What is in a name?

We go about choosing our children's names by going through baby books and researching the top popular names.  We try to pick something unique, or tie into family names of generations past.  Ultimately, it comes down to the Lord. In Isaiah 45:4 "I have even called you by your name", He has named us before we were formed in our mother's womb. 

In a study today of Isaiah 50, speaking of those that walk in the light of the Lord, one of the questions referred to being kindle to the light.  So, I had to look up the definition of kindle for a deeper meaning.  Kindle means to arouse and be called forth, to be ignited by a single spark and spread fire, to GLOW for miles.  Gasp....THAT IS MY KENDALL!!

She has been aroused by the Lord by a single spark, ignited in spirit, GLOWING to those around her!  How beautiful that the Lord choose THIS name for my baby girl and called her this even before she was in her mother's womb. 

I could not have chosen such a perfect name for my precious child of God but now I LOVE it even more with a consuming flame....started by my little Kendall (Kindle).

As a side note- I also found that Kindle means a collection of kittens.  My Kendall adores cats and at this young age wants to be vet.  Again, a more perfect name- I could not have chosen!

Be Careful what you wish for....

You may just get it! 

So, if you havent read my earlier post on the conveniences of this world,here it is in a nutsell....I was talking about how life is so busy!  We multitask everything and dont slow down for much of anything.  Between all the media, social media, and communications in general, our lives are filled up with informaional overload. 
So, I have been praying for God to direct my path, to remove any distractions in life that take my focus away from the Lord. 
We just went on a trip and I was looking forward to sitting by the pool, relaxing, and having quiet time.  I loaded up my bag with my Ipad, Ipod, phone, Kindle, camera, Itouch, bible, and journal. I read devotionals, a book that I have been meaning to read, took sunset pictures on the beach- Life was good!

It was 85 degrees out, so I thought I would take my bag back to the room and go for a swim.  On the way back to the room, I dipped my foot into the pool to check the temperature of the water.  I lost my balance and fell in!

And YES, I fell in with my bag full of electronics!

I went into panic mode, laid towels out, took batteries out of the electronics, ran to the hotel desk and asked for rice (to help draw the water out of the devices).  After the initial shock set in and I was back in the room, I realized that this was a very clear message that I had been praying for!  No, I don't think God pushed me into the pool but yes, I do think that this was a pretty timely incident.
The next day, something happened....EVERYTHING worked, Ipad, Ipod, phone, Kindle, camera, Itouch, all in almost perfect working order.

It was amazing!

I took this as a test.  God can easily remove temptations from our life but that would be too easy.  He wants us to grow in dependence in him and learn self control, to set boundaries for ourselves. 
I was very thankful that everything worked, but more importantly I was glad to have clarity.  It is time that I prioritize my time more efficiently.  I started by deactivating my personal facebook account and have made a commitment to be more intentional with my time.