I now love the names Gideon and Lonnie. :)

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    1. : ) Thanks Debbie. I couldn't resist the name.
      And what a sweet story about your name.
      Thanks for stopping by. And thanks for following my blog. I hope it encourages you.

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  20. There is so much in a name. The name of your blog is very cute - praying for healing as you travel this journey. Ny mother named me Elizabeth Ann, but called me Betty from birth. I asked her why, and she told me because Elizabeth Ann would look so much better on a diploma than Betty Ann. Well, certainly she was correct....lol. Mother's always are, aren't they? Subsequent to that, I changed the spelling of Betty to Betti, as the first was much to boring for me. I, too, have had to explain the spelling, but I know it makes me unique!
    Would love to win your book :)
    bettimace(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Thanks for the prayers.
      I think more names come from Elizabeth than any other. Aren't we glad for smart mamas!
      Thanks for stopping by.

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  21. I never like my name growing up, Wendy, I never knew anyone else with that name. Now though, you hear it all the time. I really hated being asked, "Is that short for Gwendolyn?", oh how I hated that question.

    wfnren(at)aol(dot)com

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    1. Aw, I think of Peter Pan when I hear Wendy. I think it's fun name.
      Thanks for stopping in and leaving a comment.

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  22. What a great subject for today's blog, Patricia! Before I comment further on the blog, know that I am putting you on my prayer list. Be strong, lady! I have always found names fascinating. As an author, I agonize over the choice of my characters' names, especially the names of my leading characters. I do think a person's name can have a huge influence on their life. Personally, I happen to like my given names. My parents took turns naming us kids. My mom named my older sister, so when I came along it was my dad's turn. He named me Ramona Kathleen after two of his favorite songs; "Ramona" from the 1930's movie of the same name and the popular old Irish tune, "I'll Take You Home Again, Kathleen." I grew up being called "Kathy" from my middle name. I was blessed. My dad's side of the family had a terrible habit of choosing nicknames that in no way reflected a child's given name. For instance, my dad's name was Marvin Theodore and they called him Billy. Go figure! When it came time for my husband and I to choose names for our daughters, we chose popular names of the 1970's. We feared an unusual name might cause them to be teased. So you can imagine my chagrin when our first born began to tease her younger sister about her middle name, Dawn, calling her "Dish Detergent." Eldest daughter was soundly chastised, and one morning I pointed out the beautiful sunrise to my second child and told her she was named for that pretty time of day. It seemed to help. At least she doesn't hate her name now. LOL

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    1. Thanks for the prayers. They are appreciated.
      And I love your family stories. It is odd some of the nicknames that make no sense. Like Dick for Richard. And really Bill for William.
      Have a great day

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  23. Well, my name is Cindy (not a Cynthia) and it means "from Mount Kynthos" or in some places Moon Goddess. My favorite name for a man has always been Michael which means, "who is like God".

    I'm sending up prayers for you.

    Smiles & Blessings,
    Cindy W.

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    1. Thank you Cindy. You can never have enough prayers. I always feel like they are the wind that lifts me up.
      Blessings and always smiles. : )

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  24. I will pray for you! My sister has cancer and is presently under treatment. You have a great attitude which should help in healing. We all know every day is a gift from God and as your column about name stated ...He is the Healer, the Great Physician!!! May you feel His presence every step of the way. God bless, joanne

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    1. Thanks Joanne.
      I will be praying for you sister, too.
      God is the Healer!

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  25. I'm sorry you have cancer but pray all will go well for you.
    Names are very interesting, especially how we can have preconceived ideas about a person based on their name, before we even meet them. It's kind of hard on kids (and their teachers!) when parents make up their own spelling of a name. Thanks for this informative post.

    pmk56[at]sbcglobal[dot]net

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    1. Thanks for the comment, Pam.
      And isn't is funny when choosing a name for a child or character, if you knew someone that you really didn't like - you scratch off that name. Unless you want to make them a bad guy : )

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  26. As a teenager I would write the names of my future kids in my bible...who knew that 5 years later a husband would have an opinion? Moriah, Clover, Seth...

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    1. Thanks for stopping in Melody.
      LOL about your husband's input.
      I like the names you chose though.
      I don't think I have ever heard anyone named Clover. Unique!
      Blessings

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    2. Clover is the middle name of a friend - passed down through her family. Beings as I was a County 4-H agent - wished I'd known it sooner - though doubt hubby would have said yes to that one either!

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  27. My sister wanted to name her children after characters in a book. It was funny because they were not even real names.

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    1. Lol But they couldn't be worse than Ima Hogg.
      Thanks for stopping by.

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  28. I enjoyed reading this Patricia, But, wasn't happy to hear your other news. Sorry. But, with much prayer, you can join the "I am a Survivor of Cancer" club. They have many things to help now-days. Will put you on my prayer list. And, at my church. Here are some names I like are Amanda, Amelia, Rebecca, Loraine, Victoria, Charlene, and Grace. Joseph, Cameron, Blake, Brent, and Brandon. Please put my name in. Maxie mac262(at)me(dot)com

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    1. Thanks for the comment and the prayers. They are appreciated.
      I like your name choices.
      Blessings

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  29. Interesting post on names - I have often wondered how some people arrived at the decision on what to name their child. Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy of your book.

    bonnieroof60@yahoo.com

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  30. Thanks for thr the info on names. I enjoyed it and did not know Ashley was a man's name in the past.

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    1. Yes, in Gone With The Wind, one of the main characters was named Ashley and he was a man. I'm curious to know how they make the transition from boy name to girl name.
      Blessings

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  31. Dear Patricia,
    My prayers will be with you each and every day. My sister was diagnosed with breast cancer 20 years ago and is doing well. Remember that nothing is too big or too small for God to handle.
    I would have named my daughter Paige but my husband wanted the name April because she was born in April. Her married name is Turner so can you imagine what her name would have been if I had gotten my way.
    Janet Estridge
    von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Thank you for your prayers.
      LOL I bet your daughter is happy to have escaped the name Paige Turner - unless she's an author : )

      Blessings

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  32. I kew an older man in KS. that was named Shirley. Always tho't he would changed it to middle name when growing up. But, didn't seem to bother him. I got to thinking, who's to say that Shirley might have started out as a male name at some point in time, then a daughter was named after a dad? My name was picked because dad was going to use Maxine, but call me Maxie, so mom just used that name. The only places where I saw my name was in print in books and a Visa Card ad on TV, They were all men. Finally since moving to Houston area ,I have finally found 3 women with my name. So, found out I'm not actually a loner. LOL Maxie

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    1. : ) There was an old song about a boy named Sue.
      I like the name Maxie.
      Thanks for the comment and stopping by

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  33. I enjoyed reading your post,but I'm sorry you have cancer.I will pray for you!Some of my favorite names are Meghan,Edith,Hannah,and Daniel.

    Katie N.
    specialbutter918(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Thanks for the prayers, Katie.
      You have a nice choice of names.
      Have a blessed day

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  34. I knew my first name meant "pure" and so does Zaccheus' name. But... recently I found out my middle name Ellen means "light." This is the confirmation Scripture my husband got when we were considering our move: Matthew 5:14-16
    The Message (MSG)
     14-16 "Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.

    Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House
    lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net

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    1. Thanks for the comment, Kathleen.
      Love the meaning of your names. And how perfect to go with the scripture your husband got. God is soo good.

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  35. In checking back here today, I noticed that my reply was missing. It must be out there floating around somewhere--LOL! I did enjoy the post on names. Patricia, I did sign up for your blog--cute name! Men's name I like are Matthew, Mark, and Michael. I like some of the older names for women--Abigail, Elizabeth, and Elsie.
    may_dayzee (at) yahoo (dot) com

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  36. Thanks for the comment Kay.
    The Internet is wonderful, but sometimes ... well I think there are a lot of our posts and emails are floating around cyberspace.
    Thanks for signing up for the blog.

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  37. As a nurse I agree with your names hospitals should have :)
    Lisa
    deiselbuffs@yahoo.ca

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  38. WINNER OF LIBERTY BELLE
    CONGRATULATIONS

    Pam K.March 13, 2013 at 7:31 PM

    pmk56[at]sbcglobal[dot]net

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  39. Patricia, love your post and want to let you know I'll be praying as you make this journey to good health and healing. I love the names of God. Years ago I did the Henry Blackaby study on God's names and how encouraging it was to recount the ways I knew Him by each of His names. Sure hope I win a copy of Liberty Belle.

    Love and blessings . . . DiAne

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