Inspired by . . . ashes and bone

There were only two Souls walking around the cemetery that day. My Dreamer and me.

Far from being a place of macabre, for me, the cemetery is a place of peace and tranquility. Of shelter and protection.

There is nothing sacred in ashes and bone. Nothing divine or holy resides in this place. Yet, what remains should be kept safe and free from defilement.

The part of us that is sacred, that part that has been set apart and sanctified, does not linger once it is released from the bounds of this earthly body. It immediately seeks its true home, complete in Christ. That which we knew in part has finally become whole.

For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known. (1Co 13:12)

Some have a different view. They come and speak to the stones. They leave letters and trinkets. Little gifts of remembrance meant to comfort. 

Only the living are comforted. The dead remain.

We came searching for names. Sketching out the half-drawn branches on the family tree. As we walked, we remembered. And our memories brought the dead to life and clothed them in story. Each name fleshed out in a place and time. A blessing. A tragedy. A life well-lived.

Our lives may be just a vapor but they have a purpose. When we live for Christ we leave His divine imprint on every life we touch.

The seeds of faith are planted, or watered, or fertilized.

I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. (1Co 3:6)

Remembering is like stirring the potpourri.  Our words release the scent of blessing again to another generation.

I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. (2Ti 1:5)

We honor the dead by telling their stories and in the telling, we bestow a blessing on those who will listen.

Who has left a divine imprint on your life?

Blessings,

Sharing inspiration here:
#TellHisStory, Faith On Fire, Grace & Truth,
Inspire Me Monday, #HeartEncouragement,
Thoughtful Thursdays, #w2wwordfilledwednesday,
Sitting Among Friends, #Glimpsesofhisbeauty
Counting My Blessings, Grace Moments,
#DanceWithJesus; Imparting Grace

Inspired by . . . Life thru My Lens 9:52

This week's lens is all about birds, burial and buds.

First the buds. The Texas Redbud are the first sign of spring, and they sure put on a show!

The birds:

Two exciting captures this week! First, the Western Meadowlark. Or should I say, the FRONT of the Meadowlark. The picture is blurred, but I wanted you to see their beautiful front plumage. Very different from the backside, shared in this post.

Keeping with the yellow theme, my second exciting capture was the female Gold-fronted Woodpecker. Until now, it's always been the Mr. stealing the show . . . and the suet!

This sweet little bird is a Field Sparrow. 

A rather common name for a bird with such pretty markings, don't you think?

They don't seem to be afraid of the big boys either! How many birds can you spot in this picture? {answer at the end of the post}

Now my segue from birds to burial . . . my Dreamer and I visited the historic cemetery, Der Stadt Friedhof, The City Cemetery, in Fredericksburg, TX this past weekend. 

We were serenaded the entire time by a chorus of birdsong. You wouldn't believe all the songbirds! Um, well, actually there were only two.

I think I'm being mocked.

You can always count on the Texas state bird to sing the prettiest of ballads. Even if he did steal the notes from someone else. A pair of Northern Mockingbirds kept us entertained as we meandered through the graves.

Founded as a pioneer cemetery in 1846, many of the stones here are over 150 years old.

One engraving stood out poignantly above the rest.

UNKNOWN

Here lies the body 

of a young man 

found at Williams Creek

in 1952

Laid to rest

with Christian ceremonies

April 10, 2007

I'm so thankful that, whether we are known in this life, or pass through it in relative obscurity Jesus knows my name. 
He knows your name.

We may be of little importance here on earth, but we are of great significance to Him.

***

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him. (Joh 3:16-17)

***

What are you seeing through

your lens this week?

Blessings, 

Answer (4):

Sharing inspiration here:
Nature Notes, Through My Lens, Little Things Thursdays,
Bird D’pot, Saturday’s Critters, Life thru the Lens, Wild Bird Wednesday,
Our World Tuesday, Community Global, Photo Friday, Small Wonders