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Idle hands ? Find your way to ‘ get into some good trouble ’
According to a familiar saying , “ Idle hands are the devil ’ s workshop .” ( In some versions , it is said to be the devil ’ s tools or playground ). Although often attributed as a biblical statement , the phrase is not found verbatim in the Bible . However , it does have its roots in Scripture .
In 2 Thessalonians 3:11 ( KJV ), the apostle Paul notes those who waste their time in idleness or in a non-productive manner are easily led into sin : “ For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly , working not at all , but are busybodies .”
Another associated Scripture is Proverbs 16:27-29 : 27 : An ungodly man diggeth up evil : and in his lips there is as a burning fire . 28 A froward man soweth strife : and a whisperer separateth chief friends . 29 A violent man enticeth his neighbour , and leadeth him into the way that is not good .
Familiar adage or biblical statement , the saying could be considered a reflection of ones current life . Are you being productive with free time ? Or , are you using it unproductively ? ( i . e . being a sloth , getting into mischief ). The phrase could be especially beneficial to those who are retired or considering retirement . With extra time on your hands , how do you plan to use it ?
In this edition of Timeless Meridian , five area residents share how they are using the extra time on their hands in our cover theme feature : No idle hands here — People who keep busy being creative . While they come from walks of life , they agree that sitting around too long with nothing to do can lead to trouble . Each stays busy with various activities and interests .
Sharing their stories are :
• Neubern Atkinson , who , at 73 , still enjoys grabbing a torch to melt a piece of metal or stone into beautiful and unique jewelry . It is a craft that started in his early youth , when his grandmother introduced Newborn to rocks and fossils .
• Benny Harrison , 73 , a well-known area florist who , after 50-plus years in a variety of related businesses , continues to create floral arrangements as part of his duties as a part-time funeral assistant , as well teaches a floral arrangement class .
• Jane Burk Smith , 72 , who as a child loved playing with dolls and now collects them — not for play , but to repair and sell at flea markets and other events . Smith also creates a variety of clothes for the dolls .
• Jackie Stevens , 76 , a sewing enthusiast who is currently participating in a 52-week challenge done primarily by a group of French stitchers . A retired educator , Stevens incorporates her needlework in creating creative quilting squares .
• Steve Westbrook , 65 , a retired art teacher and a paint and pottery enthusiast who has revived his music ambitions and is playing guitar at open mic nights at a Meridian venue , as well as charity benefits . Westbrook also has a CD of his music .
Idle hands ? Not here .
Also included in this edition is an article about timeless hairstyles for women 50 and older , as well as a feature about coping with age-related hair loss . For those who suffer with migraines , Dr . Zaineb Daud , a neurologist with Anderson Neurology Center . Dr . Daud , who specializes in migraines , offers advise in coping with them . Daud is certified by the National Headache Foundation to treat headache patients .
Ever made a casserole out of ramen noodles and other inexpensive food items ? That ’ s how our “ In the Kitchen With …” spotlight David Carter got started shaking up things in the kitchen . From his humble beginnings while a student at Mississippi Valley State University to today as a computer network technician , Carter ’ s cooking repertoire includes everything from grilling to casseroles , gumbo , egg rolls , turkey necks and everything in between .
Enjoy these articles and more , and continue to enjoy the rest of your summer — with safety in mind .
Ida Brown Timeless Meridian Magazine Coordinator
On the Cover
TIMELESS
MERIDIAN
August / September 2021
NO IDLE HANDS
HERE
People keeping their hands and minds busy being creative
PAGE 6 : East Mississippi residents keep busy being creative
www . meridianstar . com
Timeless hairstyles for women over 50
From ramen to oysters :
In the kitchen with David Carter
... and more !
A publication of The Meridian Star
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TIMELESS MERIDIAN
EDITOR — Bill Graham COORDINATOR / WRITER — Ida Brown ADVERTISING SALES — Lisa Webb , Michelle Yelverton CONTRIBUTING WRITERS — Monique Harrison-Henderson , Glenda Sanders PHOTOGRAPHER — Trenton Steele GRAPHIC DESIGNER — Helen C . Reynolds TIMELESS MAGAZINE — 814 22nd Ave ., Meridian , MS , 39301 — 601.693.1551 — Advertising information , advertising @ themeridianstar . com
Timeless is published six times a year and is a publication of The Meridian Star . Annual subscriptions are $ 24 . To subscribe , email class02 @ themeridianstar . com
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