how does it grow...

This morning as I sat in the coolness of the garden with the pups around 430 am, I started to idly scrolling through social media, basically hoping to stay just awake enough for them to take care of business, but not so awake that I wouldn't fall back asleep.  

The first thing that popped up for me was a verse from the bible.  Ironically, it was not on a page noted for being "religious", more so for being holistic medicine.  I feel I was meant to see it, because this particular page hadn't been showing up for me lately... you know algorithms and such. 

It was 2 Timothy 4:3. "For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching.  But having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions.  And will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths." Those words were written around 2000 years ago, give or take a couple of hundred.  Yet reading them this morning it was as if it was describing our world today.  Are we living in that coming time?

One of the pastors that I listen to almost daily often says the Bible is a living document and the reason we should spend time reading it is because of the revelation knowledge that will come to us. She says that we can read a verse many times and then one day that verse will make complete sense. 

Our pastor that renewed our vows for us last night often says the same thing basically.  And even last night as he shared 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 and it's deeper meaning with us.  I felt the same resonance. So many fail to realize the deeper meaning and to steal his words use it as a Hallmark card moment.  It isn't a Hallmark card, it is the deeper love that can only come when you invite Jesus into each moment. 

The words are living.  The words are there. 

This morning as Hubs and I sat and enjoyed our coffee and puppies in our normal morning routine we talked about how special our renewal ceremony was to both of us.  In truth, I did not feel strongly one way or the other about the renewal.  I'd promised to love, honor and cherish him 20 years before, I didn't realize the impact renewing the action would have on my heart. 

This morning, I am very thankful that it was the one thing Hubs truly wanted to do.  How many of us married folk flippantly say "of course I'd marry you again" and of course you truly mean it. But do you realize the power of it?   I can't say that I really did.  

It was only 30 minutes total of our life, nothing much really, if you look at it like that.  But standing there in the stillness of the darkened sanctuary, with just us and our pastors surrounded by the love and blessing of our heavenly father... it was so powerful, so affirming, so renewing.  There aren't really words to encompass it, the description fails me. 

that smile though!

I know I had tears running down my cheeks as we shared our hearts, prayed for the strength and love in our marriage and that of others, we both giggled a bit when our pastor reminded us to answer in the affirmative (if not it was going to get really weird to quote PK), Hubs later shared that his knees were shaking a bit through the ceremony, and through it all we felt blessed. 

We finished the day enjoying a wonderful dinner at one of Hubs' favorite restaurants with the girl and her precious daughters, so perfect since she was unable to be at our first wedding. She believes, as do we, that time spent with family is far more important than any gifts that can be given. 

Today officially starts the first full day of our next 20 years, and Hubs is already making plans for our next renewal. 

Marriage takes work. 

Hubs and I were talking about that this morning.  It isn't so much work like manual labor, but for some I guess it could be. As I was caring for the garden this morning after he left for work, it occurred to me that caring for a marriage is a lot like caring for my garden.  

You have to constantly evaluate things, prune away and discard diseased or damaged branches.  Those simply suck the life out of the plant and it will cease to be fruitful.  If either of you have inadvertently hurt or damaged the marriage, it needs to be dealt with then tossed in the compost pile.  It doesn't mean it wasn't there, it simply means that it doesn't need to stay there forever and rot the entire thing.  Besides once it is addressed and tossed in the compost pile, several things happen the compost pile decomposes it and it becomes a rich nutrient filled soil so that the garden can continue to thrive for years to come. And the plant heals, grows stronger because the damage has been removed, it thrives and is more fruitful than ever. 

You also have to weed it, removing things that do not belong.  I pulled the start of a small tree out of the middle of pepper plant this morning.  It was deeply buried beneath the foliage and if I hadn't been harvesting I would have missed it. As it was it was already about 3 inches tall.  If I had left it, it would have eventually killed the pepper plant.  I might have had a tree of some kind, but I am growing peppers. A marriage isn't really all that different. There are things that pop up, that aren't exactly bad on their own, and in the correct environment, but they sure don't belong in the middle of your marriage. Well, let me amend that... Jesus belongs in the middle, just like the frame that holds up those heavily laden fruit filled branches. 

It takes commitment.  Every morning I water my garden, unless it's raining and then I take time to thank God for the extra hand in the garden.  How often do we not take time to water our marriages daily.  My sweet Hubs has been making my coffee every morning for over twenty years, well he's missed maybe .01% of the days... shoot probably less than that. I told him when we were first dating that the Bible says men should make the coffee (Hebrews - duh - oh yeah I'm a brat), he definitely took it to heart.  It's probably the littlest thing in the world, but to me it screams I love you. 

If I fail to nourish the garden it ceases to produce and goes into full blown survival mode.  Wilting, yellowing, dying.  I grow my garden in planters, the only nutrients they get come from me.  When I get wrapped up in other things I sometimes forget to feed them and I quickly notice. A marriage or relationship of any kind is the same way.  We are all kind of like pots, if we aren't given external nourishment, we falter and fail.  

It also means a lot less of self. How many times are we tempted to put our own lives, desires, hobbies, goals etc ahead of our husbands or wives?  All of us fall to that, again we are human after all.  Sometimes that movie, sewing project, work project gets us all wrapped up, we lose track of time, we fail to do what we promised.  Not out of meanness or neglect, we don't intend to ignore, but sometimes we do.  It takes work to return our focus to where it needs to be. If I ignore my garden and fail to give it the proper attention, it rapidly becomes out of control, weed filled and in this heat wilted and dying. Time has to be made to take care of it. 

Our marriage isn't perfect, we are imperfect human beings.  Sometimes we fail one another.  Sometimes we cause pain, even when we don't mean to. Both of us pray over the other and we have always invited God into the middle of everything, even when we might not have admitted it to each other. 

I'm thankful for our life.  I cherish our love.  Over two decades ago God led me to my dear sweet Hubs, I am going to continue to lean into God to continue to be the best wife and life partner that I can be.  I'm looking forward to the rest of this incredible story. 

a kiss to build a dream on...

I guess I never bounced back to 2 Timothy... somehow I got lost in remembering the beauty of yesterday. It's definitely a verse that I am going to be spending more time exploring and striving to "learn" from. 

For now... I am going to wrap this one up and get ready to go to the dentist... ugghhh.... 

love and prayers... b

what in the world...

Can we talk about intentionality? 

As the sun is peeking over the horizon this morning the topic has been heavy on my mind.  Since listening to Rory and Jess speak, it's basically all I have been thinking about.  I think intentionality, commitment and passion all tie together.  There are a few other things that fit in there nicely, but those are the ones that are seriously resonating with me right now. 

I got up fairly early, I usually do. Some mornings I grab my coffee, I sit in my chair and I simply sit.  I start the day off in a semi-vegetable state and then find myself stuck in that mindset for hours.  Other days, like today I jump right in.  Both feet hit the ground, my mind starts off saying not today Satan and I move into full busy mode.  

In both cases I firmly believe I set my own intentionality.  Did I linger too long on social media?  Did I find myself without ambition for the day and not really question why?  Or did I reflect on the things waiting for my attention and jump right in. Did I listen to the voice in my head encouraging me to do the things that make a difference?

Wednesday mornings usually mean little social time with Hubs in the morning.  He has a super early meeting and he is semi-obsessive about being super caught up before it starts.  As much as I hate it, I absolutely admire that dedication and commitment level. Recently, I'd found myself drifting into a habit of more or less pouting instead of doing what I usually do, getting busy and doing the things I need to do. 

For some reason today was different.  As I drank my first cup of coffee I wandered through my task list.  Stopping here and there for a sip as I worked on different things vying for my attention. Within the first hour of being awake I had finished the laundry, cleaned the washer, watered the newly planted garden beds, fed the dogs, prepped 4 large jars of red bud petals to steep for jelly, and swept the deck and kitchen. I feel unstoppable at this point. 

What I didn't do was linger on social media, I didn't clean out the 100's of spam that miraculously appear in my email inbox several times a day, I didn't linger over things outside of my realm of control. 

pepper plant

radishes

lilac

lettuce

I was intentional. 

Yesterday afternoon Hubs and I were both exhausted. We always are after a trip.  Yet we both knew the red bud bloom only lasts for a few short weeks and we were pushing the outer limits, if we were going to harvest any we needed to get on it. 

While picking red bud blossoms and dodging ticks (do not get me started on that topic!) I spent some time pondering why we are so tired after a camping trip.  Especially one that is full of down time and relaxation. It is a good tired.  It finally clicked. 

We are tired because we have spent time being intentional.  We focus on things that bring us closer together, we sleep little (not because our bed isn't comfy or anything like that) it's because we spend hours talking, playing cards, taking hikes, enjoying the sunshine and fresh air.  

We got home and immediately went to a friend's 70th birthday dinner.  In fact since Thursday night, we have had limited time for connection to the internet, to television, to external influences.  Even last night involved picking flowers and then spending an evening connecting with one of our girls and our grands. 

We didn't watch television or spend time on social media, we talked, we laughed, we did crafts with the little dragon and shared a family meal gathered around the kitchen island.  The sun had long set when we headed home so the littlest could get to bed and we could feed the pups. 

It was all intentional.  Hubs watched a few moments of television, during which time he had an epiphany regarding all of the ads and marketing that are pervasive on television, the radio, email, social media, heck it's even on your weather apps and games.  It's blatant, non-stop brainwashing.  Long gone are the days of subtlety when it appeared they just wanted to market a product to you. I can't remember the last time I saw a commercial for a product like a car, clothing, home, etc.

Again... intentional.  As we have become more addicted to the electronic devices in our hands and homes the brainwashing has become more and more intense. 

I found myself reflecting yet again on what Rory and Jess had spoken of. I don't believe I could be as extreme as Rory.  I do remember the days before all of the technology.  I was blessed to grow up with limited television channels and basically a state controlled radio (I mean come on, the military picked everything we listened to or watched). 

I remember the simplicity of playing solitaire with an actual deck of cards.  Or reading books for hours, not always simply for learning, but exploring the world of make believe and fantastic places.  Although as I have often stated, I was usually the one deeply wrapped up in the little house series.  Longing for that life, wondering if I was born too late. 

Would I love to go back to a time when we could talk, about anything? A time without censuring our words and thoughts, at least in a politically motivated manner.  Heck I even remember when the phrase "politically correct" came into existence.  Yes I do believe all of it has been intentional.  Everywhere you look someone is pushing, forcing, challenging, stirring up hatred and deceit.  I can't even go there with half of it.  I don't have the energy to have conversations with people that are so completely brainwashed.  The ones that will believe whatever they are told, that have stopped questioning everything, that have given in to slow and insidious process that has been taking place. 

I don't want to be part of that kind of intentionality. 

I want to be intentional, committed and passionate about the principals of the Bible.  Satan has been waging war for a very long time, my heart breaks to see how much damage has been done.  Jesus died so that we could be forgiven of the very fact of being human, of being flawed.  I realize that many religions do not believe that.  I respect that, I support your right to believe what you do.  But watching things today, I don't feel it's a two way street. 

While we were in the heart of Missouri, away from the cities and the connectivity, the connection to life, to God, to people was so much stronger.  We engaged in random conversations with complete strangers, we gathered to listen to music, to thank each other for being and doing. There were billboards encouraging prayer and asking what would Jesus do?  It was peaceful. 

This dance between worlds is becoming far more difficult. I am finding it harder and harder to stay a participant in the hatred and division that is being sown on a daily basis.  The battle is raging.  When a channel that you watch regarding earthquakes has to step up and say "folks I feel compelled to let you know that in the battle of good and evil I am on God's side, I am making a stand." That resonates, the battle is getting stronger by the moment.  

I find I need to be more intentional myself.  I need to focus on the things the Lord is asking of me, I need to focus in on that voice that I hear in my head and heart.  The one I have let life and external forces shout down. 

Jess's approach to the internet and connectivity is a far more workable solution for me.  She runs her entire business on the internet, it is needed and required. I get it. Yet she can't run her farm if that is the only place she lives. Timers are set, boundaries on important. 

But oh I do long for the days gone by, when we spoke to one another, shared ideas and tasks.  Even for a natural introvert like myself those days long past are the kind of wonderful memories too many kids today will not possess.  

I made myself a shirt, the phrase just kept resonating in my heart and mind... "Normal isn't coming back, Jesus is Rev. 14". I wore it and another one while we were out in the country almost non-stop it was on my outer sweatshirt.  I received many compliments and smiles regarding it.  I haven't worn it here in the city, I am wondering the reaction I will get.  

I don't really care.  I am intentionally stating the fact that I am on God's side.  I will live my life to honor him. 

Hey... if you made it this far in my ramblings... thanks... The world is going nuts.  We are being used as pawns in a battle far greater than we are and we are all expendable. We have to make the choice to be free, sovereign children of God or to be slaves to others that wish to control us, to benefit from our labor and servitude. 

All of us have free will, all of us have the ability to make our own choices and our own decisions.  I guess it depends one the voices that we are choosing to listen to as we make those choices. Anyone remember the cartoon of an angel on one shoulder and a devil on the other... 

The choice is ours.  We simply have to decide to be intentional, committed and passionate about our choices. 

love and prayers... 

Storms are rolling in...

Within moments I expect to hear a large crackling as the thunderstorm arrives.  As the sun came up this morning it was quickly blocked out by swirling dark black clouds.  There is definitely a physical storm upon us. It's promises to be a doozy.  I love that word. It aptly describes what is about to happen, something outstanding or unique to it's kind. I'm hearing the rumbling a bit away, it's coming.  I've already seen the first lightening bolts slashing through the clouds. 

My grampa used to tell me that thunderstorms were just the angels bowling up in heaven.  It was how explained it in terms that I was able to understand as a young child.  Somehow it made it less scary to think it was just an angel making a strike. I'm not that little child any longer and I've learned over a lifetime to enjoy the storms, to savor the entire event.  To me, they now feel like we are getting a good washing clean.  Kind of incredible that here it is holy week and we are facing more powerful storms.  Personally, I feel like this entire world needs a good washing.  

For a bit I was making it part of my daily to do list to sit and write.  Sadly, it started to feel forced.  Like that darn English paper assignment that you didn't want to do, but you also didn't want the punishment for not completing the task.  I didn't like that.  There have been a lot of things in my life lately that have been pushed further down the list or dropped completely off. After some serious evaluation they simply didn't have the draw that they had in the past, the urgency left.  Now I only write when my heart feels the need. 

Hubs and I started our camping season last weekend.  A quick one sadly, three days is never enough, but a relaxing heart healing one just the same. We both disconnected from things, sat by the fire, roasted marshmallows, laughed, went to a craft/quilt event, played with the pups, pups made a friend (Smalls was great) and hosted a play time, we played cards and took an incredible hike.

A hike that ended up three miles long with about half of it all up the side of a rather steep hill.  We could have stayed on the paved path, but Hubs let me decide which path to follow.  By now you probably realize that I am always going to take the path less followed. As we had been looking at places to take the pups I'd read multiple descriptions and recommendations for Pirates Ridge, so of course we had to take it. 

I guess the first indicator of a fairly steep uphill to the path should have been like the proverbial light bulb moment, hardly. I was fully engaged in the moment and couldn't wait to see the views.  It was difficult in places, but not to the point that we couldn't do it.  There were moments of serious regret as that climb got steeper and the path narrower, my brain kept reminding me that I have absolutely no challenges going uphill, it might have been whispering the part that I struggle still with downhill as my knee doesn't have a full bend to it any longer. I kept checking on Hubs, he is a bit older than me and in my recklessness I didn't want to cause him any harm, he kept saying he was fine... but he also said that as I aimlessly took us on a romp through the alps back in 2012. 

That hike was brutal.  Look at their paws ❤

End result, an incredible hike, we observed over 25 caves that evidently are absolutely full of Indiana Bats that make a spectacular appears at dusk each evening.  Nope we didn't come back to check that out. We saw creeks and an incredible view of Hannibal and the river.  We let our imaginations run wild and enjoyed the signs of early spring. Both of us survived.  I might have given my sweet Hubs a few minor heart attacks as his desire to protect me is almost as strong as my own bull-headedness.  I had to prove to myself that I was capable of navigating those rocky paths and steep inclines back down to the paved path. FYI - I excelled at it, far better than I could have done for at least the last decade prior to my knee surgery.  Talk about an emotional high!

Hmmmm... might need to focus in on the weather a bit, this is the Midwest and the sky is turning an odd pea green and the trees are dancing in multiple directions at once.... And now the rain has arrived, I love springtime. 

This weekend will find us disappearing in another direction, although we are staying in Missouri.  Thankfully this storm is only supposed to last today and then pass.  Because the super high winds we drove through on Saturday had me feeling car sick for the first time in decades.  It was worse than the turbulence you experience flying into Colorado Springs. 

We are going to a homesteading/gardening event at Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds farm.  I am stupid excited.  Two of my favorite vloggers/bloggers will be speaking.  I have followed them for years and find their content to be informative and well researched. And the whole event gets topped off with a walk through the tulip gardens and an opportunity to get some wonderful seeds and plants for my garden this year. 

It's located almost in the Ozarks, in those sweet rolling hills.  In the same town as Laura Ingalls Wilder lived out her remaining years and where she and Almanzo are buried. We all know that she is basically my life role model, so it shouldn't come as a surprise that I am drawn there. 

Goodness my sweet brave girl is terrified of this storm.  It's highly unusual for her to be afraid of anything.  Normally she is out running in the rain and stressing me out. Right now, she is on high alert pressed against my leg. She just slowly relaxed to the ground, but her head is covered in wrinkles and her ears are folded tight as she rapidly looks around.  Again, definitely not a Belle reaction to anything. 

It's still green outside, but the winds have stopped swirling... could be a good thing or could be a very bad thing the eye of the storm is not a good thing at all.  I am definitely keeping an eye in case I need to grab them both and drag them downstairs.  Belle will go willingly, she loves the treat room (as I am sure that is what she thinks it is - ask Dad), Beau on the other hand loathes the basement and will fight me every inch of the way. I'm not sure you can convince a pup that the storm is just the angels bowling. 

They want their sunshine back ❤

I don't know about you, but I feel like we are in the midst of some very ugly storms right now.  Spiritual, emotional, environmental, natural, economic, judicial... so many storms, so much intentional destruction.  If I am not writing, it is most likely because I am busy praying my way through it all.  You can see a lot of things from many sides, unfortunately, you can also see a lot of pure evil. People are hurting in so many ways.  I personally feel like it's all planned to be like this.  

I've been reading and studying the book of Exodus, I'm getting ready to start reading and studying the book of Revelations.  I don't feel that we are in that time, but I feel like we are getting closer every day. 

I am noticing that people are being pushed to breaking points on so many levels.  A trip to the store is a challenge, so many angry people.  Drivers are getting more aggressive, civil conversations are falling by the wayside.  People are saying things in a hateful and rude manner, feelings are begin hurt and not healing.  The entire world feels offended by something or another. It's exhausting.  

I've found my own solutions, I am staying in love.  Even when angry I ask myself to consider if I am looking at the situation, person, event with eyes of love.  Am I trying, whether I succeed or not, to stand in compassion and understanding?  If not, it's time to take that crap to God in prayer.  He is my banner, shield and coat of armor, he will help me through it. 

I am also finding myself withdrawing from situations that have the potential to explode.  I am finding less and less of a need to be around the general population.  There is comfort in small numbers, intimate groups and being surrounded by your loved ones. 

Anyone else?  Please take time during this week for some serious reflection.  Some time in peaceful prayer or silent meditation if that is more your style.  

Look who's decided
she could be a lap dog

It's time for me to get started with my day.  The storm is mellowing, although it's presence means the outdoor chores will wait for morning.  I might as well work on the things inside my cozy walls, the heat is coming as quickly as the cold did. 

love and prayers...

the blessing of forgiveness...

The first day of spring snuck in without a blink of an eye, the weather was extraordinary, the sun was shining and the air was warm and welcoming.  I spent quite a bit of time outside, I cleaned flower beds, finally raking up the leaves that I allow to lay on top of the soil throughout the winter.  Insulating and protecting the delicate plants and larvae that are resting there, waiting. 

I planted the first beds of the year, Amish heirloom radishes and the first batch of lettuce of the year. Before the week is out, I will get my seeds planted in the little greenhouses for the plants that I will put out later.  The tomatoes, peppers, okra, cucumbers, pickles and maybe even a few beans. 

Before I blink it will be full on gardening time.  I can hardly believe it is already here. Yesterday, I booked our trip to Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds.  The tulip festival is just around the corner and two of my favorite people to learn from are teaching.  Those festivals have been on my to visit list for literally years, and we are finally able to go to one.  I am very excited.  I'm not sure that Hubs is going to love the gardening classes, but I know he will love the beauty of walking the farm and enjoying the flowers that are bursting with color and life. 

At first I was a bit hesitant to book the event, it's on Easter Sunday.  The more I prayed on it, the more convinced I was that it was a perfect opportunity to celebrate the precious gift of life that we all received on that day. I am often more connected to God when I am in nature, soaking up his beauty and grace. I am definitely looking forward to those four days. It's Hubs birthday weekend, so we are going to spend it camping, our favorite pastime!  We might even find some nice area's to hike in. 

It won't be the first trip of the season, that one will be to Hannibal, it's our tradition.  Hard to believe that trip is only two weeks away.  I have to admit the excitement level is growing by the day.  It's been too long.  In fact I am working on completing my first full sized quilt on "the Beast", it is for the bed in the camper. 

By the time we head out Hubs will have completed cataract surgery on both eyes.  Tomorrow wraps it up.  The improvement in his vision is unbelievable already.  And I have to say he looks awfully adorable without glasses.  Those blue eyes sure do sparkle. Mostly I am enjoying the wonder he is experiencing his new found ability to see clearly and without haze.  I semi-understand the wait until they are unbelievably bad before they do the surgery, because it is a one and done.  Unlike a knee or hip that can be repeated. It just makes me so sad that so many folks have to deal with the fuzzy, hazy insanity first.  It feels like there should be solutions readily available at this point.  It feels like all medical care is about money making, not quality of life and cures. Frustrating. 

I also found time yesterday to hang out with one of my best friends, we did a bit of canning, a bit of chatting, a bit of planning and daydreaming.  The soul needs those moments.  She's working on an incredible upcycled raised garden that I am a touch envious her's is coming to life, mine is lingering in planning stages as I figure out how to make this hillside I live on a viable garden. I definitely need to get on it. 

I was listening to one of the channels I follow this morning while ironing.  Let me tell you, I am not a fan of ironing, it's boring.  I save up channels to listen to while I work my way through the pile.  I usually allow it to stack up for a bit before tackling it, that is how much I loathe it, today for the first time in forever I actually ironed as I took it from the laundry.  I was completely lost in the channel.  

It was talking about faith and forgiveness.  It was talking about having faith in God, in his son Jesus and how we live our lives.  Are we living our daily lives connected to past hurts and events, refusing to forgive and move forward? I was completely engrossed.  At church on Sunday the pastor was speaking about almost the same thing.  If that doesn't make you feel like God is trying to get your attention, I don't know what to think. 

Sometimes in life we have people or events that damage us in some way.  And they were both pointing out how we carry that damage forward.  In fact the Roots and Refuge devotion that I was referring to last week was pointing in that same direction.  Because if we are carrying that damage forward, we are simply transferring to the next encounter with someone or something that reminds us of the past. 

How many times do we simply put distance between ourselves and whatever caused the hurt?  A church hurt, a person hurt, a school hurt, a work hurt, an event hurt... most of us are experts at building walls, walking away, and ignoring what caused the damage.  What we aren't experts in is forgiving that damage. 

We often allow ourselves to be drawn back in, over and over. Almost like we are waiting for that next hurt.  I mean have you ever heard yourself or someone else make the comment they are "waiting for the next shoe to drop"?  

I understand that not everyone is a Christian, I understand that some people have no faith at all.  I pray that each of us has something to rest our worries on, a rock to anchor ourselves.  

Ephesians 4:32 "Be Kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." That verse was the anchor to the sermon on Sunday.  It gave me goosebumps.  As the pastor spoke so many things from my own life washed over me.  I am far from perfect, I have made mistakes, I have hurt folks, I have been hurt.  I can't magically make that go away, but I can ask for forgiveness and then rest it with Jesus. It won't make things disappear overnight.  I won't wake up tomorrow and feel they never happened.  But it does allow me to be aware, and then it allows me to have grace and work towards letting those things go. 

Well, I'm not so sure that folks are reading this for a bible study, actually I'm not sure why folks read this at all.  I know I write it because I feel moved to, because sometimes thoughts and emotions get too big to contain inside this brain of mine and they spill out. So much is going on in this crazy world right now.  And who knows, someone might feel a strong need for that verse right now? I know it was a salve to my weary spirit. 

Well, it's time to get busy, I have much to work on and idle hands are the devil's playground.  Not today Satan, not today...

Much love and prayers...