London

What is in a name?

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_____________, Princess of Cambridge

As we wait with curiosity for the name of the Princess of Cambridge, I wonder about the significance of a name, and taking time to choose just the right one.   Even God waited on hearing the names of the animals when He “brought them to the man to see what he would name them.”  (Genesis 2:19)  God called Abram, commanding him to leave his country, his people and his home to go to a land God wanted to show him, promising several things, including to make his name great.  (Genesis 12:1-3)  Twenty four years later God changed Abram’s name to Abraham, meaning ‘father of many’, as He made His covenant with Abraham to make his name great by making him father of many nations, including kings.  This is an everlasting covenant for all of Abraham’s generations: to be their God.  The Bible details what many names mean, and their significance for the one named.  Another example, Isaac, meaning laughter, was named to reflect on the time when his mother, Sarah, laughed upon hearing that she would bear a child.  (Genesis 18)  Sarah’s advanced age points again to the waiting game!

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The greatest name is the one God gave Himself: ‘I am’.

He qualifies (for those of us in need of clarification) what ‘I am’ means throughout scripture.  Here are a few of His definitions.

“I am God Almighty.” Genesis 17:1

“I am the Lord who makes you holy.” Exodus 31:13, Lev. 20:8

“Glory in His holy name.” 2 Chronicles 16:10

“I am compassionate.” Exodus 22:27

“And there he called upon the name of the Lord, the Eternal God.” Genesis 21:33

“I am very jealous for Jerusalem and Zion.” Zechariah 1:14

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The Name above all Names, the great I am, Jesus, further illustrates and embodies what “I am” means in His life and His fulfillment of scripture.

“I am the bread of life.” John 6:35, 41, 48, 51

“I am from Him and He sent me.” John 7:29

“I am the light of the world.” John 8:12

“I am the gate for the sheep.” John 10:7

“I am the Good Shepherd.” John 8:11, 14

“I am the resurrection and the life.” John 11:25

“I am the way and the truth and the life.” John 14:6

“I am the vine and you are the branches.” John 15:5

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Jesus, the King of Kings

“that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”  Philippians 2:10-11

It is by the Name of Jesus we pray, should live, and are saved.

What is your name?  Who do you say Jesus is?  How do you see Him defined by His Name?  How do you apply God’s definitions of who He is to your life in Christ?

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Going back to London…I am naturally pulling for the new Princess to be named Mary:) 

(all photos in this post are from http://www.telegraph.co.uk)

Living Royally on Vacation

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Some have a new adventure every summer, others have their greatest opportunity to work during this season, and others keep with a traditional rhythm of relaxation.  Queen Elizabeth II, by no surprise, makes her annual summer journey to her castle in Scotland, Balmoral Castle.  Prince Albert bought this estate for Queen Victoria in 1852.  Seeing that the original castle was not large enough, he had a more suitable castle built 100 yards north of the original 15th century structure.  The Queen enjoys her time in this Scottish highlands spot of her kingdom, and keeps a steady calendar of official duties streaming throughout her “holiday”.

The other members of the Royal family have found some time to enjoy this lush summer tradition with The Queen, but they also seem to be scattered with their own Royal duties.  The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, along with Prince George, were in Belgium earlier this week formally recognizing the Centenary of the First World War with the King and Queen of Belgium.  Prince Harry joined his brother and family, as well.

We too found our summer plans to join us together a bit, as well as split us up for other excursions.  Travel to London, Paris, Texas Hill Country, Houston, and the grocery store all made our family summer full of adventure, relaxation and some work.  Living Royally in the summer for us parallels again with the Royal family, sort of!

Click here to view my page, Traveling Royally for a few photos of our London adventures, a list of London restaurants, and Anglican hotspots to add to your next trip to my favorite city.

Summer naturally lends itself to travel, relaxation and catching up on things left undone.  With August close to half spent, how will you make this summer a summer of Living Royally?  Or, how will you take your Living Royally to your life in fall?  What meaningful work have accomplished during your summer holiday?  It is not too late to help in a food pantry, take a meal to an elderly neighbor, or entertain the small children who live near you so their worn out mother can have a one hour holiday.

Another worthy project is to get your calendar out to not only mark your children’s/grand children’s year of engagements, but to set aside appointments for your quiet time, times of service, and times of refreshment.  It seems the Royal family has some balance between these elements in their schedules.  This is a Royal Example to follow.  The summer holiday season is not over, but it is winding down quickly.  Purpose to make the most of your fall by planning and committing to your way of Living Royally.

Happy Summer!