Lessons learned from a Cemetary

We did some weird things today. We took a tour of a cemetary. Not really a TOUR! we noticed some cool trees for pictures, and ventured in. I can't help but notice the tombstones,the names, and the dates. I feel a sermon coming on... bear with me!


So I learn a few things from these three things. Life is WAY more than the what they can put on a mere tomb stone. The stones mark the life of the person "resting" (as I tried to explain to Zech) in that spot. But does it actually tell how a person lived. I can look at the tomb stone and only know 2 things about that person. Their name, and their age. I can't tell where they are spending eternity. I can't tell if they were actually a beloved mother or father or if their children only placed it on their headstone to ease their own hurts. I learn that if I want to be known past my tiny inscription on a stone I must LIVE! I must show my life and who I live it for while I am alive, and pray that those God touches by it will see those 2 little things and fill in the blanks. Maybe they'll say I mothered knowing these precious kids do not belong to me. Maybe they will say that I could witness even when my speach was gone. Maybe they could tell of how much I loved my husband and children. They will only say it if I LIVE it.
The names on the stones are in bold. They are there to represent that family line. Many stones in a row bore the same bold name. When people walk among a cemetary and see CISKE, I pray it bears a sense of pride! The Ciske name is what God has changed me into! I've carried a name that meant nothing to me. It wasn't my mother's name, it was not the name of the man I called Dad (even my biological dad wasn't a REED!). But by the grace of God, he allowed me to gain a new name. The name he choose for me CISKE! A name that I want to cherish as a strong name. I learn that there is pride in a name. I learn that I must teach my kids the pride ( a godly pride) that comes with being a CISKE. That we continue to keep a Ciske legacy of Christ following believers. I learned that its something I must act each day. I bear the name, and I make it mean something when people see it on a stone someday.
And thirdly, I learn that people die. There's birth, and then there's another date... they die (I know, maybe I should have known this before!). We don't get to be here forever. Although I did see many that lived long lives. Many that outlived their husbands by 30+ years. But no matter what, if a body lies there, someone has died. I will die. Once that happens, my LIFE is over. (This is deep, huh?) So to live Life, I only have this time. To tell others about LIFE, I must live it now! Christ has given it. "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." ) John 10:10. or Life more abundantly! We die, we must live. I pray that I live for my kids. Not a life, but a LIFE after God. Not just any tombstone, one that shows I lived, not just any name, one that proves LIFE from Christ abundant, and not just any life, but a life living for God. Parenting for God, loving for God, passion for God... LIVING for God!
Heaven awaits! But we are not there yet... I must keep living!
So, I lived with my children today, noticing the life they are just beginning. The tombstones are not being written for them yet, their name is just becoming important to them, and their life is just so fun... so full!

Smile much! (even if its a bit fake)

Laugh often!

Find Beauty (even if it is just a weed)

Let your hair blow in the wind!

And as much as you can... Show compassion!

Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." Matthew 19:14

The ups and Downs of Motherhood

I woke up this morning (well, actually knew before I went to bed last night) that today could be a trying day. I don't feel good. Ihad to sleep sitting up last night, and I knew I'd be stuck in the house all day. I don't know why I let myself feel closed in just because I know I am not going anywhere all day, but it happens. Dave will be home late, and I started the day off tired and sick.

The kids were fine. I cleaned the house and took them outside. I did my devotions out there, interrupted with the occasional hoarsed voiced yell "LILY GET BACK ON THE GRASS!" or "ZECH WATCH THAT STICK!" Then for some reason the Ciske kids' listening ears were turned off. Lily wouldn't come back up, Zech was having a fit over his bike. Lily wanted cookies, Zech didn't think she should have them. I had to actually give time outs outside! ON MY MOTHER'S DAY GIFT!!!

So Zech got sent inside while lily finished up her snack. When we came in Zech was just abnormally aggrivated. i tried to keep my cool and let him know that bed time was coming soon. As I fixed lunch hoping they'd worn themselves out outside and would go down for nap an hour early, Zech says "Okay! I will be strong in the Lord and the Power of His might! I will be good for the rest of the day!" Then he recited it again. "Be strong in the Lord and the power of his might! Ephesians 6:10"

Our memory verse from a few weeks ago! It change the outlook of the whole day! and sure gave me a mommy boost! Not only did he memorize it, he applied it! Now for me and my sick self! I, too, will be strong in the lord and the power of his might!