Friday, December 11, 2009

Names

Have you ever stopped to think of what is in a name? Parents find out they are expecting a little one and they begin planning his or her future. But do we take time to stop and think about naming our children? Did you ever stop to think that your child's name will be the most common proper noun they hear in their lifetime. They will probably hear the name you choose for them an average of two to four million times. Even after they die their name will still be used.

In the Redman home choosing a name is a major thought process. Dad and mom pray and ask the Lord's wisdom in choosing a name that will glorify the Lord. The children offer input as well. Some of our children have gone a week or more without a name, much to the chagrin of the grandmas.

But consider what God's Word says about a name. Proverbs 22:1 tells us, " A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold."

Doug Phillips, of Vision Forum Ministries, puts it very clearly when he states," The naming of a child is one of the most important decisions you will make on behalf of your son or daughter, so be deliberate. Be biblical."

Is it your goal to name your little bundle of joy by the most popular name, a name to give him the competitive edge, to be different than everyone else, or to name your sons and daughters by names that will challenge them to live Godly lives for their Creator?

Here are the names of our children so far...

Rachel Anne - Little lamb, grace

Jonathan David - Gift from God, beloved

Jordan Daniel - The descender, God is my judge

Josiah Stephen - Supported by God, Crown

Rebekah Lynn - Captivating, beautiful

James Levi - To follow, united/joined

Noah Michael - Rest, like God

Gideon Eli - Warrior, Ascension

Abigail Grace - Father's joy, grace

And now our three little ones from Liberia....

Hannah Faith - Grace, faith

Hosanna Joy - Salvation, joy

Solomon John - Peaceful, gracious gift of God

And one more due in March...stay tuned for an update in the naming of the next generation of Redman arrows.

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We are still here....

Sorry it has been so long since I have posted. Life is always busy with nine children, four on the way! Most days I am so focused on raising our current arrows, all the while dreaming and praying for our three little ones half a world away. We get regular reports about their health and progress, which is always so good for this mommy's heart.

When we began this adoption we never imagined it would take over two years to bring home our little ones. I, being a planner, like to think on my own time schedule. If it were up to me we probably would have adopted before Abigail was born, which means we never would have been matched with these precious babies. When will I learn to rest in God's timing.

Since it has taken so long we are now starting our homestudy process again. Wow, never saw that one coming when we did this just over a year ago. A homestudy is a written report about a family. A social worker prepares the report and it is sent to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services Department as well as the country the children are coming from, which in our case is Liberia, West Africa. Today we went to the Sheriff's office for our FBI and GBI fingerprinting. Now we have to get eleven medical physicals done, our septic tank approved for fifteen people, new reference letters, employment verification, etc. Unfortunately it all costs money, but the Lord has provided each step of the way for this adoption.

We are getting near the end. The Ministry of Health in Liberia has stated they will be taking cases in January. I have been dreaming about traveling to Africa for a few years now. I pray that God will use our trip as a blessing to those we meet, those that need to see God's love, those who have so very little compared to us in America. May we be a light to Liberia, West Africa. I don't believe this will be our last trip to Liberia, but a beginning of a lifelong ministry.

Prayer Requests:
  • Health for the babies - they are severely malnourished, weighing less than 10 pounds each, yet they are healthy so far
  • Homestudy process - that all will go smoothly and quickly
  • Wisdom for travel - Our little one in the womb is due in March and we would prefer her to be born in America not in Liberia
  • That God would use the Redman family to bless many in Liberia

Thanks for your continued support for our family during this adoption process. We know God has great plans for each of our children, those born in America and Africa.

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