Her Name

Since we first knew of our daughter we have known what her name would be.  We've saved it for a while.  Mostly because we wanted to iron out a few wrinkles in the process but also because her name is very special to us.

Paulina

For starters, her first name.  We are asked often if we will change her given name, Paulina, and we will not.  We didn't ever really consider it.  We fell in love with her and she has always been Paulina to us.  It just seems to fit.  We are fairly big on name meanings around our house so when I went to look it up I was a bit surprised.  I figured it came from the name Paul, which it does, but I had no idea they both actually mean, little or small.

How interested to think that when Saul was converted he began to be called small.  In a strange way this was incredibly encouraging & comforting to me.  Her name, like the apostle Paul, means small.  Yet it no way does that seem to be attached to size, personality, ability, or any other outward appearance.  Instead, it seems to point to humility.  And to being seen as small in the eyes of the world, but not in the eyes of her Creator.  It gives a recognition to the vastness and greatness of God and our place in light of Him.  Small.  A life that directs others away from oneself, and points to the goodness and glory of God.  I pray this for every day of her life and look forward with great longing to see these truths play out through her.

"He must become greater, I must become less."  
John 3:30

And now, her middle name.  

Paulina Katherine

Paulina's middle name will be Katherine, after Andrew's mama.  She is such an incredible godly woman.  We both look up to her and admire her character and passion for Jesus.  She follows the Lord with her whole heart and leads others by example.  She loves her family so well and makes sacrifices for our good over her own.  She gives generously, prays fervently, and cares deeply.  Her faith is steady and genuine.  I strive myself to be like her.  To love Jesus like her, to love my husband like her, to love my children like her, & to love others like her.  She is full of compassion and grace.  We pray Paulina's life will do as her Gram's does; draw others more into Christ's presence, convict others of sin and righteousness, and give glory to the Lord in every day.  We love you, Gram!