2 thoughts on “What’s with the name?”

  1. hi there. I stumbled across this blog somehow. My name is Cathy Peters, but my maiden name is Cathy Ehmen. I’m a 52 year old living in Colorado. My parents, Al and Reva Ehmen pastored a church in Broomfield for 50 years. It’s where I work with my sister and mom to this day. The name Ehmen means a lot to me. My dad, Al, grew up on a farm near Beatrice Nebraska with his parents, John and Gertrude Ehmen. He moved with my mom to Colorado not long after they married. He was a custom home builder and pastor. A very tender hearted man who wept over the things of God, he brought many people care and comfort through his beautifully anointed tears. At the same time, he was a dramatic ham who got the whole congregation laughing during his sermons! Sometimes he would lay down on the floor and act out entire scenes of hilarity around our human frailties. When I saw the name of your blog I had to check it out. I’ve only read a few posts but you are absolutely gifted for writing. I’m so glad God has led you to use your unique gift to His glory! It’s beautiful! I write as well, but I am mostly used to write plays. And sometimes music. God is just amazing. My connection to the name of your blog is when I was in high school my band teacher took roll call every day and he always pronounced my name Cathy Amen, which was funny to me as my parents were pastors. In all my years no one else has ever pronounced it that way, He told me that it was actually the correct pronunciation of the name, which I was dubious of. ? So I am waiting to hear your story! :0).
    Also funny enough I visited a Lutheran church in the cornfields around Beatrice when my grandfather passed away. I was taken on a tour of the church by my great uncle Theis and there hanging on the wall in the stairwell were pictures of all those who had pastored at the church beginning in the 1780s. First up was Wolfgang Ehmen! My great aunt Grace did a study of the family name and found that her branch of Ehmens came to America through Louisiana, up into Illinois, and finally into Nebraska. She sent me a story of the family helping begin the first church on the prairie in Nebraska possibly near pickerel? And it was dug into a hillside and made of mud. Christ and commitment to Him goes way, way back with the Ehmen family! Hallelujah! We can look forward to meeting some family up in heaven. Who knows, maybe they’ve prayed for us!
    bless you friend. Thanks for writing in order to uplift of spirits. I’m sure you can’t imagine the reach of your obedience. Love to you.

    Cathy Peters

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    • Hi, Cathy!

      I responded to your comment, but then all of it just disappeared. Let me try again.

      First off, thank you so much for taking the time to comment and tell me some of your story. It made my week and makes me wonder why you aren’t also a writer. Girl, I could totally see your dad rolling around on Sunday mornings to make a point while the congregation rolled on the floor laughing. My kind of guy. Humor is so important and I couldn’t be more thankful for God making me a goofball. Haha.

      Your family sounds amazing! Unfortunately, my use of Ehmen here is not in reference to a last name, but instead is a nod to my Canadian friends that are a big part of this story God wrote me into.

      It actually started out as a joke when my friend Neil insisted that Jesus was Canadian because he says “eh” in the book “The Shack.” That led my goofy self into proposing that perhaps “Amen” came from Jesus talking to his disciples and confirming they had heard and understood by saying “eh, men”. Haha. Sorry the story behind its use isn’t more prolific. Haha.

      But, again, thank you for reaching out and being so kind and encouraging. Your comment means more than you can imagine. Much love back to you. Let me know where I might find you on Facebook. I would love to connect there if you wish.

      Have a great day!!!!

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