Annika + Beth // A story of names

It feels like such a responsibility, doesn't it? The choosing of a name... the responsibility of bestowing on your child something they will carry with them throughout their years. We have always wanted names heavy with meaning and purpose, beautiful and strong, names which work across the three languages that flow from our children's tongues. Scandinavian and Germanic influences, and yet names known and appreciated in the country of their birth.

Ava - life 

Heidi - noble

Jonas - peacemaker 

Elias - the Lord is God

There is meaning behind each of their names, and with each child that has been born, the significance of meaning has further engrained itself on us. We can pray into their names... pray blessings of scripture over them... for Ava, that she would know life in all its fullness in Jesus (John 10:10), for Heidi, that she would be a woman who's noble character would stem from a life devoted to God (Proverbs 31:29-30), for Jonas, that he would be a peacemaker (oh the current irony!) and know the peace that only comes from God which surpasses all understanding, and for Elias, that his life would shout the glory of God (Deuteronomy 6:4-5).

When it came to picking names for our newest little addition, we talked and talked, thought and prayed. For boys we flitted and changed - we couldn't land on something that fitted all that we wanted - something strong, germanic, rich with spiritual meaning. We landed in a triangle of three and couldn't finally decide on any truly.

But the Lord knew we would have a little girl, even if we didn't, and the choice was made almost immediately. 

Annika Beth.

Annika - grace and favoured one - a nod to my Mum (Anna) with scandinavian roots (to honour my norwegian mother-in-law)... we knew Annika's life would be full of favour. There was no doubt she would be adored by all her big siblings. Yet our hearts cry is that she will know the favour of the One who loved her enough to pour out his grace for her before she was even born. A name doused in the central message of the Gospel. God favours us, pours out his grace on us and calls us to be his.

And then her middle name... Beth. A short version of Elizabeth, the middle name of both my grandmothers and my own middle name too. It means God's Promise, and somehow felt fitting... given the unexpected nature of her arrival. That he has plans and purposes and promises for us that we don't expect or plan for or see. And yet what blessing there has already been in this little girl.

Our Annika Beth.

Grace, favoured one.

God's promise.