Kenneth Davis

     October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual campaign to raise awareness about the impact of breast cancer. This year we RISE to ensure every woman has access to the screenings she needs and the support she deserves. When we RISE, we Rally in Screening Everyone. When we raise our voices together, we help spread the word about the importance of breast cancer screening and support. RISE up and join us in reaching even more people throughout Breast Cancer Awareness Month by sharing NBCF messaging on your social media channels.

Are you ready to RISE?

Kenneth Davis

SMALL STRAWS IN A SOFT WIND  by Marsha Burns

October 2, 2022: You will begin to see the resolution of difficult problems. I will impart to you clarity in the understanding of what you can do to deal with these issues. Refuse to get mired in possibilities or probabilities. Rather, seek My face and ask for the wisdom necessary to move forward at this time, says the Lord. Never doubt that I am with you. Matthew 7:7 Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.

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

     The Bible has multiple accounts of people who were born with various conditions and in various states of existence, only to meet Jesus and be healed or delivered from whatever was their concern. Truly, there isn't a human ever born into this life without having to contend with one issue or another along life's journey. As a survivor of the 20th-century Race Wars, my back remains unbent, and I move forward for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for all who were created equal in God's eyes.

~Alveda King~

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  

     True heroism is remarkably sober, very undramatic. It is not the urge to surpass all others at whatever cost, but the urge to serve others at whatever cost. Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can. We must reach out our hand in friendship and dignity both to those who would befriend us and those who would be our enemy. I keep sailing on in this middle passage. I am sailing into the wind and the dark. But I am doing my best to keep my boat steady and my sails full.

~Arthur Ashe~
 (American - Tennis Player - Famous KAPPA)

     Birth Anniversary Greetings to you Eugene "NUPE" Grayer. Your Birthday Ninja has determined that your birth represents vision, imagination and the joy of living. You possess a great talent for creativity and self expression. How about gathering together, our classmates in the Nashville area, to plan and present our 55th Class Reunion???? The doctrines of grace humble a man without degrading him, and exalt him without inflating him (Charles Hodge). In the journey of an entrepreneur, the most important thing is self-belief and the ability to convert that belief into reality. Essentially, whoever is successful, whoever is going to do things that make a difference, is going to be talked about (Mukesh Ambani). We've been assured that you're a successful entrepreneur and you're well known within the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity.

     There are some of your graces which would never be discovered if it were not for your trials (C. H. Spurgeon). Now that you've achieved a milestone during our lifetime, which is cherished by many, "It is better to grow in grace than gifts" (Thomas Watson). As the days ahead provide you with additional blessings of Mercy, Favor and Grace, I wish you an Ace Livingston type of day. Should you choose to celebrate, or not, may the gift of Gratitude, as performed within The Ace Livingston Project, inspire you to reflect upon the goodness of this day. Gifts are what a man has but graces are what a man is (F. W. Robertson)....enjoy your day and stay safe my friend....

Kenneth Davis

IT'S NOW TIME FOR
JUST JOKING MONDAYS

A pair of cows were talking in the field.

One says, “Have you heard

about the mad cow disease that’s going around?”

“Yeah,” the other cow says.

“Makes me glad I’m a penguin.”

Joycelyn Lacy (Somerville)

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  

     Educationists should build the capacities of the spirit of inquiry, creativity, entrepreneurial and moral leadership among students and become their role model. A teacher should have a creative mind. Great teachers emanate out of knowledge, passion and compassion. Teaching is a very noble profession that shapes the character, caliber, and future of an individual. The purpose of education is to make good human beings with skill and expertise... Enlightened human beings can be created by teachers.

~A. P. J. Abdul Kalam~ (Indian - Statesman)

     Birth Anniversary Greetings to you Alice Holman Nesbitt. Your Birthday Ninja has determined that your birth represents  growth, building and foundation. You are practical and down to earth with strong ideas about right and wrong. Anyone who really knows you, or who's held a sincere conversation with you, can validate these characteristics. Albert Einstein once stated; It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge. I believe that you truly resemble that remark. God gives his gifts where he finds the vessel empty enough to receive them (C. S. Lewis). May you continue to receive his gifts of Grace, Mercy and Favor, today and those days of the future. Should you choose to celebrate, of not, I wish you a Steve Cole type of day. May you be filled with Moonlight, as an Angel, remembered by all of your students, locally and nation wide. Enjoy your day and stay safe my friend....

Joycelyn Lacy (Somerville)

Kenneth Davis

October 5: National Be Nice Day

     Every year on October 5, people come together to celebrate National Be Nice Day. It’s a no-brainer that we should be nice each and every day, but unfortunately, in this complicated world,  that’s a tough goal to achieve on a daily basis. Luckily, there’s one special day where we can fully concentrate on kindness towards others, something which ricochets back to us as a personal benefit. Be it big or small, any act of kindness is something to celebrate. National Be Nice Day encourages us to make someone else’s life just a little bit happier. Commit to walking in the light of positivity all day long.

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

     Your personality counts for a lot and how you are to work with. We are all scrutinized. Everyone. Man, woman, everyone, especially if you are in the public eye in any way on social media. It's about doing you and not worrying too much about other things. Positivity helps with everything in life.

~Stella Maxwell~

The Secret To A Long Life 
(Hint: It Has To Do With Your Friends)
Amanda Chatel - This article originally appeared on YourTango

     If you're one of those people who wants to live forever or at least as close to forever as possible, then you need to get some awesome friends.Not just friends who are awesome to you, but friends who basically think you're the best thing coming down the street; friends who think you're awesome to them, too. It's the friends who think highly of us who, in a roundabout way, make us live longer, so says science.
     Researchers have found that when it comes to lifespan, it's more about personality traits and how our friends view those traits than whether or not we're the smartest or richest in the bunch. A 75-year-long research found that the friends' views of the participants, in that very, very long study, were the things that were heavy hitters when it came to longevity. It doesn't matter how smart or rich you are, what matters is who you spend your time with. 
     It was men whose friends regarded them as conscientious and open who lived longest, and women whose friends said they were agreeable and emotionally stable who were likely to have longer lives, although this theory worked best for men. I know it's weird, but science, man. In psychology, there's something called the Big Five personality traits that are the "broad domains and dimensions" under which aspects of the human personality fall. Those five are neuroticism, agreeableness, conscientiousness, extraversion, and openness. Although being neurotic is probably likely to do more damage than good, it's the other personality qualities that, if visible to those we love and care about, will lead to longer lives. We may not regard ourselves as agreeable or conscientious, but if our friends say we are then, well, we are, and we will reap the benefits from being so.
     Takeaway? Surrounding ourselves with people who love and care about us is great all around. We not only feel less alone and supported, but it's those people who think we're great and can see all the wonderful things in us who help us live longer and happier lives. Close friends can see in us some of the things we can't see ourselves and because of that, we're forced to acknowledge both our good and bad points. The friendships we make in this life are going to be the most important decisions that e make. While our bad points may not contribute to increased lifespans, it's those good points that will bring us into our 80s and 90s, if we let the good stuff outweigh the bad. Basically, what it comes down to is being a positive person is the ticket to reaching a ripe old age, if that's your thing.

Kenneth Davis

     Birth Anniversary Greetings to Octavia Harris and Jerry Hosey. Octavia hasn't decided to  join us here on the website yet. Should you see her today or you have her contact information, do wish her Happy Birthday on behalf of our class and request that she has a wonderful day. Jerry, the Birthday Ninja for both of you indicates that progress, adventure and opportunity are important elements of your character. You possess the curiosity of a cat and long to experience all of life. So today, I ask that you forget about the past, you can't change it. Forget about the future, you can't predict it. Forget about the present, I didn't get you one. Happy Birthday!! A drop of grace is worth a sea of gifts (William Jenkyn). Grace is richer than prayer, for God always gives more than is asked of him (Ambrose). On this day, it is grace that has been bestowed upon you and we're happy that you were given more than you've anticipated. The word ‘grace’ is unquestionably, the most significant single word in the Bible (Ilion T. Jones).
       Malcolm X once stated; I believe in the brotherhood of all men, but I don’t believe in wasting brotherhood on anyone who doesn’t want to practice it with me. Brotherhood is a two-way street. It is always the adventurers who do great things, not the sovereigns of great empires. To become truly great, one has to stand with people, not above them. There is only one thing that can form a bond between men, and that is gratitude... we cannot give someone else greater power over us than we have ourselves (Baron de Montesquie). Thank you my friend, for allowing me to be a member of your brotherhood over the years. Thank you for standing with the people, not above them. As your Ninja stated; progress, adventure and opportunity are important elements of your character. It would not be better, if things happened to men just as they wish. The vision must be followed by the venture. It is not enough to stare up the steps - we must step up the stairs. The ocean will hold a boat or a battleship, and God’s grace will stand any weight you put on it (Vance Havner). The Cherokee Square Apartments and The Greenwich Square Apartments will never be the same, for it was by the weight of Grace that we survived those early days of our lives. Within our Brotherhood, you've always been the progressive, the adventurer and an opportunist. May your shoulders be blessed with the ability to continuously carry various degrees of additional Favor, Mercy and Grace. I'm wishing you a Euge Groove type of day. Should you celebrate, or choose not to, you're still living S7ven Large these days. Continue to possess the curiosity of a cat and long to experience, all of life....enjoy your day and stay safe my friend...

Joycelyn Lacy (Somerville)

Estella Wright (Mayhue-Greer)

September 15-October 15 is Hispanic Heritage Month.

"It's ironic that those who till the soil, cultivate and harvest the fruits, vegetables, and other foods that fill your tables with abundance have nothing left for themselves."   Cesar Chavez

The plight of Hispanics is all to similar to the plight of African-Americans. Inclusivity makes a stronger nation.

Kenneth Davis

Good Morning - God Bless You !

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

     No matter what race or color you are, you can aspire to do something great. Don't let people tell you that you can't do something. I don't think that being Hispanic, being black, being white - I don't think that limits you to anything. I think everyone should just go for what they want. Growing up, there wasn't an exact Hispanic role model that I had. I didn't realize how big a difference I was making, going to the Olympics and being Hispanic, until I would be in an autograph session, and parents would come up to me and say, 'You know, our family is so proud of you, you're really doing Hispanics proud.'

~Laurie Hernandez~

     Laurie Hernandez is an American gymnast, one of only a few Latina Olympian gymnasts. In the 2016 Olympics, she won an individual silver medal for the balance beam and was a member of the women’s “Final Five” team that took the gold medal.

IT'S TIME FOR ANOTHER

Estella Wright (Mayhue-Greer)

Is that the old match holder?

Joycelyn Lacy (Somerville)

Kenneth Davis

GIVE THE LADY A TEDDY BEAR - YOU'RE CORRECT ESTELLA!!

ALWAYS CLOSE TO REFRESH PILOT LIGHTS ON

GAS WALL HEATERS AND STOVE EYES...

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

     The people in Japan know more about the history of jazz and the musicians than the people in the United States do. The first thing is, jazz is one of the few things to let you know that there is a God and there is a creation. It's something that - jazz is one of the few things that you can go and listen to, I don't care where you're from, what you are, what background you come from - there's something there for you. It brings people together. It brings the races together. It brings religions together. 

~Billy Higgins~

CHANEL MONROE - ARTIST

SMOOTH JAZZ FRIDAYS

     Known for the fusing of Japanese music and other forms of world music, American-Asian jazz band Hiroshima was formed in 1974 and, due to their unique style, were among the groups who had set an earlier path towards jazz fusion.  Their self-titled album (Hiroshima) was released in 1979 but it would be the album “Another Place” [released in 1985], with the hit song “One Wish”, that would bring Hiroshima into full-blown popularity. Hiroshima’s discography is massive having released several albums and other music compilations between 1979 to the present.  The last album this extraordinary band released was “Song with Words” in 2016 so it’s such great news to know they’re back with a new groove.  “Groovelatino”…a peppy but smooth & jazzy tune with Latino flavor…” is the first single from the bands forthcoming project “20/20”:  Celebrating 40 years in the music recording industry.  If you listen closely to the track, the music reminds you of Hiroshima’s earlier days…a reminder that Hiroshima is still giving fans the style and quality that they’re accustomed to after 40 years.......

Kenneth Davis

Death is no more than passing from one room into another.

But there's a difference for me, you know.

Because in that other room I shall be able to see.
 ~Helen Keller~

Margie McRae (Reed)

Good Morning Warriors!

Somebody prayed for me, had me on their mind.

Took a little time and prayed for me!

I’m so glad they prayed, I’m so glad they prayed,

I’m so glad they prayed for me!

Last Friday, the skies were gray; the wind was blowing…

And then, we saw the sun!

We moved to Upstate South Carolina on August 18th - 1989.  On September 21st of that same year, Hurricane Hugo struck!  It was and still remains the most devastating hurricane to have hit South Carolina.  Although we are not on the coast, Greenville, SC sustained quite a bit of damage. So I know what could have been!

Thank you for your prayers! I felt them!  God is a good God!

Have a blessed weekend!

Margie

Kenneth Davis

WITH SADNESS OF HEART,

I ANNOUNCE THE TRANSITION OF OUR BROTHER,

EZELL ARMSTRONG JR.

OBITUARY

Ezell Armstrong Jr.
APRIL 10, 1950 – SEPTEMBER 30, 2022
IN THE CARE OF
M. J. Edwards Funeral Home
Ezell Armstrong Jr., age 72, of Memphis, Tennessee passed away on

Friday, September 30, 2022. Ezell was born April 10, 1950.

     A visitation for Ezell will be held Friday, October 7, 2022 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at M. J. Edwards Airways Chapel, 1165 Airways Blvd, Memphis, TN 38114. A funeral service will occur Saturday, October 8, 2022 at 10:00 AM at New Salem M B C, 2237 S. Parkway East, Memphis, TN 38114. A burial will occur Saturday, October 8, 2022 at Elmwood Cemetery, 824 Dudley St., Memphis, TN 38104.

Visitation
4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
M. J. EDWARDS AIRWAYS CHAPEL
1165 Airways Blvd
Memphis, TN 38114

Funeral Service
10:00 am
NEW SALEM M B C
2237 S. Parkway East
Memphis, TN 38114

Burial
ELMWOOD CEMETERY
824 Dudley St.
Memphis, TN 38104

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  

     I had been afraid of breast cancer, as I suspect most women are, from the time I hit adolescence. At that age, when our emerging sexuality is our central preoccupation, the idea of disfigurement of a breast is particularly horrifying. For most people, chemotherapy is no longer the chamber of horrors we often conceive it to be. Yes, it is an ordeal for some people, but it wasn't for me, nor for most of the patients I got to know during my four months of periodic visits to the chemo suite.

~Geraldine Brooks~

Kenneth Davis

May God enlighten your life with beautiful blessings! Good Morning!!!

MORNING PRAYER OFFERED BY JAMES STONE

Lord God, thank You for the manifold blessings of Your wisdom and the tools it provides to navigate the challenges of life. Bless us to express its benefits in song, prayers, hymns and praise to Thy glory and the edification of one another. In Jesus's name. Amen! Colossians 3:16. Have a blessed day!

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

     Everyone has some inner power that awaits discovery. A man's worth isn't measured by a bank register or diploma ... It's about integrity. I believe that we were meant to live as social creatures, to reach out and bless each other's lives. I believe that love is the choice we make to raise ourselves and others to the highest planes of existence.

~Richard Paul Evans~

Kenneth Davis

     Birth Anniversary Greetings to you Wendolyn Wooten Petties! Be happy! Today is the day you were brought into this world to be a blessing and inspiration to the people around you! You are a wonderful person. May you be given more birthdays to fulfill all of your dreams. Happy Birthday. The human race has been telling stories since it began. Your body changes, but you don't change at all. And that, of course, causes great confusion. The great secret that all old people share, is that you really haven't changed in seventy or eighty years. Some people obtain fame, others deserve it (Doris Lessing). Today you've been blessed with a well deserved gift of fortune and fame. Seventy years ago on this date, your Birthday Ninja provided you with initiative, potential and singularity. You are a born leader. You insist on your right to make up your own mind; you demand freedom of thought and action. 
     The strength people need to proceed along the path of human development can come only from the spiritual worlds. One can ascend to a higher development only by bringing rhythm and repetition into one's life. Only a person who has passed through the gate of humility can ascend to the heights of the spirit. We will not find the inner strength to evolve to a higher level if we do not inwardly develop this profound feeling that there is something higher than ourselves. The main difference in the effectiveness of teaching comes from the thoughts the teacher has had during the entire time of his or her existence and brings into the classroom. A teacher concerned with developing humans, affects the students quite differently, from a teacher who never thinks about such things. The true teachers and educators are not those who have learned pedagogy as the science of dealing with children, but those in whom pedagogy has awakened, through understanding the human being. You cannot be an educator or a teacher without relating to children with full insight. Their urge to imitate has been transformed into a receptivity, based on a natural and uncontested relationship of authority, and you must take this into account in the broadest possible sense (Rudolf Steiner). The proverb, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, means that one imitates someone else because one admires that person or values what that person is doing.

     We had numerous teachers, of which we wanted to imitate during our school days. Hopefully your spirit of pedagogy was instilled within many of your students and they've now become educators. Notwithstanding, the blessings of Mercy, Favor and Grace have been bestowed upon you over the years. As Rudolf stated; Only a person who has passed through the gate of humility, can ascend to the heights of the spirit. During your retirement, may your days continue to be blessed. Should you decide to celebrate, or not, I'm wishing you a Paul Brown type of day. While relaxing in the Promised Land of MSCS Retirees, keep a of notebook of your Secret Sauce lesson plans, available for distribution, among inspiring Apprentice Educators. Enjoy your day and stay safe my friend....

Margie McRae (Reed)

Belated Greetings to My Classmates Celebrating September Birthdays!!

A Special Happy Birthday to my Classmates who had Celebrations this Past Week!

Alice, Jerry, Octavia, and my elementary chum Eugene

Today’s the day!!!

Happy Birthday to my longtime friend from LaRose Elementary -

Wendolyn Cecile Wooten Petties

And High School and Forever Friend - Linda L. Brookins Waller

Ladies, Enjoy Your Birthday Season!!!

Be Blessed!

Margie

Kenneth Davis

 October is also Domestic Violence Awareness Month 

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

     Power and violence are opposites; where the one rules absolutely, the other is absent. Violence appears where power is in jeopardy, but left to its own course it ends in power's disappearance. The sad truth is that most evil is done by people who never make up their minds to be good or evil. The trouble with lying and deceiving is that their efficiency depends entirely upon a clear notion of the truth that the liar and deceiver wishes to hide.

~Hannah Arendt~

IT'S NOW TIME FOR

     One mid-October evening, I answered a knock on the door. There in front of me was a boy wearing a Dracula mask. “Trick or treat!” he yelled. “Nice costume,” I said. “But Halloween’s not for another two weeks.” “I know,” he said. “But I’m away then.”

~Jim Robertson~

Joycelyn Lacy (Somerville)