Tuesday, April 27, 2010

My Home is Within You

"Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit." John 12:24




Springtime is for planting the fields in hopes of a rich harvest in the fall. It is also time for me to plant my heart firmly within my home and allow all outside experiences of faith to die for a time, so that I may receive new life in the Lord. I know that my heart will find comfort in this old house of mine, made warm by the love of my family and the memories that we have built here during the past eighteen years, and I know that the walls of this old house hold so much more than the memories of my own family. They hold a rich history of all of those who have lived here before my family. I’ve heard that history often repeats itself, so I am glad to be the recipient of a rich family history of love and life lived well in this antique home.

Neighbors like to share the story of Mrs. Dietz who grew up in this house and then never left until she died. She outlived four husbands and raised twelve children within these plaster walls. Rows and rows of canning jars lining the basement walls tell the story of the many happy hours she must have spent putting up food for her family, possibly standing over the hot kitchen stove on an autumn day, a glass of wine in one hand, and a wooden spoon in the other, as she stirred a pot of grape juice into jelly to share with family and friends, much like I do each fall. The worn and creaking staircase is a testament to those many teenaged feet that raced downstairs to escape the fury of a wronged brother in a heated sibling battle. And in my quiet moments, journaling in the front porch rocker, I imagine a woman from another time, sitting on this same porch, writing poetry and prayers as my neighbors tell me she enjoyed doing. I believe that a kindred spirit once lived in this house, made it her own sanctuary for raising a family in need of the Lord’s love and life, and now I must capture her spirit and continue her efforts at keeping this house a well-loved home rich in memories, prayer and love.

April 28th is the one-year anniversary of "Imprisoned in my bones-releasing my Inner Jeremiah." I think that I have sufficiently let my inner Jeremiah out and now it is time to draw it back in for a while in favor of the comfort and warmth of the inner life that I had abandoned for the outspoken world of the blogs. It’s time for me to step back into the life of wife and mother, mistress of this old worn down and much loved house, making it a joyful home for all who live here. The seed of my written words must die for a season, so that it may come to life in the vibrant hues and fragrant essence of a happy and faith-filled family and together we may realize the words of Psalm 87-“My home is within you.”

Thank you to all who have taken the time to read my words, and have commented, encouraged and supported me. I have had an absolute blast in both writing this blog and reading others. I have found that there is a wide world of love for God and others alive and kicking on the internet and it has brought me much joy!

All of you in the Christian blogging world will remain in my prayers. Feel free to enjoy the archives, email me anytime, and please, hold my family and I in your prayers. And when it becomes too much for me, and God is bursting the seams of my aching bones, I will return to the blogs to release Him once again.

24 comments:

  1. Anne,
    I will miss your writing, but completely understand. Bless you for listening to the still voice of God within and following His desires for you.
    I will keep you and your family in my prayers and I will think of you whenever I look at my little sea glass display. Feel free to e-mail me anytime.
    Hugs & Prayers!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Happy anniversary! Both for your blog and for your wedding ... :)

    I will also miss you but I too am having a lot of difficulty keeping my blog updated ...

    ReplyDelete
  3. You will write in golden letters upon the lives of those you love, and it will be your magnum opus, dear Anne. Please remember me in your prayers; I promise to remember you and your loved ones in mine. May God bless you and Our Lady protect you, dear kindred spirit.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I understand, too. I will miss you, my friend :) God is doing great things in our lives! You are in my prayers.

    You have my e-mail and I have yours:) God bless you, Anne.

    ReplyDelete
  5. What a beautifully expressed way to step back! I will miss your writing.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Oh, Anne. Say it isn't so. I am a faithful reader, and I have immensely enjoyed your blog. It's beautifully written and very inspiring. You have taught me so much. Thanks. May God Bless you and your family.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Anne with an "E," I'm sorry I've been away. Spring is always so hectic, which is why I completely understand. Thank you for all your hard work and your sharing your journey with the rest of us. You have been a lamp. I will keep you all in my prayers!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Will miss some of the best writing this side of the ether. May God Bless You on your Journey. Be strong, and LOVE! k

    ReplyDelete
  9. God Bless You Anne! Thank you for your kindness, for sharing your heart, for your stories of love and family and of course, of Him, our loving Creator and Father! Much love has been given and received through reading your blog; many thoughts of your written words have broken up my days and made them brighter and better. I am so fortunate to be blessed by your friendship. I will miss it with my morning coffee but I know great things are ahead for you! Can't wait wait to hear ALL about it! Prayerfully wishing you well - Love Danette

    ReplyDelete
  10. Dear Anne- God Bless You! Thank you for sharing your heart, your stories of love and family, and of course of our loving Creator, our Father! There has much grace that I have come to know through your writings and I am blessed to have been witness to it. I will miss your words each morning with my coffee but I am thrilled that you will draw back in close to other gifts you have been blessed with. I look forward to hearing rich stories of your journey( over lunch...rain check on that by the way!) Prayerfully wishing you well- Love Danette

    ReplyDelete
  11. You'll be missed! Thanks for sharing your inspirations, as I'm sure you will continue to do with your family and friends. I love the story of your home's previous owner - part of the cloud of witness now?

    ReplyDelete
  12. My internet connection has had much to be desire lately so when I was able to connect today I went straight to your blog. I wish you a very happy anniversary. I will miss the love and beauty that you share with us. You are truly gifted.

    I will pray for you daily and I look forward to your return.

    May the Sacred Heart of Jesus hold you closely.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Congratulations on your blogoversary. Although I understand your need to withdraw, I will miss your blogs. They always brought some light and thought to my days. Take care, and I will be in touch by email. I have something to discuss.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Dearest Anne, the beauty of God in you remains in me. May you be blessed a thousand fold for having shared with us your wonder of God. Mahalo!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Oh dear - you will leave a void in the blogosphere! But enjoy your retreat and, perhaps, come back to update us now and then.

    May God bless you and your family!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Dear Anne-
    Thank you for your words of reflection- and for every one of your thoughtful and gracious comments.
    Please keep in touch.
    I agree with Sue (above comment); perhaps you might be able to post something every few weeks.
    God be with you and your family- and with all your hopes!

    ReplyDelete
  17. The bloging world won't be the same without you, but I know how wonderful it can be to take a break - a real pascal mystery break in order to experience new and fuller life.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Sweet Anne,
    You will be missed. It's been such a blessing to have your thoughts and prayers and tender heart poured out over the last year.
    I've sent you an email -- please check. Or get in touch with me over at MCH.

    Take care, friend.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Anne
    I will miss your posts very much - and I pray for you and your family.
    God Bless you for helping me grow in Christ.
    - Michael

    ReplyDelete
  20. Beautifully written Anne! Grt 2b back. Plz visit my www.danceofaghost.blogspot.com

    n If you want to be the co-author for this blog, plz lemme know.It'll b grt.

    ReplyDelete
  21. I will miss you Anne but I think you have made a very wise choice! God bless!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Aaaaahhh! Anne, I only read today of your decision. I knew it was a while since I'd read your lovely posts. I will miss you and your inspiring writings, but understand your reasons. Thank you for your kind supportive comments over the last while.
    Much love and God bless you,
    Kee

    ReplyDelete
  23. 5/8/10

    I'm reading your news for the first time, Anne... Sheer busyness is all that has kept kept me away this long, from here and from all sites I frequent.

    As so many know and have said, you have a gift of expression. You are a veritable fountain to be sure :) !

    Although it's neither here nor there for the time being, your sacrifice plus further immersion in your vocation plus inevitable surprises around every corner, will bring great heighth and breadth and depth and fill, down the road, to the fruit of your raw gift.

    God bless you now and always, I pray in Jesus' Name...

    ReplyDelete
  24. I really, really enjoyed your blog but completely salute your priorities! Can't wait until you need to release your inner Jeremiah again as you are a kindred spirit Anne.
    God Bless you and your family.
    Lynn

    ReplyDelete