Multi-tasking Moms and Stirred Up Spirits
September 13, 2012
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Hissing, bubbling coffee percolates nearby, steam rising
from the black appliance top. An airplane drones sleepily overhead as cool breezes
pour through my open windows.
from the black appliance top. An airplane drones sleepily overhead as cool breezes
pour through my open windows.
Morning forays into facebook earlier had alerted me to
further uprisings in the Middle East. Clicking to BBC world news, I read and
prayed, scrolling pages.
further uprisings in the Middle East. Clicking to BBC world news, I read and
prayed, scrolling pages.
Wiping kitchen counters, slicing cucumbers, and planning an
apple cobbler, I prayed for the Middle East, coordinated school, and washed
dishes. Daughter draws manga art behind me now, preschooler alternates between
being a puppy and waving swords, and teen son recovers from an aggressive
24-hour virus he caught at his daycare job. We wash hands often now, count the
hours and wait to see if it has infected our home as well.
apple cobbler, I prayed for the Middle East, coordinated school, and washed
dishes. Daughter draws manga art behind me now, preschooler alternates between
being a puppy and waving swords, and teen son recovers from an aggressive
24-hour virus he caught at his daycare job. We wash hands often now, count the
hours and wait to see if it has infected our home as well.
Sipping fresh-brewed coffee, I ponder newly-found words and
concepts in the ancient biblical book Haggai. In that setting, God-followers
had started strong with some rebuilding work, but after long opposition, they
had stopped, assuming it was not the right time. Several years later, God spoke
to them saying that now was the time to focus on his rebuilding efforts. He
told them to be strong, to give careful thought to their ways, and he said that
he would be with them. Lastly—and I love this—the ancient text writes, “So the Lord stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel, and the spirit of ____ and
the spirit of the whole remnant of the people. They came and began to work
on the house of the Lord Almighty, their God, on (Sept. 21, 520 BC).”
concepts in the ancient biblical book Haggai. In that setting, God-followers
had started strong with some rebuilding work, but after long opposition, they
had stopped, assuming it was not the right time. Several years later, God spoke
to them saying that now was the time to focus on his rebuilding efforts. He
told them to be strong, to give careful thought to their ways, and he said that
he would be with them. Lastly—and I love this—the ancient text writes, “So the Lord stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel, and the spirit of ____ and
the spirit of the whole remnant of the people. They came and began to work
on the house of the Lord Almighty, their God, on (Sept. 21, 520 BC).”
Our spirits can be
stirred up by any number of things, some wrongly, some well. It can lead to
good actions or poor actions, as we see so often in the news. This morning, as a multi-tasking mom,
sipping coffee and God’s word, I want to be stirred up by His spirit for His
purposes.
stirred up by any number of things, some wrongly, some well. It can lead to
good actions or poor actions, as we see so often in the news. This morning, as a multi-tasking mom,
sipping coffee and God’s word, I want to be stirred up by His spirit for His
purposes.
Hi, you. What multi-tasking
projects are you working on today? Where are you reading lately, and what is
God stirring up in your spirit? (From email, click here to join in.)
projects are you working on today? Where are you reading lately, and what is
God stirring up in your spirit? (From email, click here to join in.)
(Did you see Cabinart’s blue coffee cup print framed there? Check out this California artist’s site.)
Cool, Jennifer! It belongs by your coffee pot, of course. 😎 Thanks for letting me know and for the link!
Hi Jana,
The second print is framed and there too but it didn't fit in the photo. I still need to paint the kitchen wall someday, so their location feels incomplete somehow.
I smile when I see them, and think of you. Thanks!
Jennifer
jenniferdougan.com
Since we are empty nesters I don't do as much multi tasking as I use to. But I must tell you I miss teh hustle and bustle have small children around. I get weepy when it's time for school to start, miss picking out tablets, pencil , notebooks with my kids. Will look forward to when my stateside Grand children go to school.
I am studying in the book of James again. I say again because this will be the second time this year. God continue to tell me there is more for me to learn.
Blessings my sister.
Endurance. Trust. Words He's speaking to me in this season of waiting on Him for open doors. Love your heart of prayer here, amidst all your multi-tasking…
Jen, thanks for the verse – I've never thought of it that way before…it also makes me think of what I should be allowing to stir up my spirit. all too often I'm more moved by what annoys me than anything else…!
Thanks for sharing a good example of action and reflection girl! ~ Blessings out, Amy 🙂
Betty,
I can imagine the same feelings of longing and missing, during new school year bustles once my kids are gone. I still buy myself a new notebook each year too. 🙂
James is a rich book, and very convicting, huh?
Jennifer
jenniferdougan.com
Pam,
Trust and endurance… those are great words. I'd love to hear more about this season of waiting you're in. I've been in those too…
Jennifer
jenniferdougan.com
Breakfastinmoscow,
Those are usually the first things that stir my spirit too, sadly! I understand.
Jennifer
jenniferdougan.com
Thanks, Amy. It's always nice to have you in the discussions too.
Jennifer
jenniferdougan.com