Picking her name was not easy. We wanted a first name that was short (since our last name is so LONG) and that a nickname wouldn't be used over her whole first name. The first and middle name had to "go" together, you know one couldn't be too long or too short, the syllables, the way they sounded together.
We wanted a middle name that was Arabic and Brad had taught a Basma that was a very spunky delightful student. Basma means "smiling one in Arabic" We wanted names that had meaning, something for our daughter to live up.
We just found out that the symbol for double happiness (see character above) in Chinese, used in weddings, can also be translated double joy. It is fun that we live in Hong Kong and that symbol is all over the place. At any time she can have jewelery and t-shirts with "Joy Joy" written on it.
In Arabic Joy is translated to "Farah" فرح and means happiness and is the same word used for wedding, a time of great joy.
In English Joy is "The emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying; keen pleasure; elation"
It is true that Joy brings us much happiness and pleasure and she always will no matter what she has or hasn't done. As followers of Jesus we know that joy and happiness are not the same. The word joy appears 242 times in the Bible and the verses revolve around salvation, rejoicing in what God has done, a dynamic character trait. Happiness is fleeting and dependent much of the time on our circumstances.Biblical perspective on joy tells that it is similar to the word "blessed" and means "happy, to be envied, and spiritually prosperous—with life-joy and satisfaction in God's favor and salvation, regardless of their outward conditions."
Our prayer is that our daughter Joy finds satisfaction and happiness in God no matter her outward conditions or emotional state. That as she trusts in Jesus she will realize that he is the only source of hope, peace and joy.
Psalm 126:3 "The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy."
Romans 15:13 "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."
We wanted a middle name that was Arabic and Brad had taught a Basma that was a very spunky delightful student. Basma means "smiling one in Arabic" We wanted names that had meaning, something for our daughter to live up.
In Arabic Joy is translated to "Farah" فرح and means happiness and is the same word used for wedding, a time of great joy.
In English Joy is "The emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying; keen pleasure; elation"
It is true that Joy brings us much happiness and pleasure and she always will no matter what she has or hasn't done. As followers of Jesus we know that joy and happiness are not the same. The word joy appears 242 times in the Bible and the verses revolve around salvation, rejoicing in what God has done, a dynamic character trait. Happiness is fleeting and dependent much of the time on our circumstances.Biblical perspective on joy tells that it is similar to the word "blessed" and means "happy, to be envied, and spiritually prosperous—with life-joy and satisfaction in God's favor and salvation, regardless of their outward conditions."
Our prayer is that our daughter Joy finds satisfaction and happiness in God no matter her outward conditions or emotional state. That as she trusts in Jesus she will realize that he is the only source of hope, peace and joy.
Romans 15:13 "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."
Joy Basma is living up to her name, especially now that she has started smiling.
That's a beautiful post explaining how you chose her names! It's really been fun following your life and seeing little Joy grow through the blog! We only wish we could see you in real life too. Ahlan was sahlan in Cairo any time:-) Many blessings, Anneloes
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