Hello to everyone, everywhere,

Today, I would like to begin by expressing my appreciation for you, readers of my blogs (and hopefully my books). 😊 I have mentioned that I have an app that shows the countries my readers live in. I believe we are up to twenty-five nations, according to my last count. It is truly humbling that you would find what I write worth your valuable time. The Lord does His part, and I do my best in doing mine.

As I was asking the Lord if I am doing my best, He brought to mind something that He directed me to do, and that is what I will begin today.

If you read my introduction to both books and some of my blogs, you will find the story of how I began writing poetry. I never imagined I would have more than the one poem that I wrote for my sister, much less publish a book of forty poems, a few short years later. It became obvious that God’s plans are bigger than mine.

I thought I was doing the right thing by not writing the scripture out, hoping it would motivate the reader to open their Bible to read the verses for themselves. After publishing, I discovered typos I had missed, and my husband humbly admitted he wasn’t reading the references himself.

So, a seed was planted, and for my next book, I not only took my husband’s advice for writing out the scriptures, but also added the narratives. What I believe the Lord has directed me to do going forward is to share some of the stories behind select poems from “Inspire Me”.

Since you already know, or know where to read about my inspiration for my first poem, I will move to the next, the Old Testament Names of God…

We received a Christmas card with these names, and I thought, “How appropriate to begin with the beginning of God’s Word. Our Messiah, Savior Christ Jesus, throughout Genesis to Revelation.”

As I read these names, very brief rhymes followed in my thoughts. Although the list of names is not complete, I knew that these names were enough for us to see…

“The names of God right before us we see,

He is our EVERYTHING; what more could we need?”        (pp. 10-11)

Brief and to the point. Sometimes lengthier, and sometimes humorous, but as I write, I ask the Lord to help me focus on what is most important. If my words don’t boast in Him only and bring others to a deeper understanding of who He is and who we are in Him, and as a part of His family, then I am wasting my time and yours. (For more of my thoughts on the subject of time, please see my poems and narratives, Blink of an Eye pp.14-18, and Brevity of Time, pp. 19-23 in “Blue Skies, Butterflies& Battlegrounds”.  

One of the most powerful quotes I’ve ever heard to express Jesus being our everything is by Corrie Ten Boom:

“You may never know that Jesus is all you need, until Jesus is all you have.”

Corrie and her family experienced the depth of this firsthand. If you haven’t seen the movie or read the book “The Hiding Place,” I highly recommend that you do. It is the autobiography of Corrie and the Ten Boom family, who helped hide Jewish refugees during the Holocaust. Her quote will have a much deeper impact if you see the immense brutality they endured through their faith, sacrifice, and forgiveness.

Yes, He is our EVERYTHING, what more could we need?

Since writing this poem based on the names of God on the Christmas card we received, I discovered a book, “Praying The Names of God” by Ann Spangler. It is a year-long Bible study with one name each week for 52 weeks. The author points out that most of these are more properly called titles. In the Old Testament, God’s name is Yahweh. In the New Testament, Jesus is the name of God’s Son, whose Hebrew name is Yeshua, meaning “Yahweh is salvation”. I find that incredible; God and salvation in His name, Father God and Jesus His Son. In ancient times, when the Bible was written, names were believed to reveal a person’s essential nature and character. This is particularly true of the various names and titles of God revealed in Scripture. Although the titles are extensive, I personally think there’s more to Yahweh and Yeshua than we could ever put into words or rhymes.

Have you ever been curious about the meaning of your name or how your parents chose to name you? I have been told two different stories about my name. Reba was originally used to shorten Rebecca, rather than Becca or Becky (the beginning rather than the end). My dad said he had a 3^rd grade teacher, Ms. Reba, whom he held in high esteem. When he and Mom finally got to baby number five (that is me), he wanted to use that name. My Grandmother, Dad’s Mother, said she had read a book about an incredible woman named Reba. The story of this woman had a powerful influence on my grandmother, so much so that she requested that name for me. I don’t know which story is true, maybe both, but either way, I am blessed to have a name that meant so much to my Grandmother and especially my father.

So, there you have the story behind the Old Testament Names of God, including two stories behind my name. 😊 As I look at the nations you live in, I can only suppose that you know the meaning or the story behind your name. But most of all, I hope that by us taking this step toward a closer look at the names and titles of God, you have discovered more of His nature and character, thereby drawing you closer to Him.

Meanwhile, I will continue my curiosity about the majority of your names as I mark the nations you live in on a world map. John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Just think, one day we will all meet. What a day that will be! All because of Jesus through the Love of the Father.

And as I ended my poem, God In Our Seasons…

I will take time to share my seasons, to help others see,

And encourage them all to take time with Thee.

For our time with our Maker makes our burdens light

If we choose the Giver of Time, in all our seasons of life!

Your Sister in Christ,

Reba