This is Jason's version of a piercing or tattoo for Noah. He had this bracelet made that says, "NOTHING MISSING * NOTHING BROKEN" on the outside and, "NOAH STEVEN GRAVES * CROWNED IN PEACE" on the inside. It suits Jason perfectly. He got his ears pierced his freshman year of college but those grew in years ago and neither of us really see him as a tattoo guy, though he said he'd get one if I wanted him to. I said nah. Anyway, the bracelet matches his wedding ring that has black Swiss crosses around it. I have a silver necklace that I got probably 10 years ago. I'm going to have it engraved with Noah's name on it, so will post it as show and tell some day.Anyway, regarding the meaning of Noah's name...Noah means 'peace'. Peace in Hebrew is 'shalom'. The literal meaning of shalom in Hebrew is 'nothing missing, nothing broken'. Steven means 'crowned'. This isn't the kind of crown that every little girl or boy imagines while they role play princess or king. The kind of crown this refers to is one you win at the end of a race. A victor's crown. Imagine a crown of olive leaves twisted together and placed upon the head of a person in Jesus' day. It is a reward of perseverance and endurance, finishing strong. Any royal family member may receive a crown from their reigning parent, whether they earned it and whether they are worthy to wear it. A victor's crown, however, is rightly given and at the proper time. There is no way around it. My favorite verse goes right along with this entry, "However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me-the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace." Acts 20:24
What's your life verse? Are we 'expecting' a royal crown like some sort of prince or princess or are we persevering for Christ to receive a victor's crown of endurance? Maybe some of you didn't know this life was a race. Let me tell you, regardless of what American life portrays...it isn't the one with the most toys at the end who wins...
I love the meaning of Noah's name...that is awesome!! Last night I was really feeling in need of the Lord. My mom is battling depression, and it is affecting me strongly. Maybe you can say a little prayer for her and our family. I continue to pray for you daily, and there is a verse from Psalms I was reading in Church on Sunday, and it made me think of you and your family. I believe it is 30:1. No tears past the gates of heaven, weaping may endure for a night, but joy comes the next day. We know Noah is in a good place!!!
ReplyDeletePS: I love the bracelete
Love,
Mary Geeslin
beautiful.
ReplyDeleteperfect.
thank you for the lesson in perserverance and perspective.
you are in my prayers.
katy
long beach, ca
I have so many favorite verses, but this is one of them.
ReplyDeleteIsaiah 61:3
To console those who mourn in Zion, To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they may be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.”
I have experienced a lot of pain and sorrow in my life (on a different level than you), some due to my own sinful choices, but most from things that I had no control over. This verse sums it up pretty well.
hey, guys.
ReplyDeleteI had a very vivid dream about Noah last night...He was smiling and had curly hair like Em and he was showing me the sign (language) for "I love you". He said that you had taught him how to do it. As I was thinking about it this morning I remembered the picture of his hand print that you had done.
We are excited to see you this summer. Love you all. Let us know if you need anything. I will call in a few days to chat.
Love, Amanda (and Ry and Isaac and Brenna)
My life verse is Philippians 1:6 "Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ."
ReplyDeleteIt's all about Him: He begins the work, He performs the work and He will still be doing just that until the day He comes for me, or comes for all of us in the air. Praise His Holy Name.....JESES!!!!
I love the beautiful meaning to sweet Noah's name. Does Em's name have such meaning too?
ReplyDeleteMy life verse is Romans 8:28
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
It's gotten me through a lot!
Sweet Noah...in a place of peace and definitely crowned in glory. Thank you for keeping this blog going. You have inspired me to start my own!
ReplyDeleteI tend to have "season" verses. In this particular season in my life, my verses are 1 Samuel 1:27-28, "I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him. So now I give him to the Lord. For his whole life he will be given over to the Lord."
I guess for a life verse, I would have to go with Matthew 6:33 (NLT), as I have referred back to it for many years -- "Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need." And another one much like it, "Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be." (Matthew 6:21)
I think the bracelet is just beautiful. A lovely way to take Noah with him every day.
ReplyDeleteLove
Mandy77
I have been waiting impatiently :-) for your next blog entry and was so relieved when there was one this morning!!
ReplyDeleteSeriously ... I love Noah's name and believe me if I could have more children and if I had a boy - that is what he would be named. For the impact that his story has made in my life!!
Adrienne, it is not just American's that believe in the material wealth ... it is worldwide! I so wish it wasn't so - as it makes the human race shallow!!
I found this verse .... and wanted to share it with you - as you so often share with us!! I might be missing something deep and spiritual here ... but it touched me and I hope that it will touch you!
Carrying God
No one can keep us from carrying God
Wherever we go.
No one can rob His Name
From our heart as we try to relinquish our fears
And at last stand -- Victorious.
We do not have to leave him in the mosque
Or church alone at night;
We do not have to be jealous of tales of saints
Or glorious masts, those intoxicated souls
Who can make outrageous love with the Friend.
We do not have to be envious of our spirits’ ability
Which can sometimes touch God in a dream.
Our yearning eyes, our warm-needing bodies,
Can all be drenched in contentment
And Light.
No one anywhere can keep us
From carrying the Beloved wherever we go.
No one can rob His precious Name
From the rhythm of my heart --
Steps and breath.
No one deserves that victory crown more than your precious little Noah.
ReplyDeleteI also love the bracelet. What a beautiful remembrance of a beautiful life.
Consistently praying for you and your family....
I'm sorry it is Psalms 30:5...lol
ReplyDeletetake care
Mary Geeslin
Adrienne~
ReplyDeleteYou are so 'biblically sound' and grounded in truth, that it makes my heart soar at times, just to stop by here and read your insights. You and I, through our grief, have learned to 'throw aside' all the things that hinder us...or at least we are striving toward that, and instead seek the things in life that truly matter. Ever since my daughtert died, I have felt out of place in this world. I never really felt like I fit in that well to begin with, but even moreso, once I had a true treasure laid up in Heaven awaiting me at the end of my race. I too, love that verse. And so many others just come alive in new ways as I read through the Scriptures and try to make sense of God's timing and plans and purpose. My favorite verses that I have claimed in light of my personal tragedy are 2 Cor. 4:16-18...absolutely contrary to almost everything we see and hear in our American culture in this day and age...but true more than ever. Thanks for your thoughts here. I hope you spur others on to truth, as much as you do me.
2 Cor. 4:16-18 "Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."
"And everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or property, for My sake, will receive a hundred times as much in return and will have eternal life." (Matthew 19:29)
ReplyDeleteThis is my life verse. Still love reading your blog everyday and I totally love the bracelet. Thanks for sharing it with us.
I to am a Stephen. I was born prematurely along side my twin sister. I had a partially developed lung while my sister was healthy. We were both considered miracle babies. I thank God for the calling He has placed in my life to ministry. I had a friend that had me come read your blog about the name Stephen and its meaning. Your blog is truly a blessing. I found strength and reassurance in it for me. I love that verse. It helps me keep a steady race. Thankyou so much for your inspiration that you have placed in my life by taking the time to right your words of wisdom. By the way those were beautiful pictures and you seem to be a really strong person. May God bless you richly!
ReplyDeleteYour Brother in Christ,
Stephen B.