Estella Wright (Mayhue-Greer)

CHRISTIAN COURTSEY 

He has callers every Sunday,

None are strangers, all are known.

Yet, they quickly leave, and Monday

Finds HIm In His house, alone.

Should we not on Sunday morning

After benediction's said,

Mend the manners we've been scorning,

Ask Him to our house instead?

                                 --Ralph W. Seager

Kenneth Davis

 T H O U G H T   F O R   C O N S I D E R A T I O N  

There is little difference in people, 

but that little difference makes a big difference. 

The little difference is attitude.

The big difference is whether it is positive or negative.

Big doors swing on little hinges.

~W. Clement Stone~

     While I was making farewell visits before moving to a new parish, an elderly member of the congregation paid me the compliment of suggesting that my successor would not be as good as I had been. “Nonsense,” I replied, flattered. “No, really,” she insisted. “I’ve lived here under five different ministers, and each new one has been worse than the last.”

~Rev. Eric Davis~

Joycelyn Lacy (Somerville)

Kenneth Davis

 "SEMPER FI" MARINES 

 FROM THE CLASS OF 1970 

     Gen. Michael E. Langley, 60, became the first Black Marine to receive a fourth star on his shoulder — a landmark achievement in the corps’ 246-year history. “My daddy told me to aim high, so I aimed as high as I could and found the few and the proud,” Langley said during a ceremony at Marine Corps Barracks Washington attended by his father and other family members. The Marine Corps, which traces its roots to 1775, rejected accepting Black men in its ranks until 1942, a turnabout that followed the attack on the American air base at Hawaii's Pearl Harbor in 1941 and the U.S. entry into World War II.
     With that star, he becomes one of only three four-star generals serving in the Marine Corps — the service’s senior leadership. General Langley’s promotion is particularly poignant given that his great-uncle was one of the Montford Point Marines, who were the first Black recruits to join the Marine Corps after it began admitting African Americans in 1942. They trained at Montford Point in North Carolina, which was separate from Camp Lejeune, where white recruits trained. Before Saturday, the Marine Corps had never given four stars to anyone who was not a white man.

Kenneth Davis

      It's official, the survey has been completed and "Just Joking Mondays", is now a fixture on the website. One-hundred percent of all fourteen (14) respondents replied in the affirmative, for us to continue joking around. When it comes to addressing recommendations for additional improvements, the number one answer, was to see more participation from our classmates. Here's a sample of the replies forwarded; (1) "Can’t think of anything. The content has been so positive.", (2) "Keep the jokes coming. Loving the throw back articles. Love you guys for keeping us younger by laughing at the jokes. Keep the articles and pictures coming. Awesome website. You guys are a blessing. Thanks, wouldn't chang a thing, very happy the way it is . Again THANKS", (3) "It would be nice to see more responses and hear from more classmates. Most of the topics are informative but can be a long read. Information sometimes seems to get lost in format.", (4) "I think you're doing a wonderful job! I am just amazed at the volume of information that you share with us on a daily basis!", (5) "I would like to see more positive/uplifting pictures/stories/accomplishments /milestones of Class of 1970 members. For example; their 70th birthday pic!😁 I know they took one!!"...
     Addressing the "Wellness Wednesday" articles and their format, it's actually copyrighted information from dedicated journalist. I do not have the authority to change their format, nor would I want to just write a summary. What I've attempted to do, in most instances, is to eliminate the images included, as well as selecting shorter articles. All of the articles posted, may not apply to every individual who chooses to read them, however, most do apply to our age group. Topics for suggestions are always most welcomed.  
     As for the final question, "Do you consider the weekly format of current topics posted for review, as entertainment and/or considered beneficial to your overall mental, emotional, physical and spiritual wellness?" Only one individual responded "No". Each element listed within the question, embodies the original intent for establishing our website. As the current administrator, I share an historical obligation to continue the designed blueprint. Present statistics indicate that twenty-one (21) individuals were online over the last thirty (30) days. They don't show how many times each individual signed in over the course of one day. Nor do they indicate just how many individuals simply go straight to the website link to simply read. Some day we'll capture that data also. Comprehensively, I wish to extend a hearty thanks to everyone who chose to reply to the survey. Your feedback indicates we're on a positive path. With your help, we'll extend our boundaries further.  Melody Beattie, one of America’s most beloved self-help authors and a household name in addiction and recovery circles once stated; "Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow. Live your life from your heart. Share from your heart. And your story will touch and heal people's souls."... Let's keep sharing from the heart, to create a vision of unity for tomorrow......with gratitude, stay safe my friends.... 

Joycelyn Lacy (Somerville)

Kenneth Davis

 T H O U G H T   F O R   C O N S I D E R A T I O N  

     If you leave the smallest corner of your head vacant for a moment, other people's opinions will rush in from all quarters. A man never tells you anything until you contradict him.

~George Bernard Shaw~

Kenneth Davis

BIRTH ANNIVERSARY GREETINGS TO JB BLAND

     Known as the 3rd Ward neighborhood then, The Cleaborn Homes housing project, stood from 1954 when it was built on 27 acres, up until 2011 and housed many Memphis residents, in the 1000’s in the 650 unit complex. Only two years of age at that time, prior to eventually becoming a resident, our parents taught us as young boys, the three universally recognized moral qualities of men, wisdom, compassion, and courage (Confucius). Growing up in the "Cleab", we had to study the past, so we'd be able to divine the future. As teenagers and young men, roaming the halls of Porter Jr High and BTW High, our teachers instructed us to practice five things under all circumstances, which constitute perfect virtue. These five were gravity, generosity of soul, sincerity, earnestness, and kindness. Having adopted those teachings and others, we've graduated from those first ladder rungs of life, to this present moment. Since then, a little bit of our grandeur ceases to exist out of those past years. 
     Today however, another adventure filled year and the dawning of a new era awaits you. Welcome it by celebrating your birthday with pomp and splendor. An anniversary is a time to celebrate the joys of today, the memories of yesterday, and the hopes of tomorrow. Take time to enjoy your health, wealth, your love, and do what else makes your soul happy. Here's wishing you a very happy and fun-filled day. Have a very happy 49th anniversary of your 21st birthday! You are now truly vintage. May your special day be surrounded with happiness, filled with laughter, wrapped with pleasure, brightened with fun, blessed with love, remembered with joy and enriched with hopes. I wish you a "Norman Brown" type of day. As you celebrate or choose not to, pull up your recliner and have a "Heart to Heart" talk with yourself, as you plan your future adventures. God grants to all, the purest intentions and prayers. Pray for these and all will be granted in His time. Enjoy your day....stay safe my friend...

Kenneth Davis

 T H O U G H T   F O R   C O N S I D E R A T I O N  

     Food is so heavily connected to memory. I think unadulterated products and smaller portion sizes mean consumption of less food overall. Portion is everything. The first time I bought a scoop of ice cream in Paris, they weighed the ice cream on a scale before putting it on the cone. It was so small, it fell into the cone as she handed it to me. 

~Alex Guarnaschelli~

5 Worst Foods for Your Kidneys Molly Hembree, MS, RD, LD 
©    Provided by Eat This, Not That!  

     The kidneys are the warriors of the human body: balancing fluids, electrolytes, and solutes to filter water and waste out of our blood to make about 1,500 milliliters (50 fluid ounces) of urine daily. This is handled by the one million functioning units of each kidney called the "nephrons" which include tubules, limbs, and other structures, along with the glomeruli, which produce ultrafiltrate. Two chronic diseases that increase the risk of kidney disease are diabetes and hypertension (high blood pressure). Kidney disease is ultimately classified into four conditions: kidney stones, acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease (CKD), or end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Limiting sodium and saturated fat intake are primary ways to reduce risk and/or manage diabetes and hypertension, which could be protective against developing kidney disease. All this to say that the kidneys are a force to be reckoned with, but they also can be prone to damage if we don't take care of them with healthy behaviors, including what we eat. Here we discuss five of the top foods to shy away from to best protect your kidneys.
1. Processed meats
     Meats that have undergone processing, such as bacon, sausage, hot dogs, deli meat, and burger patties are a double threat to kidney health: they are likely high in sodium and animal-derived protein. Excess sodium intake beyond 2300 milligrams (mg) per day, on a regular basis, is conducive to a diet that may increase blood pressure, and this creates extra stress on the kidneys. It is also suggested in recent literature that more animal protein than plant protein in the diet may increase the rate of kidney disease progression.
2. Soups
     Often regarded as a light lunch side or a way to calm a sore throat if experiencing cold or flu-like symptoms, soups are unfortunately laden in salt. Even if soups are homemade, they will often use beef, chicken, or vegetable stocks which register at over 800 milligrams of sodium per cup. There are reduced sodium and low sodium versions on the market, but most consumers find that the flavor is off and, well, could use more salt. You can try your luck at making a sodium-free stock of vegetable scraps, herbs, and spices to impart flavor to a soup base; however, it may be best to just steer clear of soups altogether.
3. Frozen pizza
     America's favorite non-dessert pie usually is made with the same layers: white bread crust, high sodium tomato sauce, high fat cheese, and processed meat like sausage or pepperoni. Turn over your next frozen pizza package and you may be astounded to find nutrition facts that are in the quadruple digits on sodium and exceed recommendations for saturated fat. Takeout or restaurant pizza isn't much better but could have some nutritional redeeming qualities if you are able to customize the order (e.g., meat-free, half the cheese, whole wheat crust, etc.).
4. Fried potatoes
     Potatoes are the nation's number one consumed vegetable. And the number one form in which it's consumed? Fried. Whether your preference is for French fries, hash browns, potato chips, or potato pancakes, these foods aren't doing your kidneys any favors. Deep-fried foods are best avoided to protect your heart and kidneys. Potatoes are also high in potassium, which is a mineral usually advised to keep tabs on if your kidneys are compromised and reach CKD stage 3A or later stages of kidney failure.
5. Soy sauce
     Soy sauce, as well as its cousin tamari, are some of the highest sodium sauces available at the supermarket. These products have a shocking 950 milligrams of sodium per one-tablespoon serving, which is nearly 50 percent of the daily value (DV) for sodium. Soy sauce is classically used to impart an "umami" or savory flavor. See if there is a way in your recipe to substitute low-sodium ingredients like mushrooms, tomato paste, nutritional yeast, or a flavored vinegar, in place of soy sauce.

Kenneth Davis

 T H O U G H T   F O R   C O N S I D E R A T I O N 

     A woman of the world is anxious to exhibit her form and shape, whether walking, standing, sitting, or sleeping. Even when represented as a picture, she desires to captivate with the charms of her beauty and, thus, to rob men of their steadfast heart. You can search throughout the entire universe for someone who is more deserving of your love and affection than you are yourself, and that person is not to be found anywhere. You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe deserve your love and affection.

~Buddha~

IT'S TIME FOR

Kenneth Davis

SMALL STRAWS IN A SOFT WIND  by Marsha Burns

     I see your heartache and understand your desperation, but you must not take matters into your own hands. Dealing with this situation yourself will only make things worse. This is a time when trust is everything. Receive My guidance and direction and be patient while you wait for the ultimate outcome. Psalm 62:5 My soul, wait silently for God alone, for my expectation is from Him.

 T H O U G H T   F O R   C O N S I D E R A T I O N  

     Nature has no principles. She makes no distinction between good and evil. The truth is that life is delicious, horrible, charming, frightful, sweet, bitter, and that is everything. The average man does not know what to do with this life, yet wants another one which will last forever. 

~Anatole France~

Kenneth Davis

 T H O U G H T   F O R   C O N S I D E R A T I O N  

     Our greatest happiness does not depend on the condition of life in which chance has placed us, but is always the result of a good conscience, good health, occupation, and freedom in all just pursuits. Determine never to be idle. No person will have occasion to complain of the want of time who never loses any. It is wonderful how much may be done if we are always doing. No occupation is so delightful to me as the culture of the earth, and no culture comparable to that of the garden. 

~Thomas Jefferson~

What to Plant in September in the vegetable garden....

     Cooler weather does not necessarily signal the end of garden, it can signal the beginning of a new crop of fresh vegetables. Knowing what to plant in September in the vegetable garden can provide you with fresh food for several more weeks. And as a disclaimer, all gardeners live in different zones, so please consider where you live when planning what to grow in September. If fall gardening isn’t something you can usually do because of early winter setting in, then perhaps use this list in August. 

Frost Date

     To determine exactly what you can plant in September, count backwards from the last predicted frost date for your area. That will let you know how many days you will have for growing a fall vegetable crop. You can find this info in the Farmer’s Almanac, or check it out online at https://www.almanac.com/gardening/frostdates#states-and-provinces. Seed packs will have maturity dates for the vegetables printed on them. Select crops that have a short maturity date, like 45-60 days, for best results. Most of the plants you grow in an early spring garden can be planted in September too. So be sure to think back on what grew well in those cooler days of March and early April. 

Fall Garden Salad Greens

     Many greens can be planted in September and harvested before the first frost in fall. Some of these greens varieties are hardier and can withstand a frost or two (and the flavor may actually improve). These greens include: Loose leaf lettuce (like this buttercrunch), Arugula, Bok choy, Spinach, Kale, Swiss chard, Collards, Mustard greens.

Root Crops

     Smaller root crops reach maturity quickly and grow best in cooler weather. These include: Radishes, Carrots, Turnips, Beets, Green onions.

Cruciferous Vegetable Family

     If you have access to transplants of broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower, September is an ideal time to plant them. The transplants will grow rapidly in the cooler fall weather, so you can enjoy fresh cruciferous vegetables for Thanksgiving dinner if you live in a climate with a mild winter. Be sure to watch out for cabbage moths, since the cooler temps usually do not deter them.

Kenneth Davis

     All changes, even the most longed for, have their melancholy; for what we leave behind us is a part of ourselves; we must die to one life before we can enter another. 

~Anatole France~

Kenneth Davis

SMALL STRAWS IN A SOFT WIND  by Marsha Burns

     I will lead you to victory in the days ahead. You will know without equivocation that I am with you to show you the way to optimize your potential benefits, says the Lord. I will give you strength and renewed hope in fulfilling your purpose. Move forward knowing that My grand design is being worked out in your life. Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.

 T H O U G H T   F O R   C O N S I D E R A T I O N  

      As far as we can discern, the sole purpose of human existence is to kindle a light in the darkness of mere being. Knowing your own darkness is the best method for dealing with the darknesses of other people. Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves. Through pride we are ever deceiving ourselves. But deep down below the surface of the average conscience a still, small voice says to us, something is out of tune.

~Carl Jung~

Kenneth Davis

     Irrespective of age, we mourn for those loved and lost.

Mourning is one of the deepest expressions of pure love. 

~Russell M. Nelson~

Estella Wright (Mayhue-Greer)

Kenneth,

Thank you for insuring we don't forget our fallen Warriors.

With gratitude,

Estella

Marsha McMillian (Sherrod)

Having a wonderfultime at my Women’s Tea and Fashion Show. Thanks to my friend and Classmate Cherlyn for attending with me. "Brown Baptist Church"

Kenneth Davis

Whatever you do, do it from your heart.

My biggest support and backbone have been my friends.

~Hima Das~

Looking Philanthropic Ladies!!!!

Kenneth Davis

PRAYER SUBMITTED BY JAMES STONE

 T H O U G H T   F O R   C O N S I D E R A T I O N  

     You must take personal responsibility. You cannot change the circumstances, the seasons, or the wind, but you can change yourself. That is something you have charge of. Take advantage of every opportunity to practice your communication skills so that when important occasions arise, you will have the gift, the style, the sharpness, the clarity, and the emotions to affect other people. 

~Jim Rohn~

IT'S TIME FOR
JUST JOKING MONDAYS

     On a Miami­ to Chicago flight was a lively youngster who nearly drove everyone crazy. He was running up and down the aisle when the flight attendant started serving coffee. He ran smack into her, knocking a cup of coffee out of her hand and onto the floor. As he stood by watching her clean up the mess, she glanced up at the boy and said, ‘”Look, why don’t you go and play outside?”

~Eugene Carroll~

Estella Wright (Mayhue-Greer)

There is no power on earth that can neutralize the influence of a high, pure, simple, and useful life.                                                                                                -- Booker T. Washington

Joycelyn Lacy (Somerville)

Thumbs Up, Marsha and Cherlyn...that's the way to do it! 

_________________________________________________________________________

Shucks...It's Monday and I am...

Kenneth Davis

     Dare to risk public criticism. Every silver lining has a cloud. No matter how busy you are, you must take time to make the other person feel important. Everyone wants to be appreciated, so if you appreciate someone, don't keep it a secret. 

~Mary Kay Ash~

     Estella, thanks for co-signing on the use of a White Rose. When designing the home page collage, I asked a few classmates if they could remember what our class flower was. Initially thought to be a White Carnation, we couldn't remember. Pressed for time, the rose blossomed. Much like the Class of 70, the white rose is entangled with religious history when combining spirituality and sympathy. It was said that the early white roses existed as thornless plants symbolizing the good, but when evil appeared in the world, roses started to acquire thorns. We knew of no evil, until years after our birth. Roses and other white flowers' delicate nature, helps reinforce sympathy in a gentle way rather than making a powerful statement. As well, the absence of color invites introspection from studying the blossom itself more closely, to appreciate its beauty. So, in this way, white roses can mean having a way to say the unsaid. The remembrance of the roses from our class who have transitioned, shall be appreciated and continued, with each posting of "Warrior Spirit Never Dies".... 
     Just so ya'll know, we've had a garden of roses to blossom on the website lately, and with "Gratitude", I behold and appreciate their symbolic beauty. Extending a "21 Gun Salute" to the following individuals who have logged in over the last 30 days. Hopefully, you'll be as euphoric as I am, while reading these names; Gerald Best, Linda Brown, De' Clayborn, Felippa Fields Scales, Ricky Garrett, Cherlyn Harris Conner, Fred Higgins Jr., Robbin Houston, Alvin Howlett, Audrey Johnson, Joycelyn Lacy Sommerville, Tommie McKinney, Marsha McMillian Sherrod, Margie McRae Reed, Bonnie Pippin Mills, Jimmie Powell, Almedia Shackleford Allen, James Stone, Orva Walls and Estella Wright Mayhue-Greer. You folks who choose to read, log in sometimes, to let us know that you remain among the blossoms. Stay safe my friends.....and be blessed....

     We're born alone, we live alone, we die alone. Only through our love and friendship can we create the illusion for the moment that we're not alone.
 
~Orson Welles~   

Kenneth Davis

 T H O U G H T   F O R   C O N S I D E R A T I O N  

     A human being would certainly not grow to be seventy or eighty years old if this longevity had no meaning for the species. The afternoon of human life must also have a significance of its own and cannot be merely a pitiful appendage to life's morning. We deem those happy who from the experience of life have learnt to bear its ills without being overcome by them. 

~Carl Jung~

Happy Birth Anniversary to Erma Sanders Holmes

     Voltaire, the French writer once stated, "God gave us the gift of life; it is up to us to give ourselves the gift of living well. Faith consists in believing when it is beyond the power of reason to believe." Just as Carl Jung mentioned above; "A human being would certainly not grow to be seventy or eighty years old, if this longevity had no meaning for the species." The bountiful author of our being, with liberality, has bestowed premium gifts of charity and favors, generously on your behalf. We give thanks to him, on this day as we acknowledge your Birth Anniversary. "The Son" shines bright on you today.
     Appreciation is the highest form of prayer, for it acknowledges the presence of good wherever you shine the light of your thankful thoughts (Alan Cohen). The "Prayer Warriors" among us, pray for your additional longevity of life, and our own as well. Our goal; to celebrate all together, in the near future. As a dedicated employee of  Shelby County Government, there's no doubt your longevity has a significant impact on the day to day norms. Having lived in Shelby County, conventional wisdom says; just believing when it is beyond the power of reason to believe, doesn't always make for an uneventful day. Should you celebrate today, or decide not to, we wish you a "Nathan Mitchell" type of day. You're "Blessed and Highly Favored", and will never become caught up in a political entrenchment. Your chosen path for traveling, has always maintained a "Smooth Groove", which makes you a "Survivor"....enjoy your day and stay safe my friend....

Estella Wright (Mayhue-Greer)

Kenneth,

You have such a wealth of knowledge. I realize each day that I am not to old to learn more. Thank you for posting the information about the white rose.

Estella

Margie McRae (Reed)