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  

     We've always known that our bodies are capable of healing themselves under the right conditions: Diet and exercise improve our health. But there are also ancient genetic survival pathways in every living thing. As we get better at reversing aging it will be possible to take one medicine and within weeks feel and even look younger. Imagine going to a doctor to get a pill for diabetes, and this same medicine will prevent heart disease, Alzheimer's, cancer, and will give you more vitality too. 

~David Andrew Sinclair~

WELLNESS WEDNESDAY

What behavioral changes can tell us about cognitive decline in older adults....

Alyssa Hui - SeniorsMatter.com 2022

     Personality or behavioral changes could be signs of mental illness, like depression or bipolar disorder, but new research points out that differences in behavior could also be tied to cognitive decline. A recent study specifically found behavioral changes in men – such as having false beliefs and a lack of enthusiasm later in life – were associated with a risk of faster cognitive decline compared to women. According to Byron Creese, PhD, co-author of the study, behavioral changes were also defined as mild behavioral impairment (MBI) in the study. MBI describes a syndrome that can be made up of a combination of symptoms, including apathy or social withdrawal, changes in mood and anxiety, being more impulsive than usual, being socially inappropriate and having false beliefs or hallucinations. Creese said while the rate of cognitive decline might not be something people notice day to day, observing some of these behavioral changes can help loved ones identify people with potential memory problems early on. The study also allows researchers and other health care professionals to identify people at a higher risk of developing dementia later in life. “These early changes in cognition might go on to become more severe later, and these findings indicate that MBI might be a marker for this decline,” Creese added. 

Understanding different behavioral changes in men and women 

     Creese and his colleagues studied changes in behavior in more than 8,000 cognitively healthy people 50 and older who were also enrolled in PROTECT, a British online cohort study. On average, participants were 63 years old, and more than half of them were women. The participants were asked to complete a series of online tests and questionnaires that assessed behavioral changes. In people without dementia, the researchers found that people with MBI had more cognitive decline over a period of 3.5 years when compared to people without MBI. Creese said when they looked at apathy and impulse control, they identified the decline was higher in men than in women. Additionally, they also found that symptoms of psychosis were associated with cognitive decline in men only. 

     Creese said more biological studies are needed to explain why these findings might be; however, the broader point is “this research shows that it is critical to understand gender/sex differences in cognitive aging and dementia risk.”  Katrin Wolfova, PhD, first author of the study and PhD student at Charles University in Prague, told Neuroscience News that previous research suggests that structural differences in the hippocampal regions of the brain, functional differences in the serotonergic system, or unequal distribution of types of dementia in men and women could be possible explanations for the study’s findings.

Behavioral changes to look for 

     According to Creese, here are some examples of changes in behavior and MBI symptoms in daily life caregivers and loved ones can be on the lookout for: 

⦁ Interest, motivation and drive (also known as apathy—losing interest in usual hobbies, family and friends and being less spontaneous)

⦁ Mood and anxiety (being depressed or believing you are a burden to your family)

⦁ Impulse dyscontrol (acting more impulsively than usual, being agitated easily, being argumentative, becoming more reckless)

⦁ Social inappropriateness (lacking social judgment, talking very openly about personal or private matters, being rude in a way not normal for them)

⦁ Strongly held beliefs and sensory experiences (developing beliefs they’re in danger or others are planning to harm them, seeing things that are not there) 

     He noted that social inappropriateness and hallucinations are extremely rare in cognitively normal people. These behaviors should be new-onset, persistent and represent a change from usual, and not be attributed to some other mental health condition, like depression or schizophrenia. Symptoms should also be sustained for at least six months. “I think many people may be better primed to look out for signs of memory and thinking changes in their loved ones as we age, but this research highlights the importance of recognizing changes in behaviors and personality as well,” Creese said.

     Behavioral changes can occur suddenly or more gradually, but the key things to look for are whether a change in temperament or behaviors is not consistent with how they were before and if it’s affecting how they interact with you and the world around them, or having a negative impact in some other way. If you notice your loved one is showing changes in their behavior, especially for six months or longer, consider talking with their doctor and scheduling an evaluation. 

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 faithful woman can become a devoted daughter of God - more concerned with being righteous than with being selfish, more anxious to exercise compassion than to exercise dominion, more committed to integrity than to notoriety. And she knows of her own infinite worth. 

~Russell M. Nelson~

Kenneth Davis

BIRTH ANNIVERSARY GREETINGS TO LILLIAN MARSHALL

     Only two years our elder, Actress Linda Thompson once stated; "As life has a way of unfolding, as it is meant to, I have learned to trust life. Our uniqueness, our individuality, and our life experience molds us into fascinating beings. I hope we can embrace that. I pray we may all challenge ourselves, to delve into the deepest resources of our hearts to cultivate an atmosphere of understanding, acceptance, tolerance, and compassion. We are all in this life together." Such an illuminating perception of life, defines this very day, moment and reasons for our celebrating you. Not many people are lucky enough to see the day when they turn 70! But for those of us who do, it's probably the most special day of our personal lives. As Linda said; our uniqueness, our individuality, and our life experiences, have molded us into fascinating beings, and we have embraced that. As a fascinating group of individuals, who collectively represent the "Warrior Class of 1970", we have challenged ourselves and each other, with attempts to cultivate an atmosphere of understanding, acceptance, tolerance, and compassion. We celebrate you as the warm, friendly, loving and kind person you've become… you are a true friend in every way, to many! May your birthday bring a smile on your face, happiness to your heart and many blessings to your life.
     A birth anniversary is knowing you are special today and waiting to see what the hours bring your way. It’s enjoying with friends, the little things…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. Here's wishing you a "Marcus Anderson" type of day. As you celebrate today, or choose not to, may you temporarily "Reverse" your path forward and delve into the deepest resources of your heart. While you're there giving thanks, may you embrace the "Soul Ties", which have blessed you with grace and favor until this day. Enjoy your day...stay safe and be blessed my friend....

Kenneth Davis

IT'S TIME FOR

Estella Wright (Mayhue-Greer)

Oh, the memories stirred by Throwback Thursday. I remember those coffee pots. As a child I would stand by the stove to watch it "percolate" the glass top. 

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  

     Jazz is smooth and cool. Jazz is rage. Jazz flows like water. Jazz never seems to begin or end. Jazz isn't methodical, but jazz isn't messy either. Jazz is a conversation, a give and take. Jazz is the connection and communication between musicians. Jazz is abandon. 

~Nat Wolff~

Margie McRae (Reed)

Kenneth Davis

     Hey Margie! Thank you for unintentionally validating just one of the reasons for our "Wellness Wednesdays" posts. Some of us are already over 70, have reached the age of 70, and like you still approaching 70. If we allowed ourselves to admit it openly, some would agree with you. The well timed incapacity to recall words, memories and other situations is upon us and may be considered normal. It's the frequency of occurence, that should be most concerning.

     Over the counter "Memory Booster Supplements", such as Prevagen, Ginkgo biloba and Neuriva, may prolong the inevitable. But a quote from my grandmother, who used to say "Just keep living", keeps me on point. In the meantime, diets rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes, fish, healthier fats and herbs or seeds, will assist with the necessary brain-boosting memory function. Most of us, read between the lines and knew that you meant deterrent. As long as you're not putting your hat on your feet and your shoes on your head, you'll be alright.....enjoy the rest of your day and do have a great weekend, my friend......the eyes are not always the first to go...... 

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  

     Given the amount of unjust suffering and unhappiness in the world, I am deeply grateful for, sometimes even perplexed by, how much misery I have been spared. Those who are compassionate when they should be tough will be tough when they should be compassionate. Goodness is about character - integrity, honesty, kindness, generosity, moral courage, and the like. More than anything else, it is about how we treat other people.

~Dennis Prager~

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  

     We are all special cases. In order to speak about all and to all, one has to speak of what all know and of the reality common to us all. The sea, rains, necessity, desire, the struggle against death... these are things that unite us all. Your successes and happiness are forgiven you only if you generously consent to share them. Don't wait for the last judgment - it takes place every day. Blessed are the hearts that can bend; they shall never be broken.

~Albert Camus~

Kenneth Davis

MONDAY MORNING GREETING

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  

     The world is full of willing people; some willing to work, the rest willing to let them. By working faithfully eight hours a day you may eventually get to be boss and work twelve hours a day.  The reason why worry kills more people than work is that more people worry than work. In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: it goes on. 

~Robert Frost~

IT'S TIME FOR
JUST JOKING MONDAYS

     On a visit to my doctor, I was pleasantly surprised to find that he had installed taped music in the waiting room. As I sat there enjoying a piano recording, I overheard an elderly lady say to her companion, “Just like these young doctors—a crowded waiting room, and he’s in there playing the piano!”

~June Iveson~

Joycelyn Lacy (Somerville)

                                       It's Monday...enjoy!

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  

     The fullness or emptiness of life will be measured by the extent to which a man feels that he has an impact on the lives of others. There is no greater challenge than to have someone relying upon you; no greater satisfaction than to vindicate his expectation.

~Kingman Brewster Jr.~

SMALL STRAWS IN A SOFT WIND  by Marsha Burns

August 23, 2022

     Forgive those who have used, abused, or hurt you in any way because unforgiveness will become your personal prison. It costs you nothing to forgive just as I have forgiven you. But holding on to past offenses will keep you from the fullness of My blessings and rob you of peace. Let go and move into the divine realm of freedom that forgiveness offers. Matthew 10:16 Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.

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  

     People get caught up in the idea that health is just what you look like and what you eat, but your health is physical, emotional and mental. Who's to say eating that bowl of ice cream after training isn't going to help me psychologically and emotionally?

~Cate Campbell~

WELLNESS WEDNESDAY

5 Best Vegetables for Your Heart, Say Dietitians

Although all vegetables are healthy, these are the ones that are the cream of the crop.

By Kayla Garritano    Published on July 26, 2022

     If you are at risk of or are currently suffering from heart disease, then you are dealing with the leading cause of death for adults in the United States. Poor heart health can stem from various things such as high blood pressure and cholesterol, diabetes, being overweight or obese, and an unhealthy diet. If you are currently dealing with any of these issues, then you may suffer from heart attacks and coronary heart disease in the future. However, there are ways to turn your heart health around, and one of those ways includes a healthy diet.

     A healthy diet consists of eating lots of vegetables, which are powerful foods packed with nutrients. And making sure you get adequate amounts of vegetables in your diet is one way to improve your heart health. According to The Nutrition Twins, Lyssie Lakatos, RDN, CDN, CFT, and Tammy Lakatos Shames, RDN, CDN, CFT, registered dietitians on our medical expert board, all vegetables are superstars when it comes to heart health. They suggest that research consistently shows that the more vegetables you consume, the lower your risk for heart disease and stroke will be. However, they were able to pick the best five for your heart, so keep reading to see what they are. 

1. Tomatoes 

     The Nutrition Twins suggest that tomatoes are nutrient powerhouses as well as rich sources of heart-protective antioxidants. These include lycopene, beta-carotene, folate, potassium, vitamin C, flavonoids, and vitamin E. "Research shows that the nutrients in tomatoes reduce 'bad' LDL cholesterol, blood pressure, and homocysteine (a measure of inflammation and an independent risk factor for heart disease), and make the cells less 'sticky,' which keeps blood flowing more easily," say The Nutrition Twins.

     Furthermore, The Nutrition Twins state that many of the antioxidants in tomatoes, like lycopene and beta-carotene, become as much as four times more bioavailable when they're cooked. "So, although adding fresh tomatoes to salads, burritos, sandwiches, and wraps is great, don't be afraid to add them to cooked meals like chili, stews, sauces, and cooked dishes or to eat them in tomato sauce, as well," advise the Nutrition Twins.

2. Spinach 

     "Spinach hits it out of the ballpark when it comes to heart health," say The Nutrition Twins. "High blood pressure puts the heart at risk, and spinach lowers blood pressure, thanks to its nitrates, which help make arteries less stiff and improve the function of the cells that line blood vessel walls." The Nutrition Twins say that this leafy green also promotes proper blood clotting. This is thanks to its hefty dose of vitamin K.

     According to research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, eating leafy green vegetables, such as spinach, can significantly reduce your risk of heart disease. To get more "good-for-your-heart green goodness," The Nutrition Twins suggest trying these simple strategies:

⦁ Toss spinach in omelets, casseroles, and soups

⦁ Stack sandwiches with it

⦁ Make salads with it or toss a few leaves into salads

⦁ Add it into stir fries and in tomato sauce

3. Brussels sprouts 

     They may not be everyone's favorite veggie, but they are powerful heart protectors. Research published in the Journal of the American Heart Association shows that cruciferous veggies like Brussels sprouts may help to prevent clogged arteries, which the Nutrition Twins state is a large cause of heart attacks and strokes.

     "Many of the heart-healthy benefits of Brussels sprouts are credited to their fiber, carotenoids, folate, fiber, and vitamin C, E, and K," say The Nutrition Twins. "As well as their sulfur compounds, called glucosinolates, which have potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capabilities that help to protect cells against damage and that lower LDL cholesterol." Some suggestions for adding Brussels sprouts into your daily vegetable dosage include throwing them into salads and stir-frys, pasta, and rice dishes. You can also roast them in olive oil and garlic.

4. Asparagus 

     "Asparagus is a good source of folate, which lowers homocysteine, an amino acid that is linked to heart disease and stroke," explain The Nutrition Twins. Meanwhile, the asparagus' potassium helps to lower high blood pressure, while its fiber content reduces LDL cholesterol and the risk for high blood pressure, and heart disease, according to research published in the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine.

     "Plus, it contains flavonoids quercetin, isorhamnetin, and kaempferol, which also help to lower inflammation, as well as blood pressure, which damages the arteries and leads to heart disease," says The Nutrition Twins. If you want to add a couple of stalks into your dishes, try tossing chopped asparagus in frittatas, quiches, casseroles, and salads. You can also mix them in pasta dishes or soups. Or, you can try grilling or steaming them and adding a little drizzle of dressing.

5. Onions

     According to The Nutrition Twins, onions are a good source of sulfur-rich phytochemicals. These phytochemicals reduce cholesterol levels and break down blood clots. This may lower your risk for both heart disease and stroke. "Onions' powerful antioxidants, including quercetin, also fight against the chronic inflammation that is associated with all diseases, including heart disease, and they also decrease triglycerides and cholesterol," say The Nutrition Twins. "Quercetin has also been found to significantly reduce blood pressure." Looking to incorporate more onions into your meals? Use onions for the base of a dish or soup. Or, add them to sandwiches, pizza, salad, casseroles, burgers, and tacos. You can even get creative and pickle them.

Marsha McMillian (Sherrod)

Kenneth Davis

Hey Marsha, thanks for asking. Nothing to report, from myself or the "Teenage Reporters" Maybe news will be forthcoming during September....

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 

     We forfeit three-quarters of ourselves in order to be like other people. There is no doubt that life is given us, not to be enjoyed, but to be overcome; to be got over. The first forty years of life give us the text; the next thirty supply the commentary on it.
 ~Arthur Schopenhauer~

     Here's wishing a "Euphoric Birth Anniversary Greeting" to Shirley Tillis Evans and Tommie McKinnie. Welcome to "Club Seventy". Another year older, another year better. Your birthday numbers 8, 25, and 1952 reveal that your Life Path number is 5. It represents progress, adventure and opportunity. You possess the curiosity of a cat and long to experience all of life.

 
     Seventy years ago, questions were asked; Where do we enroll in Life 101? Where are the classes dealing with the loss of a job, the death of a loved one, the failure of a relationship? Unfortunately, those lessons are mostly learned through trial by fire and the school of hard knocks (Les Brown)... Who'd of thought being born on the same day, same hospital, both residing in South Memphis and graduating from the same high school, an unlikely connection would remain to this date. With one of you residing in Detroit and the other in Memphis, Ford Motor Company would become the link.
     Headlines from The Detroit News;  Michigan lawmakers fume as Ford keeps $101M incentive despite layoff plan. Ford Motor Co. will not need to replace any of the 3,000 salaried and contract employees it plans to lay off to comply with the company's $100.8 million incentive agreement with the state of Michigan — a reality that is creating mounting frustration with some lawmakers opposed to the taxpayer-funded incentive. 
     Headlines from Action News Five; “Diversity is core to who Ford is,” said Greg Christensen, director of Ford’s North America Electric Vehicle Footprint. “One of our key focuses is to ensure that local businesses, minority-owned, women, those with disabilities, and veterans are really represented in this workforce.” Blue Oval City will be built 40 miles from Memphis on a nearly six-mile square site. The electric truck factory and a battery plant, operated by SK Innovation, will employ nearly 6,000 people. Another 30,000 workers are needed for the construction of the campus. Ford has their problems worldwide, however they don't effect either of you.
     Now that you've both graduated from the school of hard knocks and retired, the words progress, adventure and opportunity are  strickly warranted on this day. No reason to be curious about Ford's  taxpayer-funded incentives, new construction, layoffs or diversity plans. Never mind having the curiosity of a cat, time to just concentrate on the longevity of life. Les Brown also stated; You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream, you don't get what you want in life. You get who you are! Life has no limitations, except the ones you make. Our ability to handle life's challenges is a measure of our strength of character. 
     We are grateful that you both have been blessed with the gifts of virtue, grace, mercy and wisdom over the years. We pray that you use all of the experiences of life you've earned, to continue your progression of longevity, by planning an adventurous opportunity to simply relax and enjoy life. As Mighty, Mighty Warriors, you both have the strength of character! Hope you're taking a moment on your special day to reflect on how much you are appreciated and loved. Wishing you a day filled with peace, relaxation, and joy. Should you celebrate today, or choose not to, I wish you both a Stanley Clark type of day. While sitting in your easy chair watching "At The Movies" and contemplating your next move, may you reflect upon "The Learning Curve", that brought you this far...and give thanks...enjoy your day and stay safe my friends....

Kenneth Davis

IT'S TIME FOR

Margie McRae (Reed)

Good Morning Warriors!

LaRose, LaRose, LaRose O how we love you!

Fondest memories we will ever have for you!...

I remember having to stand and sing that every morning.

LaRose Elementary - in the house!!

Belated Birthday wishes to my elementary classmate - Lillian Ann Marshall! (Larry sends greetings too.)

Happy Birthday to Shirley and Tommie (also a 6th grade classmate). Hope you both have a wonderful and blessed day surrounded by loved ones!

Memory from 3rd Grade... Miss Geraldine Walker who walked to work in a church hat and gloves.  She registered us at school and when she asked, "Where were you born?", she repeatedly got the answer, "John Gaston Hospital."  Wrong answer.  After listening to her strict lecture several times, I was ready with "Memphis, Tennessee" when she got to me.

On another note, your jokes on Monday and your Wellness Wednesday were again very timely. Do you have my phone line bugged? I took the heart stress test last week and was still waiting on the results when Monday's jokes on stress showed up!  I actually got the delayed results about 30 minutes later - everything was normal!  But I am now more interested in pursuing more heart-healthy foods.  I threw extra tomatoes in my homemade spaghetti sauce last night. I am going to put brussel sprouts in the air fryer this evening. 

Again, thanks for the laughs, Joycelyn and Ken. Keep us healthy, Ken! Thanks for your word of inspiration, James.  Amen.

Kenneth Davis

 WARRIOR FOOTBALL SEASON 2022-2023 

     Don't walk through life just playing football. Don't walk through life just being an athlete. Athletics will fade. Character and integrity and really making an impact on someone's life, that's the ultimate vision, that's the ultimate goal - bottom line. 

~Ray Lewis~

"LET'S FIGHT FOR OUR SCHOOL BOYS"
SUPPORT YOUR TEAM

A BLAST FROM THE PAST...COURTESY OF ESTELLA !
Dedicated Blacktop Tailgating....

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  

     When we do the best that we can, we never know what miracle is wrought in our life, or in the life of another. Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved. What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.

~Helen Keller~

SMOOTH JAZZ FRIDAYS

Music is the mediator between the spiritual and the sensual life. ~Ludwig van Beethoven~

Kenneth Davis

     Since 1971, Women’s Equality Day has been celebrated annually on August 26. The celebration falls on the anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment which granted women the right to vote. The Woman Suffrage Amendment was first introduced on January 10, 1878. It was resubmitted numerous times until it was finally approved by both the House and Senate in June 1919. The bill needed to be approved by two-thirds of the states, so suffragists spent the next year lobbying state legislatures to gain support for the bill. On August 24, 1920, Tennessee became 36th and final state to ratify the amendment, which passed by only one vote. That one vote belonged to Harry Burn, who heeded the words of his mother when she urged him to vote for suffrage. Secretary of State Bainbridge Colby signed the amendment into law on August 26, 1920.
     Fifty years later on August 26th, 1970, Betty Friedan and the National Organization for Women organized a nationwide Women’s Strike for Equality. Women across the political spectrum joined together to demand equal opportunities in employment and education, as well as 24-hour childcare centers. This was the largest protest for gender equality in United States history. There were demonstrations and rallies in more than 90 major cities and small towns across the country and over 100,000 women participated, including 50,000 who marched down Fifth Avenue in New York City.
     In addition to the marches, groups of women participated in publicity stunts aimed at garnering more recognition of gender inequality. Women in New York City took over the Statue of Liberty, hanging two 40 foot banners from the crown reading “March on August 26 for Equality” and “Women of the World Unite.” An organized group stopped the ticker tape at the American Stock Exchange, and held signs such as, “We won’t bear any more bull.” Female teachers also filed a lawsuit against the New York City Board of Education in which they demanded gender equality in appointing educational administration positions. The case lasted about 10 years and finally resulted in an increase in female principals.
     While the strike did not halt the activities of the nation, it drew national attention to the Women’s Movement. The New York Times, for example, published their first major article on the Feminist Movement by covering the events of the day. It even included a map of the route the marchers took through the city. In 1971, Representative Bella Abzug (D-NY) introduced a successful bill designating August 26th of each year as Women’s Equality Day. Part of the bill reads that Women’s Equality Day is a symbol of women’s continued fight for equal rights and that the United States commends and supports them. It decreed that the President is authorized and requested to issue a proclamation annually in commemoration of woman suffrage and the 1970 Strike for Equality. Women today continue to draw on the history of these brave and determined women.

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  

     One must never forget that life is unfair. But sometimes, with a bit of luck, this works in your favour. There is nothing I like better at the end of a hot summer's day than taking a short walk around the garden. You can smell the heat coming up from the earth to meet the cooler night air.

~Peter Mayle~

     Happy Birth Anniversary to you Debbie Harris Dugard. You're older today than yesterday, but younger than tomorrow! We may not be by your side celebrating your special day with you, but we want you to know that we're thinking of you and wishing you a wonderful birthday. Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr. once stated; To be seventy years young is sometimes far more cheerful and hopeful than to be forty years old. Most people are willing to take the Sermon on the Mount as a flag to sail under, but few will use it as a rudder by which to steer. To reach a port we must sail, sometimes with the wind, and sometimes against it. But we must not drift or lie at anchor....Over the years, you've been blessed with the gifts of grace and favor, because you were willing to take the Sermon on the Mount as a flag to sail under. Today your rudder has steered you to safety, within the port of Blessed Assurance. Having achieved the  lifeline age of Seventy Years, we can only imagine you loudly shouting the words "Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine".
    As an "Heir of salvation", Love is the master key that opens the gates of happiness, of hatred, of jealousy, and, most easily of all, the gate of fear. It's faith in something and enthusiasm for something that makes a life worth living. But friendship is the breathing rose, with sweets in every fold. Without wearing any mask we are conscious of, we have a special face for each friend (OWH, Sr.).... Our faces today are full of joy, enthusiasm and love for you. Should you celebrate or choose not to, I wish you a Kirk Whalum type of day. The Gospel According To Jazz tells us that This Is The Day for your enjoyment, relaxation and to receive additional blessings. May you enjoy yourself and 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  

     We are either in the process of resisting God's truth or in the process of being shaped and molded by his truth. God will never direct us to be prideful, arrogant and unforgiving, immoral or slothful or full of fear. We step into these things because we are insensitive to the leadership of the Holy Spirit within us. Earthly wisdom is doing what comes naturally. Godly wisdom is doing what the Holy Spirit compels us to do. Every test, every trial, every heartache that's been significant, I can turn it over and see how God has turned it into good no matter what.

~Charles Stanley~

Kenneth Davis

BIRTH ANNIVERSARY GREETINGS

TO

MARILYN SANDERS JONES

     Birth Anniversary Greetings to you, Marilyn Sanders Jones. An occasion as important as this should be celebrated accordingly, whether it's with a day trip, night out on the town or a birthday party with family and friends. May you be gifted with life's biggest joys and never-ending bliss. A very happy 70th birthday to you. May you continue to age with grace and may your blessings never fade. Thomas Aquinas, was an Italian Dominican friar and priest, who was an immensely influential philosopher, theologian, and jurist in the tradition of scholasticism once stated; There is nothing on this earth more to be prized than true friendship. To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible. Friendship is the source of the greatest pleasures, and without friends even the most agreeable pursuits become tedious...
     Over the years, many of us have cherished your friendship. We can agree with Thomas; "There is nothing on this earth more to be prized than true friendship." Your Birthday Ninja, advised me to compose your anniversary portrait collage, using a yellow rose as the foundation. The yellow rose is strongly connected to friendships and relationships of all kinds. Symbolizing the extra strength and prosperity when two or more work together. It's a celebration flower with warm, kind, loving, vibrations attached. Yellow roses stand for wisdom and resurrecting bridges between people and hearts. They also symbolize feelings of selfless pride and a quick infusion of gratitude and joy! So today, celebrate the amazing person you are and the promise of the year to come. May your Facebook news feed be filled with messages from people you never talk to. Wishing you a beautiful day with good health and happiness forever. Forget the past; look forward to the future. Should you decide to celebrate today, or not to, I wish you a Walter Beasley type of day. Today is a day For Your Pleasure...enjoy the blessings of today by taking it Nice And Easy....stay safe my friend...