evie jacquelyn

A name is a powerful thing. Obviously it defines who you are, but in the Bible, names also served to mark significant encounters with God (Jacob, Paul, Abraham), once again reiterating just how meaningful a name can be. In knowing this, we wanted a meaningful name for our baby girl. I would like to say we gave it months of serious thought and consideration; however, we really decided on it right away. 

{EVIE}

meaning: life 

We chose Evie, because, well we liked it. It's pretty, strong, and easy to say (which is important when your mom is an SLP, assessing your every phoneme). I would like to say there was more to it than that, but it really was just that easy. Big added bonus- I found out later that Eva is also a family name on my dad's mom's side, which makes it even more special.  

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{JACQUELYN}

meaning: to protect

To us, it was very important Evie was named after strong, Godly women. We wanted her to not only have these women to look up to, but specific characteristics of theirs' to aspire to as well. We wanted to be able to use her own name as a teaching/parenting tool in the future. When "teaching opportunities" arise, we want to be able to tell her why we chose her name, the kind of women she was named after, and ultimately about the kind of person God calls her to be. Luckily, we did not have to look too far. Tate and I were blessed with not one, but two Grandma Jackies!  

My Grandma Jackie {Jacquelene}, my mom's mom, met the Lord on our wedding day in 2009, and Tate's Grandma Jackie {Mary Jacqueline}, his dad's mom, joined her in Heaven last summer. We were very fortunate to have these strong, fun, loving influences in our lives for 23-27 years. Both were similar in many ways, other than just their names.

After deciding on the middle name, I gave us some homework: 

Tate and I were to pick just 3 traits/characteristics that we admired about our Grandma Jackies. These were to be things that defined these women, but also things that we wanted Evie to aspire to. We were to write our lists separately, then share them together. On one of our walks this weekend, I asked Tate if he finished his "homework." He said that he hadn't written it down, but had an idea of what he wanted to choose. Good, me too. Funny thing- when we compared our list, we had picked the SAME 3 traits/characteristics! What are the chances? I couldn't believe it. So, listed below are the 3 characteristics that describe Jacquelene & Mary Jacqueline: 

1. Genuine interest in others

"The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me."

 [Matthew 25:40]

{Danielle-} Grandma Jackie saw the best in others and took care of everyone around her. She made meals for people, gave rides to church, and took little Mrs. Giles to the grocery store. She knew specific details of everyone she came in contact with- whether it be the mailman, insurance agent or annoying solicitor calling. She could tell you how many grandkids they had and where they went to high school. And if she didn't know, she asked questions, lot of them, but in a completely genuine, interested way. People felt comfortable around her, able to share personal aspects of their life. She was approachable and trustworthy. She saw value and potential in everyone, including me, which is where much of my confidence came from. Every time we went to visit I would bring pics of my new dorm room or last vacation, because I knew she would want to know every detail. 

{Tate-} Grandma was always curious about what was going on in my life, not only personally, but with all of my friends as well. When Grandma had a conversation with someone, she not only spoke, but listened to them and was genuinely interested in what was said.  One of my favorite memories of Grandma's interest in my life was when she told me that she had to be the first person I called when I kissed a girl for the first time! Well, when that time came, she was the first to know.  Grandma wanted to know every detail of her grandkids lives and truly made me feel special by always wanting to know what I was up to.

2. Joy

"I will be glad and rejoice in You, I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High."  

[Psalm 9:2]

{Danielle-} Grandma Jackie was able to laugh at herself, and it happened quite often...usually when playing games like Rack-o or Scattegories. I love that she didn't take herself seriously and often laughed until she was out of breath. If she misspoke or missed something, rather than getting frustrated, she would just laugh in response, causing you to laugh too. She always wanted to hear a new story, play a game, paint our nails, just enjoy the moment and the company. Despite the circumstances, she always had a calming, joyful spirit. This was due to her faith in Christ, ultimately knowing all things would work out according to His plan. 

{Tate-} Grandma was truly a character.  She loved playing games with the family, laughing at jokes, yelling at trucks in the no truck lane, and telling people "same to you mister!"  I can't ever remember Grandma being in a bad mood or bent out of shape when things didn't go her way.  Grandma truly lived a joyous life.  Even when her health was failing, Grandma began her daily diary entry the same way " This is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it." Grandma never took herself too seriously, and always had a smile on her face, even when she slid out of her chair and couldn't get back in it!  I will always remember her smile and laugh, and the joy she had in knowing she would be with her Savior in Heaven when her time on earth was over.

3. Perseverance 

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perserverence. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything"  

[1 James 2-4]

{Danielle-} This word describes Grandma Jackie best. Due to her long illness, she had every reason to give up; however, she never did and never once complained about it. She fought for every breath, but still climbed the steps each Sunday to teach 4-year-old Sunday School and trekked through the rain to get to my graduation, even though she knew she would be sick for days. If she couldn't go to rehab, she would lift cans of corn in the living room for exercise. She never let her misfortune become an excuse to be or do anything less than what she expected of herself and she was always serving others, despite her situation. She fought humbly through those long, tough years, serving others along the way. 

{Tate-} Grandma was strong, determined, and persevered through everything.  Grandma knew long before anyone that she was sick, but didn't complain and didn't let it get her down.  After she was diagnosed with cancer, I told her I was going to do Ironman in her honor and that I wanted her to be at the finish.  This was asking a lot, but Grandma persevered through pain, speech and physical therapy, and countless hard days to be there.  She was determined to be there with the family at the finish line, no matter the cost on her health or comfort.  Grandma never let her condition get her down, and persevered through lung and brain surgery to get to spend more time with her family, and spread  JOY to everyone she came in contact with. 

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{BARRETT}

Well, what can I say? She kinda got stuck with this one, so good luck to you, sister!