What is in a name?

Hello, sweet friends. Today I am participating in Sares' party "A Rose by Another Name" in which we are to speak of names and their meanings to us. Sares is a very sweet and talented lady who loves home and family. You can visit her at "Loveleigh Treasures" and see all the other participants for today's party by going here:

http://loveleightreasures.blogspot.com/

My first name is Vicki. I think this was a pretty popular baby boomer name as there were always girls in my school with the same name, maybe just spelled differently. I must admit I have often wished my name was "Victoria". It just sounds a little more romantic and glamorous. But, Vicki, I am. The name chosen for me by my sweet parents. However, my middle name is a little more unusual. My middle name is Zane. I thought maybe I was named after the writer of western books, Zane Grey. My dad loved to read westerns. Or I knew there was a wealthy man in our community who was named Zane. Maybe I was named after him. My mother burst my bubble a little when she said she had just seen the name in the newspaper and liked it. I am happy to say that my little granddaughter, Maggie, is carrying on with the name of Zane because this is her middle name as well. My maiden name is Smith. Although this is a very common name, it represents my dad and his dad and all of our Smith ancestors. And so, of course, this is a very important name. Actually all of these names are important because they are mine. The names I have been called since birth. My parents taught me at an early age that a good name, a name that could be trusted, was of utmost importance. So I learned that your name is not as important as the person who is behind that name.

Perhaps the most important name is the name of mother. I am so proud to be called that by my sons. I am also thankful to be blessed with wonderful daughters in law who love my sons and grandchildren and care for them daily. My grandchildren call me "Gee" (pronounced with a hard G). I had thought of all these cute names they could call me, but my first born grandchild, Jake, called me "Gee" and that is who I now am to these precious children. I am also called sister, aunt, friend and teacher. I am thankful for these titles as well.

I am closing with the most important name of all to me: the name of Jesus. As we begin the Christmas season, I am trying to keep Him in the forefront of all the celebrations, because He really is the reason for the season. In my younger years, I occasionally sang a special in church. One of my favorite songs to sing was "Jesus is the Sweetest Name I Know". Here are the lyrics:

Jesus is the sweetest name I know,
And He’s just the same as His lovely Name,
And that’s the reason why I love Him so;
Oh, Jesus is the sweetest name I know.

I hope you enjoyed learning my many names. I so enjoyed our visit today. Wishing you and your family the best of holiday seasons!!