What's in a name?

We name things we create, and things that are important.  Sometimes we name things we own or claim.  We name stars, people, cars, pets, hurricanes...  Naming something is a privilege and an honor.

In the Bible, Jesus's names are very significant:  "Immanuel" means "God with us", "Christ" and "Messiah" mean "anointed one", and "Jesus" means "God Saves".   Those names foretell of who Jesus is, and what he did.

My husband and I had a tough time picking names for our children.  We each made lists after going through baby books, vetoed all the ones each of us disliked or that made the "top names" lists--and only a few choices remained.

As a writer, I find it difficult to name my characters.  I don't want something mundane and overused, yet not something so odd that it might turn off a reader.  Also, in literature, names and their meanings sometimes carry significance or symbolism in a story; sometimes they tell of a character's nationality or background.  Well, I picked the names of my two main characters: Tamara and Dominic.  You'll have to wait and see why I chose those names in particular...

Names have significance. Some names even have sway and power over our thoughts and memories. Maybe you don't like your name, or maybe you do.  But I guarantee it was chosen for a reason. 

In the mood for something funny?

I don't know about you, but after a strange and tiny-bit-scary earthquake, I'm in the mood for a laugh.  So, today, I'm letting you have one at my own expense.

I wrote a poem over 20 years ago called "The He".  It's in (my favorite) Shel Silverstein style:

The He by Sara Marie Allen

There once was a girl 

with so much hair she was blue--

She simply didn't know 

what was best to do.

She chopped it all off--

so careless and free--

And what do you know?  

She looked like a he.

Cute poem.  But fast forward, um, 10 years...  I am that girl with so much hair, that I chopped it all off...you get the picture. Well, I'm pumping gas at a station where the attendant greets each person pumping gas over a loudspeaker:  "Welcome, gentleman on pump 4!"; "Greetings lady on pump 10!".  And--I KID YOU NOT--he said to me, as my back was turned to him, "Hello-ur-person on pump 7!"  I cringed, determining to grow my hair out immediately.

Anyone want to post their funny story?  We could all use a laugh or two on a day like today!

All Things New

I've had this phrase stuck in my head from Revelation 21:5 "And He who sits on the throne said, 'Behold, I am making all things new.'" We all like new things--whether it's a new baby, a new car with its "new car smell", a new sweater at Christmas, or a new piece of technology--I even have friends that flip for their new ipad and iphone apps.  We're also obsessed as a culture with things that are made new--otherwise known as "make-overs"--from a cool, new living room to the dowdy lady on the Today Show that now, amazingly, looks like a model...  But the "new" wears off, and then we're left yearning for the next "new" thing.

I'm writing a novel aptly named New Life.  The main characters of the story are living in a pretty messed up reality, and they're seeking a fresh start--a do-over. But beyond just a do-over, they can be made new.

2 Corinthians spells it out in a clearer way:  "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation." 

My daughter was baptized today, celebrating that she is Christ's new creation.  If you're desiring a fresh start, a do-over, or you like the thought of a spiritual make-over, remember that God can "make all things new".

Butterflies

 "52 Butterflies" by Sara Marie Allen

 

52 butterflies

flitting in the wind, 

soaking in the sun, 

drinking it all in.

Different creatures than they once were,

      they let God work the miracle of change.

Once bound to the ground,

He wrapped them in His loving arms—

      to help the hurt,

      to keep them warm

      to make them safe.

And when He was ready,

He let them go

      to soar to the heavens

In praise.

One of my son's favorite books is The Very Hungry Caterpillar.  He is amazed at the transformation between the "fat" caterpillar and the beautiful butterfly that emerges from the cocoon.  So am I.

But I'm also amazed at how we all change.  Sure, over the years, skin wrinkles and hair grays--but we also, hopefully, grow wiser, learn from our mistakes, and become more and more like the people God wants us to be.

I wrote this poem for my mom's 52nd birthday a few years back, and in honor of her, I share it with you on her special day.

Welcome

"My Motto" by Sara Marie Allen

When I’m inspired I have to write—

Just as I have to live.

And when I don’t, I cannot breathe

Until the words I give.

I've been writing my entire life.  Putting pen to paper--now fingers to keys--has been a healing balm to a wounded soul, a peek through a different lens for a better perspective, a reaching out of one heart to another, and a sacred thought on a wild adventure.

And now, it's about inviting you, bloggers and guests, along for the ride.  So read, think, enjoy, fuel your own creativity, make a connection....  Let the journey begin.