My first daughter, Carissa, was born at a time in our lives when we were just getting started in life. My first pregnancy was a breeze and she was a jumble of energy. So, I looked for names that brought joy and love. I wanted her to have this same joy and love in her life and grow into those characteristics as she became an adult. So, Carissa Joy was chosen. Carissa means" beloved" and joy means, joy! "The feeling of great happiness".

My second daughter, Jessica, was born at a time in our lives that was rather challenging. But, Jessica was anything but. This pregnancy was so calm and peaceful, and even after she was born, she slept so much I thought something was wrong with her.  So, I needed a name that was hopeful and peaceful and one that she would live out. So, Jessica Hope was chosen. Jessica, because it means, "god beholds" and well, hope means hope-"a feeling or expectation of a certain thing to happen". And, I knew that my daughter would then have hope and peace spoken over her life.

My son was born a few years after Jessica, and let me tell you; it was a difficult pregnancy and he decided to go three weeks past his due date.  With his name, I was looking for meaning that was also relevant to the circumstances and decided on Ethan Josiah-Ethan means, "firm" "enduring" and Josiah means, "God supports" or "heals. I wanted a name that was strong and king like because I wanted my son to know this in his life.

My last daughter, Esther, was born when we needed a lot of grace in our lives. So I looked for a name that meant something similar to Jessica's and Ethan's, and Esther Grace was decided upon. Esther means "star" and Grace means "courteous goodwill". So, in a way, Esther is a Star of Grace. :) And, she certainly brought that to our lives! She is the light to many who need to truly see.

Are you wondering if my children lived up to the meaning in their names? Are their personalities similar to what their name means?

The answers are YES. Carissa, is a passionate, joyful person who has so much love for others. Jessica is an extremely wise, hopeful and at peace person. She always sees the good in people and  has hope in just about every circumstance. Ethan's strong tenacity, or firmness in his life has only helped him succeed in business and with his life in general. He has a great grasp of balance in his life with tenderness with his family and children and getting the job done with his business. And, Esther has one of the most compassionate hearts full of grace I have ever seen. She is a shining star in other's lives, and as mentioned before, a "light" to help others truly see the truth.