Eliana Grace...

And then there is child number 2... Following on from my reasoning for Micah's names, here's what I wrote when Ellie was born:

One day my daughter will ask "Why "Eliana Grace"?"

My reply?

"Firstly because "Deuteronomy Galatians" still doesn't have a great ring to it and still borders on abuse...

But mostly this is my reason and my prayer:

Eliana: My God has Answered

Grace: the free and unmerited favour of God

The God I know, and intend to introduce you to, is one who hears his people and answers his people. He says "If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and seek my fade, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sins, and I will heal their land..." Or in other words, "I will endow them with my grace and love."

I want you to know that God always hears. I want you to know that God always answers. I want you to know that Grace is always yours, that you don't have to earn it... it's freely given by God.

And your mum, brother and I will try to do the same... know that we will hear you, and seek to answer you, to give you all you need. Know that there is nothing you'll ever need to do to earn our love.

I will call you princess, and treat you like one, but the world is your oyster. Don't be shackled by stereotypes or any expectations that the world or even I put on you, but know freedom to follow your heart, to discover yourself and the plan God has for you.

Know Him. Experience Him. Trust Him. Love Him. 

You are Eliana Grace because my God has answered my prayers with his free and unmerited favour.

​That's why"