Monday, August 15, 2016

HE KNOWS MY NAME


So, I am down visiting family again.

And when I'm in town, I like to visit the "chains," as I like to call them.

You see, our little mountain town has no chain restaurants or stores.  (It's a rule that’s even written in our charter!)  

Therefore, I must wait either for: 1) Errand Day – when we venture off-the-hill to do errands, or 2) Family Visitation Days – when I make the 2½ hour trek down the mountain to visit family.

I'm not gonna lie, sometimes I just might…

Peek in at IKEA or Costco.

Run into Macy's or Barnes & Noble.

Covertly sneak a Big Mac or a Quarter Pounder.

Scarf down a Subway.

Indulge on a fancy dinner at Outback or Joe's Crab Shack.


But really and truly, my biggest vice is the nearly-daily run to the local coffee place – 

(*$’s…)

Which is what I did this morning…

Which is where, yet again, I was confronted with one of my biggest pet peeves!

My name.

I have tried and tried to get those adorable (?) baristas to spell my name right!!

Nope.

In fairness, sometimes I'll get an older wiser cashier, and they usually get it right.

But the other ones?!

Hardly ever, even when I spell it out loud and s-l-o-w-l-y.

(Refer to the photo at the end of this post for the latest version, AFTER I spelled it for them…GRRR!)

What is the deal?!

It's actually kinda humorous at this point.

But if I'm in a particularly *weird, sensitive, grumpy mood*(which is why I am getting the caffeine boost in the first place) – I might just feel a little hurt and offended.

C'mon, people.

It's my name – it's who I am!!


Names are funny things.

They seem to creep into our very souls and become a defining part of our personalities.

Some people love their names, some people hate their names.

Some people even change their names.  (For instance, my paternal grandmother despised her middle name and had it legally changed to R!).

When I entered elementary school, I thought my name sounded too old-fashioned.  I can't remember which grade I was in, but I asked to be called Shari.

OK, if you think Sharon gets mangled, you should see the permutations of Shari!!

Years later, after entering "adulthood," I thought Shari sounded frivolous, so I changed it back to Sharon.

Interestingly enough, though, "The Hub" knew me in elementary school, and still calls me Shari.  So do my uncle and my cousins.  The rest of my family calls me Sharon.

I now like my name a lot(I remember once having a conversation with my mom.  Seems that they almost named me Patricia!  Not sure what they had picked out for a boy's name!)  


What's in a name?

Evidently, a lot.

I got to thinking about my name, and about how much it bugs me when it's misspelled, and I realized something.

There is Someone who never forgets who I am…

And thinking about that pointed me to four Scripture verses that have something to say about our names:


Verse One:

"But now thus says the LORD, he who created you…he who formed you…: 'Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.'" (Isaiah 43:1, ESV)


Isn't it rather amazing, and very comforting, to know that we are specifically and individually called by God?! 

Yes, I know this verse originally referred to the nation of Israel, but don't you think that it's perfectly applicable to us today?

He created us, and formed us in the womb.  

He knows who we are, and knows everything about us.

He has called us, by name, and we belong to Him.

I love that!


Verse Two:

"'Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you.  Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are continually before me.'" 
(Isaiah 49:15-16, ESV)


Again, though this was originally directed at the nation of Israel, I love the idea that God purposefully remembers us, and holds us close.

And our *walls*the things that are part of us – our personalities, our thoughts and emotions, our failures and shortcomings, our joys and triumphs, our families, our concerns, our bodies, our health, our finances, our moments, all of the life that surrounds us – is constantly held in His omniscient thoughts, and centered in His omnipresent love.

Good stuff!


Verse Three:

"'The one who is victorious will…be dressed in white.  I will never blot out the name of that person from the book of life, but will acknowledge that name before my Father and his angels.'" (Revelation 3:5, NIV)


The Bible speaks often about the Book of Lifea record of all those who have given their lives to Christ, and accepted His gift of salvation.

It is an eternal record, and it is infallible.

A person's name is either in there, or it isn't – and that is a fact with eternal consequences.

I celebrate the fact that when I confessed Jesus as my Savior and Lord of my life, my name was written in this book.  

Sealed there forever. 

(I kinda like the image of Jesus taking a pen and hand-writing it!!)

One day, the book will be opened, and the names will be read.

And on that day, I will hear my own name, and I will enter into the promise of everlasting life!

I rejoice over that, don't you?!


Verse Four:

"'And I will give to each one a white stone, and on the stone will be engraved a new name that no one understands except the one who receives it.'" 
(Revelation 2:17, NLT)


I remember when I first read this verse, I was puzzled by it.  

It is a bit mysterious, and I doubt that I'll ever fully understand it on this side of eternity.

But the more I contemplated it, the more excited I became!

Yes, in so many ways, the Lord is the only one who knows who I truly am.  

He is the only one who intimately knows the spirit that He created in me.

He's the only one who knows what I will look like with no sin, shining in His righteousness, complete in His perfection.

And on this day, I have a feeling that this Truth will be revealed to me, in an exquisitely intimate moment between just the Savior and me.

I picture it in my mind…


Jesus looks me straight in the eye, with one of His precious scarred hands on my shoulder.  

He says:

"Sharon, I have known you since before the creation of the world.  I know every part of you, even the parts that you have not known of yourself.  I love you beyond your comprehension.  I have been waiting for this day."

Then He gently opens my hands, and lays a beautiful white stone into my palms.

I stare at my new name, and tears flood to my eyes.

I look up at Him…

"Yes, this is who you truly are.  Forever this will be your name, and forever you will be My child."

In that moment, I will know what I have never fully known or understood before….

My very being will be defined by my Creator.

I can scarcely take that in!


So, friends, what's in a name?

It's a sign of identification, a touchstone of our personality, an emblem of who we are.

But so much more than that…


It's a personal call.

It's a stamp of belonging.

It's an assurance of love.

It's a promise of life.

It's the hope of one day becoming our true self.


Yup.

I am Sharonno matter how it's spelled.

And my name is remembered where it counts!




What does it mean to you that God knows your name?






Close...

I think the barista was a pirate.

"Arrr!" 




"For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb.  I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.  Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.  My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.  How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!  How vast is the sum of them!" (Psalm 139:13-17, ESV)

"'Before I formed you in the womb I knew you…'" (Jeremiah 1:5, NIV)

"Know that the LORD, he is God!  It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture." (Psalm 100:3, ESV)

"The gatekeeper opens the gate…and the sheep recognize his voice and come to him.  He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out." 
(John 10:3, NLT)

"'I am the good shepherd.  I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father…'" (John 10:14-15, ESV)

"The LORD is good…he knows those who take refuge in him." 
(Nahum 1:7, ESV)

"'Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth – everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.'" (Isaiah 43:6-7, NIV)

"Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life." (Revelation 21:27, NIV)

"And I saw a great white throne and the one sitting on it.  The earth and sky fled from his presence, but they found no place to hide.  I saw the dead, both great and small, standing before God's throne.  And the books were opened, including the Book of Life." (Revelation 20:11-12, NLT)

"You have come to the assembly of God's firstborn children, whose names are written in heaven.  You have come to God himself…" (Hebrews 12:23, NLT)

"'…rejoice that your names are written in heaven.'" (Luke 10:20, NIV)



Linked with:

SMALL WONDER, MONDAY'S MUSINGS, MONDAYS AT SOUL SURVIVAL, LIFE GIVING LINKUP, GOOD MORNING MONDAYS, MONDAY OF MANY BLESSINGS, THANK GOODNESS IT'S MONDAY, THE ART OF HOMEMAKING MONDAYS, MAKING YOUR HOME SING MONDAY, MUSING MONDAYS, MODEST MONDAY, MOTIVATION MONDAY, INSPIRE ME MONDAY, MOM-TO-MOM MONDAYS, MOMENTS OF HOPE, GLIMPSES LINKUP, TELL ME A TRUE STORY, TITUS 2 TUESDAY, RICH FAITH RISING, WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY, TESTIMONY TUESDAY, TUESDAY TALK, TEACHING WHAT IS GOOD, INTENTIONAL TUESDAY, WISE WOMAN, TELL HIS STORY, WHOLEHEARTED WEDNESDAY, CHRISTIAN BLOGGER COMMUNITYWORD FILLED WEDNESDAY, COFFEE FOR YOUR HEART, COFFEE & CONVERSATION, WOMEN WITH INTENTION, SITTING AMONG FRIENDS, FROM MESSES TO MESSAGES, GRACE MOMENTS, THANKFUL THURSDAYS, LIVE FREE THURSDAY, THURSDAY FAVORITE THINGS, SHINE BLOG HOP, THOUGHT-PROVOKING THURSDAY, FROM HOUSE TO HOME, GRACE AT HOME, THOUGHTFUL THURSDAYS, LITTLE THINGS THURSDAY, COZY READING SPOT, NO RULES WEEKEND BLOG PARTY, 100 HAPPY DAYS, FUNTASTIC FRIDAY, FRIENDSHIP FRIDAY, EVERYDAY TESTIMONY, FAITH FILLED FRIDAY, SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS, FAITH 'N FRIENDS, MAKE MY SATURDAY SWEET, GRACE & TRUTH, DANCE WITH JESUS, TGI SATURDAYS, FRIDAY FEATURE PARTY, WORD OF GOD SPEAK, SMALL VICTORIES SUNDAY, GIVE ME GRACE



BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

33 comments:

  1. That is too funny that they can't get your name spelled right. I have not seen a lot of variations with that name, like say for instance Megan or Amy where people get very clever with them.

    I love that God knows my name and every intricate part of me. He knows me better than I know myself I do believe :)

    betty

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  2. This post about your name resonated with me. My family morphed my name from Elizabeth, to Beth, to Bethie, to Becky when I was a baby. I was called Becky until I was 40something, a name that I never felt was truly me. I finally told my family and friends that I wanted to be called my real name, Elizabeth, "consecrated to God".

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  3. You made me smile! Love this, Sharon. :) My mother-in-law is named Sharon and I always told her that Jesus is called the Rose-of-Sharon and she should feel special.

    You are right, a name is important. I am so glad that He names us with His Name.
    Blessings!
    Dawn

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  4. Good read! I love the mix of Jesus and coffee. lol

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  5. It's funny I would read this today. Yesterday in Sunday School class we covered Malachi 3:16-17 that talks about a book of remembrance for those who fear the Lord. I said then that the great thing was, He would know how to spell and pronounce our name even if no one else could! He calls us His jewels in that passage which I think is pretty cool!

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  6. Oh Sharon ... I love this and particularly that "He Know My name" (and He gets it right, eh?) no mistakes about that. I really like how all you wrote can be personalized and applied to each of us too. What an excellent study with clear points of "what's in a name?"!!!

    As always, your sense of humor, even with irritations always impresses me! My, oh my how annoying that these days people cannot write or spell or even listen when given the spelling to get it right ... it really is not that difficult unlike many names nowadays. I do love you going by "Shari" {you know I fondly think of "Lampchops" with Shari Lewis though} and you don't at all look like a Patricia or Patty (Paty nowadays) nor a Patrick for the boys (I would think) - and the nickname "Pat" - naw, you definitely the "rose of Sharon" kind ... and how would you blog name go if it were not Sharon Sharing God ... Patricia Preaching God or Prophesying or Picking (pretty sad choices) ... nope, you are meant to BE a Sharon! Your 4th point or verse is my favorite and I'm really curious about this. So thanks for all the enlightenment, encouragement and entertainment I find in your precious words {and grateful thoughts and :) comments left for me} I appreciate you Sharon and love you just as you are! Sharon (((hugs))) and many blessings ~Peggy

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    Replies
    1. oops - knows my name ... how I dislike it when I misspell or type what I know better (I really should edit or preview these)- it's so embarrassing for me. You'd think people that incorrect write names would be too! (lol)

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    2. Oh and by the way, I don't think it is ever too late for GRACE or GRATITUDE! Looking back and reflecting and finding anything to be grateful for is worth it whenever it comes or is done!!!

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  7. I feel for you Miss Sharon although I have no idea how anyone could mangle such a simple name. You ought to have grown up with the name Aileen (pronounced A-Lean, lol :0) It is a marvelous thing that the Lord always knows who we are even when others bungle! Wishing you a week full of blessings.

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  8. Ha, that graphic at the end is so funny! My favorite line in your message: "Isn't it rather amazing, and very comforting, to know that we are specifically and individually called by God?!" I agree! Starbucks usually gets "Mary" right, but a few years ago during the "Politically correct Christmas" issue, a fun guy there teased is it Mary with 2 r's meaning of course Merry. We laughed! I wished him a Merry Christmas as he did with me.

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  9. This is a funny story Sharon, I don't have trouble with people not spelling my first name correctly, but I have been called by other names, such as Helen, if they can't remember my name. Now my last name they ask how to spell it, and I usually tell them and say, Moon like up in the sky. I remember one time God called my name. My husband wanted something and I did not want him to have it so I knelt down to pray. God please stop this from happening and make Bobby quit wanting this. It was not audible, but God spoke and said, Hazel, haven't I been good to you? I answered, Yes Lord. God continued, "Then is it alright with you if I do something good for your husband?" I jumped up and later told my husband to go ahead with his plans and I would be in agreement with him. Thank you for sharing your delightful story with us here at Tell me a Story.

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  10. It means everything. He knows my name too....

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  11. Oh, that is SO frustrating! I don't know why people can't listen! Sharon should not be so hard for them to understand. I have a sister named Sharon, too...did I ever share that with you? So neat! I love the verses you shared...I leave here refreshed and encouraged in spirit, as always. Sending you much love, dear friend!

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  12. Kind of hard to misspell Bill but that last name sure has brought some interesting names and nicknames. But at least, like you said, the ONE who really counts knows my name.

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  13. To be known by the One who matters most...oh how sweet it is.

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  14. Our names define us...and just using someone's name makes them feel good. Glad He knows my name too. Happy Week Sharon.

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  15. Sharon, I had a hard time reading past the word "Ikea" because my heart has been longing for a trip to Ikea. Sigh. I asked the dentist to correct the spelling of my son's name yesterday, mostly it didn't seem like a big deal, but our names are so tied in to our humanity and spelling it right just seems like the least we can do for each other!

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  16. Wow--I'm surprised that Sharon gets misspelled! Kinda scary if they can't spell that right. ha. But yes, names are so important! I try to learn people's names and say them correctly, but I'm not very good at it. But still trying! (Mailed your book this morning; hope you get it soon.)

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  17. Great message, Sherrin--I mean, Sharon. :) Actually, I've heard some of those baristas mangle names on purpose because they're bored or think it's funny so they may be deliberately messing with you. Who knows, but you got a great post out of it! Thanks so much for the encouragement. So glad He knows my name (and won't forget).

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  18. It means everything to me...even though there are so many Debbys...even those who used to spell their name like most of the other Debbies. Yes, I am like you...I changed the spelling of my name in high school. There were SO many Debbies and I wanted to be different so instead of being Debbie with an "ie", I was Debby with a "y"! I don't know why anyone would misspell Sharon...
    that's just weird. But back to the serious stuff...knowing that He knows me as Debbie or Debby, better still, He knows the good, the bad and the ugly about me AND most importantly, He know my heart and STILL LOVES ME UNCONDITIONALLY!

    He knows my name,
    He knows my every thought,
    He sees each tear that falls
    and hears me when I call.

    Amen!!

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  19. Yeah, I'm with you; it's beyond comprehension that the power that allows all the lives on this planet to breathe every second of every day knows me… by my name…

    And allows me to know Him…

    Yes. This is a great place to stop and ponder, like David, the wonders of our Father. Thanks for the reminder, sister.

    Good job… Sharron… (Completely kidding!!!… I couldn't resist… sorry!)

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  20. hilarious -actually, i think a lot of the baristas are pirates. love it that God never forgets!

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  21. Sharon, I posted an earlier comment, but it didn't show up for some reason. Hope this one does. I just wanted to let you know that I put a link to this post in mine for tomorrow (Aug. 19). Thanks for sharing these great truths and for linking up on Mondays @ Soul Survival. Blessings!

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  22. I confess to butchering certain people name, or just plain forgetting it. I always feel bad when they remind me...always saying I will try harder to remember. Thanks God I am not called upon to spell names very much. I am looking forward to the new name God has written down in glory and I positive He spelled it right. Cute post.

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  23. Powerful stuff, Sharon! The God of All KNOWS OUR NAMES!! Is that not the most wonderful thing. I recall singing a song "He Knows My Name" with tears flowing down my cheeks. I was so overwhelmed. So when the baristas write my name as Lynda, or Cindy, or call out "trenta black iced tea, no classic" ...those are me but not my name. I am grateful that He is so intimate with me and calls me by the name that my parents gave me...or does He have a more intimate name for just me? Just you? Just each one of His creations?

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  24. It means a lot that God knows my name.....That I am His beloved....that is like a nick name, you know? Beloved....Renee means born anew so I like that too. Joel has a special name for me and always has, so maybe God has one too.....He loves us that much!

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  25. I truly appreciate the way you connect things together - from describing your chain free town, and going to town to visit the chains... then your visit to the coffee shop, which btw is also one of my fave coffee shops. And yes, they also misspell my name the way they do yours. But over all, I loved what you shared about the four verses about our name. Your insights about each passage struck home. I read every word... s l o w l y... not wanting to miss anything. It's been a while since I have visited blogs, but yours is really one of the few blogs that I love to read. Was glad I visited today, dear Sharon.

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  26. Love this:
    It's a personal call.

    It's a stamp of belonging.

    It's an assurance of love.

    It's a promise of life.

    It's the hope of one day becoming our true self.

    Thank you for sharing this hope with us at #MomentsofHope!
    Blessings and smiles,
    Lori

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  27. Amen! I am His and He is mine!! God bless you.

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  28. Hi Sharon,

    Nice to meet you. I came over from Floyd's page. I didn't know that people could mess up "Sharon" so much. Funny! :)

    I like to peek into coffee shops and Barnes and Nobles too.

    Thankful our God knows our names,
    Jennifer Dougan
    www.jenniferdougan.com

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  29. Hi Sharon, I haven't visited in a while and it's a pleasure to come here and find your words connected to the heart of some of my most recent writing on identity. I haven't shared any of it yet but your post is in tune and time with it. Thanks for reminding me of how important this topic is. Enjoy your week.

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  30. I'm so glad the Lord knows my name! Thanks for sharing with Thankful Thursdays.

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  31. I would sneak into those places too! Really, they can't spell you name right? I gave up years ago on them getting my name right. I am Deborah but go by Debby. (Debra, Debbie is what I see the most)

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"So [I] have been greatly encouraged in the midst of [my] troubles and suffering, dear brothers and sisters, because you have remained strong in your faith. It gives [me] new life to know that you are standing firm in the Lord. How [I] thank God for you!" (1 Thessalonians 3:7-9)

Thanks for your comments - it is such a joy to be sharing my journey with friends like YOU!

(NOTE: Anonymous comments will be removed. Thank you for understanding.)