I think this is usually the first blog that people write when they sign up for the Race. I, however, believe that I have a better understanding of who I am NOW, 10 months into the Race, than I did before. I am a newer and better version of myself, now, praise and glory be to God!
Who is Christina Marie Simke?
I also go by: Stina, Babes, Duper, HomieC, and Beans. I am a curly-haired 26 year old who loves Jesus. I am a daughter of the King, His bride. I am redeemed, adopted, Beloved.
I am a runner,
a squealer,
a squeeze hugger,
a noise maker,
a laugher,
a corny jokester,
a beach lover,
a work out machine,
a vegetarian that eats fish, but no dairy,
a foodie,
a friend,
a listener,
a truth speaker,
a wisdom seeker.
I am a sister of two beautiful girls, Gucci Ann and Cat Urso.
I am a daughter to two amazing teachers and generous parents, Tom and
Charlene Urso.
I am a sister-in-law to three amazing brothers, Kevin, Craig, and Jordan Simke.
I am a daughter-in-law to the best in-laws a girl could ask for, Jeff and Pat Simke. I am a granddaughter to Julie, Charlie, Dorothy, and Oma.
I am a wife of almost four years to the bestest Babes, Derek Joseph Simke!
I am in a real life fairy-tale and blessed beyond anything I ever imagined for
myself with this man!
This beautiful, challenging journey of marriage has brought about much growth in myself. He has shown me the "blind spots" I could not see in myself that needed some attention and reflection. Derek pushes me to love deeper, speak kinder and gentler, be more compassionate, be still in the presence of our Abba, and remember the One my identity is found in. He makes me feel cherished, loved, and beautiful.
My favorite color is yellow.
My foodsof choice are: smoothies, sushi, pesto, quinoa, guacamole, plus all
veggies and fruits!
i relax and unwind by running, working out, doing yoga, going to the beach,
reading Christian romance novels (don't judge me), and spending quality time
out with my friends and family.
I like going to bed early and rising before the sun wakes up.
The newest name I go by is: The Safe Haven of Dawn. One night last week we did an activity as a team.
We rotated to different stations:
Worship,
Forgiveness,
Communion,
Burdens and Loads,
and New Name.
I finally reached the New Name Station. There I was told to ask the Lord for a new name. This occurs throughout the Bible.
Abram is renamed Abraham.
Jacob is renamed Israel.
Simon is renamed Peter.
Saul is renamed Paul.
“A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches.” Proverbs 22:1
A name tells the story of a person. Abram’s name meant “father,” but God changed it to Abraham, the “father of many nations.” That was going to be his story. God gave Jacob the name Israel—“God strives”—because he “struggled with God and with man, and prevailed.” That was his plot. 1
The Safe Haven of Dawn. What does this new name mean and represent? What is my story? I have been told by people in my lifetime (and it has been reinforced here on the Race) that they feel safe with me. Safe to unload their burdens, safe to speak their mind…the words safe haven remind me of the character of our Abba.
"The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold." -Psalm 18:2
Dawn is one of my most favorite times of the day. I love watching the sky change different hues of colors, like a canvas being painted by the Artist. Dawn chases away the darkness of night.
Morning glory flowers are a lovely expression of one of my favorite songs, "Mercy Reigns" by Shane and Shane. I want to wrap up this name change with these lyrics that remind me that His mercies are new every dawning of the sun.
She hides her face,
it seems too good
For Your embrace to find her
And say, "My dove, your voice is sweet
Show me your form, your form is lovely"
Your mercy reigns
Your mercy comes
Your mercy falls
And rises with the sun '
Your mercy reigns
Your mercy comes
Your mercy falls
And rises with the sun
It’s new every morning
It’s new every morning
It’s good enough for me
No ear has heard a melody
As sweet as Yours for her
It seems too good, so undeserved
My heart faints now, for we are her
Your mercy reigns
Your mercy comes
Your mercy falls
And rises with the sun
1. http://www.relevantmagazine.com/god/practical-faith/whats-really-name This is a really awesome article I found when I was in the middle of writing this blog!
