Thursday, September 13, 2012

Multi-tasking Moms and Stirred Up Spirits




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. 

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. 

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. 

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).” 

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.

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.) 

(Did you see Cabinart's blue coffee cup print framed there? Check out this California artist's site.) 

10 comments:

cabinart said...

Cool, Jennifer! It belongs by your coffee pot, of course. 8-) Thanks for letting me know and for the link!

Jennifer Dougan said...

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
www.jenniferdougan.com

Wise Hearted said...

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.

Pam said...

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...

breakfastinmoscow said...

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...!

AmyAlves said...

Thanks for sharing a good example of action and reflection girl! ~ Blessings out, Amy :)

Jennifer Dougan said...

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
www.jenniferdougan.com

Jennifer Dougan said...

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
www.jenniferdougan.com

Jennifer Dougan said...

Breakfastinmoscow,

Those are usually the first things that stir my spirit too, sadly! I understand.

Jennifer
www.jenniferdougan.com

Jennifer Dougan said...

Thanks, Amy. It's always nice to have you in the discussions too.

Jennifer
www.jenniferdougan.com