In the wee hours of Tuesday morning, when the sun still slept in Littleton, CO, God brought new life into the world. Susanna Odeliah Hoag breathed her first breath outside the safety of her mother’s womb on September 22, 2026. Sammy, Emily, Eve (4yr), and Ellie (2yr) welcomed Susanna, whom they will call Susie, into their family. I thank God for the birth of our third granddaughter.
When we bestow a name, we reveal honor, connection, and hope. Names carry intention and convey significance. Scripture reveals this with the many names of God. Hagar named God, “You are the God who sees me:” God of Seeing (Genesis 16:13). Moses declared God as Provider (Genesis 22:14). To the Israelites in the desert, God proclaimed that He is Healer (Exodus 15:26). Gideon experienced ease as He realized, “The Lord Our Peace” (Judges 6:24). The Psalmist pronounced “the Lord Our Shepherd (Psalm 23:1). Jeremiah announced “The Lord Our Righteousness” (Jeremiah 33:16). The names of God, declared both by Himself and people in Scripture, reveal His attributes and characteristics. God’s names reflect honor, relationship, reality, and desire. The names of God describe what remains true about Himself. Click here for a list of Names of God.
Which name for God seems highlighted to you today? Talk with God about the ways you experience Him through His name.
Susanna Odeliah
Susanna is Emily’s middle name. The name Susanna commenced its legacy when Emily’s earliest female ancestor journeyed to North America in the 1800’s. Since then, this family name, has passed down from generation to generation. The Susanna of old was a strong, brave, and resilient woman. Emily demonstrates these characteristics as well. She uses her strength to care for her family, serve the church community, and love others. When Emily faces hardship, she trusts God in perseverance and carries a rooted strength in His presence.
Little Susanna, at just a few days old, already demonstrates characteristics of strength, determination, and courage. She arrived with little announcement at three weeks early. We pray Susanna Odeliah Hoag experiences growth and formation by God to live with confidence, rooted in Jesus Christ, her Savior, like her mother and family namesake.
I admire that my son and his wife feel strongly that, in honor of God, the middle names of each of their girls be a Hebrew word. Odeliah (Oh-del-ee-yah) originated in Hebrew with the meaning “I will praise God” or “Give praise to God.” Wow, what a name!
We praise God for the arrival of Susanna Odeliah. She is a gift from God. We praise God for fearfully and wonderfully designing Susanna. Now, we give praise to God as her story unfolds.
We choose to give praise to God. He is worthy (Revelation 5:9). When life feels full, days run long, and unexpected situations arise, will we still choose to praise God? When financial hardship, failing health, and ruptured relationships confront us, will we praise God? Our God is Almighty, Master, Redeemer, Righteous, Everlasting, Provider, Healer, Peace, Deliverer, and Savior. How can we not live a life of praise when we realize the greatness of God? He accompanies us in all of life and He offers presence, healing, and redemption. He is Awesome indeed! (Psalm 47:2)
I pray Susanna Odeliah lives out her name and namesake. O Lord, let Susanna Odeliah live a life of praise to Your name. Allow Susanna’s very DNA to burst with confident praise to You, the One True God. May she bravely influence others to turn their gaze to you, Lord, and praise Your holy name boldly. Amen.
Praise the Lord with me today. I discovered this painting. It reminded me of Psalm 36: 5-9. Take a moment to meditate on this artwork entitled “Symphony of Praise” by Yongsung Kim. He paints the beauty of God’s creation by featuring Christ as the composer of the beautiful world the Trinity created. Notice the bounty of the love of God in the atmosphere, the landscape, and animals. Let a symphony of praise to God arise within you. Soak in the colors and style, allowing praise to erupt from your soul. It reminds me of . Pause and Praise the Lord! Odeliah!
This week – – –
Reflect. In what ways do you live out your name, “Follower of Jesus Christ?” Wonder with God about the ways you reflect Him in your thoughts, feelings, and actions. Does God remind you to return to Him in order to reflect Him more brilliantly? Reflect and surrender to the love of God.
Request. Ask the Lord to fill your soul with praise. Begin by remembering five things you are grateful for and rest in that place of thankfulness. Then pivot your gaze to the grandeur of God and praise Him for who He is. Use the list of names above to guide your praise of God.
Receive. God delights in you (Psalm 147:11, Psalm 149:4). Receive His delight in you as you praise Him. Imagine His delighted gaze as he receives your praise.
Drips from the Word: Muse about these Bible verses. Let these truths impact your living.
Psalm 148:13 – Let them praise the name of the LORD, for his name alone is exalted; his splendor is about the earth and the heavens.
Deuteronomy 4:9 – Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.
Splashes from the Spigot: Drink from deep wells. Read these recommended books to fill your soul.
Jack Hayfort. The Heart of Praise. Ada, MI 2005.
Becky Harling. The Extraordinary Power of Praise: A 6-Week Study of the Psalms for the Anxious Heart. Chicago, IL, 2021.
Sprinklings of Truth: Soak in meaningful songs. Check out these music videos to lift up your spirit.
John Reddick. Holding On (Praise God). Click here to watch & listen.
Jordan Feliz. Praise God for That. Click here to watch and listen.
Matt Redman. Praise God. Click here to watch and listen.
Puddles for Prayer: Thank you for praying for upcoming travel and speaking engagements.
October 16-18 – Buena Vista, CO – Waterstone Church Women’s Retreat
October 24-28 – Quarryville, PA – Black Rock Retreat – Breathe Deeply – A Soul Care Encounter for Women. Click here for Information – Spread the word to friends and family and make space to join me at this respite for your soul.
November 9-13 – Littleton, CO – Denver Seminary Spiritual Direction Cohort
🙏 If you would like to partner with me through financial giving, click here to give a tax-deductible gift to The Soulcare Anchoress Fund.
Thank you! 🌷
To read Spigots written since 2018, click here: The Spigot