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've been very blessed as far as my faith sustaining me because it's not like I haven't been challenged and I haven't been tested and disappointed. But my faith does really bind me and keep me. I hold onto the Scripture that says, 'Be anxious for nothing, but in all things give thanks.' I'm not saying I don't have problems or that I don't worry, but I try not to be stressed. I manage my anxiety through prayer. Worry shows up on your face, and I don't want that! Gospel music to me has always been a balm for the soul. It has been able to usher in the spirit, usher in worship, true worship and praise, healing. I find the music to be very good at healing and the passion, you know, which is a testimony being told in song.

~Kim Fields~

Kenneth Davis

If a man insisted always on being serious,

and never allowed himself a bit of fun and relaxation,

he would go mad or become unstable without knowing it.

Death is a delightful hiding place for weary men.

~Herodotus~

Kenneth Davis

BIRTH ANNIVERSARY GREETINGS

TO

CAROLYN PARKER

     We may not be by your side celebrating this special day with you, but we want you to know that we're thinking of you and wishing you a wonderful birthday. Jonathan Morris once stated that; God's grace and mercy are bigger than the biggest challenge we may face today and the worst decision we might make today. Just having an awareness, of God's mercy and compassion for us, is a great motivation for us to be merciful and compassionate to other people and to take steps toward encountering God...... Analysis, awareness and understanding were influential characteristics provided by your Birthday Ninja. It's also been determined that you are the searcher and the seeker of the truth. Such characteristics combined with Favour, Grace and Mercy received over the years, have allowed you to arrive at this revered milestone age of 70 years. 
     Because time itself is like a spiral, something special happens on your birthday each year: The same energy that God invested in you at birth is present once again. So during those first moments of the day, which are yours and yours alone, you can circumvent these boundaries and concentrate fully on spiritual matters. And this gives you the opportunity to plan the time management of the entire day. This is the key to time management - to see the value of every moment (Menachem Mendel Schneerson). At this moment, we're grateful that you remain among us. Were she still breathing, Kathleen would undoubtedly agree with this statement. There's an old saying, 'Life begins at forty.' That's silly. Life begins every morning you wake up. You can't help getting older, but you don't have to get old (George Burns). Your life is a gift from the Creator. Your gift back to the Creator is what you do with your life (Billy Mills). As you celebrate today, or choose not to, may the blessings of Grace, Mercy and Favour continue to gravitate towards you each day, with this new milestone achievement. I wish you an Adam Hawley type of day. May you resume your influential characteristics of analysis, awareness, understanding, and use the same energy that God invested in you at birth to keep "Risin Up" with additional longevity....enjoy your day and stay safe my friend....be blessed.... 

Joycelyn Lacy (Somerville)

Kenneth Davis

Gratitude makes sense of our past,

brings peace for today,

and creates a vision for tomorrow.

~Melody Beattie~

     On behalf of the Website Administrators and your classmates, "Thank You" and "Welcome Home" Carolyn Parker...We pray that you enjoyed your return visit to the website and that you'll make it a habit. Stay safe, stay warm and be blessed.....

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 increasing ability to alter our biology and open up the processes of life is now fueling a new cultural war. If you judge by what people do to improve their health, they value their lives highly. So adding to your period of vitality is something that most people would certainly do. If there was a pill that would do that, it's clear that everyone would take it. Retarding the aging process would be therapy and enhancement because it would mean defeating diseases and because it would extend our life span.

~Gregory Stock~

The 8 Pillars of Wellness  Lauren Klein 
© Provided by Lauren Klein
Presenting Pillars 5 - 8

(Continuation From Last Week)

     Wellness isn’t waking up at 6am, journaling, and drinking a green juice. Wellness is so much more. There are 8 pillars of wellness that impact your state of wellness: Physical, Emotional, Social, Spiritual, Nutritional, Intellectual, Financial, and Environmental. These are the different aspects that have a role in determining your ever-changing state of wellness. Discovering what each pillar actually stands for is the beginning of a self-discovery journey to figuring out what you really should be doing to improve your personal wellness.

Wellness Pillars 5 - 8

Nutritional Wellness

     The nutritional pillar of wellness does not specifically require you to have daily hot lemon water and green juice. Actually, you can be completely nutritionally well without ever having either! Being nutritionally well includes a balanced diet of not only fruits, veggies, healthy fats, protein, and whole grains but also the foods that bring you joy! Do you really think you could live well without your favorite dessert? I would say that would cause more upset than if you had it! There is no specific diet you have to follow to be ‘well’. If you have any issues with figuring out what this looks like for you feel free to reach out to me! We can work together to discover a plan individual for you!

Intellectual Wellness

     Intellectual wellness is the constant strive to continuing to learn new information and staying receptive to new ideas. This doesn’t have to look like reading peer-reviewed scientific articles everyday. This can be challenging yourself to brain games such as sudoku or having a friendly debate with a friend!

Financial Wellness

     If you’ve ever been struggling financially you will understand what it means to be financially well. It is both having enough income to support yourself, can manage it adequately, and can also plan for your future. You don’t have to have millions set aside in your portfolio but it also isn’t having to return cans in order to pay rent. Having to constantly stress about money takes a lot out of you, so to be financially well you have to have enough income that allows you to at least live within your means.
     Adequately managing your money is being able to purchase yourself the things that make you happy but also not having to over-indulge. For some this looks like spending a little extra on a local coffee now and again and for others it could mean being able to donate to their favorite charity. Being financially well includes planning for your future. Managing your finances is not just your day-to-day expenses but also setting aside money for when you are no longer working. You don’t have to specifically know how to do this. There are professional financial planners for this. You just need to be smart enough to utilize them!

Environmental Wellness

     Unlike the other pillars of wellness, environmental wellness is less about you and more about what you do. It is inevitable that the damage we cause to the environment will catch up to us. Including the environment as a pillar to our personal wellness places a greater emphasis on living a lower-waste lifestyle. For some this could be more effort with greater reward in the feeling of knowing the difference you’ve made. Being well is a constant change of state. These 8 pillars come together to form the structure of you. At some times certain pillars will lack but others will stand stronger. This is the ebb and flows of wellness. Being accepting of these fluctuations is a way to not put too much pressure on yourself to be ‘be well‘.

Norma Berden (Winborne)

Thank you Kenneth and Joyce beautiful love ❤️ expression's giving to me on my special day!💃🏾 Especially Kenneth for helping to be able to post messages now 😊😘

Kenneth Davis

One of the best gifts you can give to someone,

is a wider perspective.

It's also one of the best gifts you can receive.

~Unknown~

     Thanks Norma for your words of appreciation. As your administrators, Joycelyn, Estella and I are dedicated to assisting you and others with a successful return to "Our Website". Often times, we don't hear from each other, due to minor complications. Many of us are not social media passengers and this website is the only media road traveled. Resetting a password or updating an email address is a simple task for us as your administrators. It's an act of love for you and your expressed desire to communicate with your classmates. Now that you're home again, don't hesitate to reach out and touch a distant classmate, any classmate. You never know how it may influence their day. Encouragement is the daily quotation and applied theme for us. Stay safe and be blessed 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

     In the final analysis, the questions of why bad things happen to good people transmutes itself into some very different questions, no longer asking why something happened, but asking how we will respond, what we intend to do now that it happened. It doesn't matter if the water is cold or warm if you're going to have to wade through it anyway.

~Pierre Teilhard de Chardin~

IT'S TIME FOR ANOTHER

af·flu·ence  /ˈaflo͞oəns/  noun
the state of having a great deal of money; wealth.

     “Affluence isn't affluence at all. Hong Kong is the benchmark; everybody else's affluence is mere tat. Until you've experienced that perfume-washed air as polarized glass doors embrace you into a luxury hotel's plush interior, you've only had a dud replica of the real thing.”

~Jonathan Gash~

Kenneth Davis

Joycelyn Lacy (Somerville)

Joycelyn Lacy (Somerville)

Estella Wright (Mayhue-Greer)

Prayer, the basic exercise of the spirit, must be actively practiced in our private lives. The neglected soul must be made strong enough to assert itself once more. For if the power of prayer is again released and used our lives; if the spirit declares its aims clearly and boldly, the is hope that our prayers for a better world will be answered.     -Alexis Carrel

Joycelyn Lacy (Somerville)

Estella Wright (Mayhue-Greer)

We like someone because. We love someone in spite of.

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  

     My grandmother's house was a one room shack. I was the kind of poor where I knew right away I had less than everyone around me. Our environment, our physical space reflected our income. We didn't have money all the time to do laundry. A lot of the time, we didn't have soap or hot water. We were smart kids academically, but we'd go to school smelling. When you grow up in abject poverty, you see people exactly the way they are. My grandmom worked as a maid for most of her life, and she worked in the tobacco and the cotton fields, whatever she could get. We grew up in abject poverty. Self-deprecation is not the answer to humility. I know I'm not the best, but I'm proud of myself. What do you want? What do you want your life to be? What do you want your testimony to be? Go for it! I truly believe that the privilege of a lifetime is being who you are. There's no prerequisites to worthiness. You're born worthy, and I think that's a message a lot of women need to hear.

~Viola Davis~

Kenneth Davis

BIRTH ANNIVERSARY GREETINGS
 TO
LORETTA LUSBY THORPE

    Term or Whole life is normally considered when purchasing a life insurance policy. However, I've read where "Whole life is a search for beauty. But, when the beauty is found inside, the search ends and a beautiful journey begins". You've standing on the precipice of a beautiful journey, where one must constantly take care of their inner spiritual beauty, which reflects upon the face. We're proud of you today, having reached the age of 70. Like you, those of us who've achieved this milestone, have also come to value the aging process and focus on inner rather than outer beauty. The soul would have no rainbow if the eyes had no tears (Native American proverb). Beauty is a radiance that originates from within and comes from inner security and strong character (Jane Seymour).
     Having been blessed with the characteristics of progress, adventure and opportunity at birth, no beauty shines brighter than that of "your good heart". Not just a good heart, but your "Big-heartedness, which is the most essential virtue on this spiritual journey (Matthew Fox). Faith gives us an inner strength and a sense of balance and perspective in life... A life of adventure is ours for the taking, whether we're seven or seventy. Life for the most part is what me make it. We have been given a responsibility to live it fully, joyfully, completely, and richly, in whatever span of time God grants us on this earth. My favorite thing that God gives is grace. It is without performance, free in Christ (Luci Swindoll).

     As you celebrate today, or choose not to, we prayerfully request continued bountiful blessings of Mercy, Grace and Favour over you and you family. When your grandchild asks how old you are at your party, you should go ahead and tell them. While they're distracted trying to count that high, you can steal a bite of their cake! We only live once, so don’t fret over the numbers and enjoy life! May you always be happy, healthy and prosperous. Happy birthday youngster! Nov. 22nd on the 30 Reasons to Celebrate in March calendar is also "Go For A Ride Day". As the weather gets cooler, we start to hole up in our warm homes more often. Use this day to avoid getting cabin fever, and go out for a ride in whichever mode of transportation works best for you. I wish you a John E Lawrence / Jeff Lorber type of day. Put on your LEATHER JACKET and go for a drive. Just enjoy a little time away from home....enjoy your day my friend....stay safe and be blessed....

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 

     Choose wisely, then eat in moderation. When I know I'm going to Mom's for dinner, I throw an extra 20 minutes on the cardio machine so I can be ready to eat. I have my great grandmother's recipe for black beans, all the way from Cuba, and I know how to make those. I'm actually pretty good at it now. But my first time, the beans actually exploded in the pot, so I had black beans just dripping from the ceiling - which is actually a dream come true for most Cubans. It was a nightmare to clean.

~Danny Pino~

WELLNESS WEDNESDAYS

Surprising Health Benefits of Black Beans, According to Dietitians

Story by Arielle Weg 

     Whether you usually ask for no beans in your burrito bowl or regularly pile them high on your plate at the salad bar, black beans can be a polarizing food. But the little legume actually has some surprising health benefits you should consider before skipping the spoonful. We chatted with experts to ask, “Are black beans healthy?” We also asked about the health benefits of black beans, and how to eat black beans so you can incorporate them into more meals.

Are black beans healthy?

     Experts agree that as long as you don’t have a sensitivity or allergy, black beans should definitely make it on your shopping list ASAP. “There are so many great benefits to eating black beans. They’re an inexpensive, accessible, and culturally diverse food that serves up long-lasting carbohydrates, fiber, protein, and healthy fats,” says Tessa Nguyen R.D., L.D.N., chef and registered dietitian. “I also like that they come in a variety of forms that make it easy to incorporate into any meal, whether you have time to cook them from dry, have 90 seconds to heat them up in a ready-to-eat package, or 10 seconds to use a can opener. The options are endless when it comes to cooking uses, too.”

     Not only does Catherine Perez, M.S., R.D., L.D.N., a registered dietitian, agree and say black beans are “a nutritional powerhouse,” but they’re also a great budget-friendly option for those who want to eat nutritiously while being mindful of increasing grocery prices. Additionally, though some people may be concerned about phytic acid, lectins, and tannins (known as anti-nutrients) found in beans that are said to lower the absorption of some nutrients, Perez assures that the process of cooking and soaking beans can help remove them.

Black beans nutrition

In a half-cup serving of black beans you’ll get:

• 110 calories                5 g fiber
• 55 mg calcium           20 g carbohydrates
• 2 mg iron                   489 mg potassium
• 7 g protein                 0 g fat

Health benefits of black beans

     Like lentils and other legumes, black beans have a ton of health benefits to boast. Marisa Moore, M.B.A., R.D.N., L.D., registered dietitian nutritionist in media and culinary nutrition says black beans provide about half the recommended amount of daily fiber per cup, which is impressive considering less than 10% of Americans consume enough fiber daily. They contain both soluble and insoluble fiber, Perez explains, which is great for reducing cholesterol, improving heart health, supporting good gut health, and keeping the digestive tract moving. Just beware that if you’ve never consumed large amounts of high-fiber foods, introduce them slowly into your diet so as to not upset your stomach, Perez warns.

     Black beans contain a class of antioxidants called anthocyanins that give them their dark color and can help support brain health and lower the risk for heart disease and diabetes, Moore says. Perez adds black beans also contain flavinoids that are associated with reducing inflammation and chronic disease risks. The legume also contains resistant starches which bypass digestion in the upper digestive tract, Perez explains. This stops the beans from being broken down into simple sugar and lowers the response to glucose. “This means we get more blood glucose control when consuming things like black beans,” she says.

     Additionally, black beans are a great source of plant protein, Moore says. They also contain high amounts of iron and magnesium, she adds. Moore suggests pairing black beans with vitamin C, like alongside tomato salsa, to enhance iron absorption and maximize benefits.

How to eat black beans

     You can buy dried beans (these require soaking and cooking the black beans in advance), but for a quicker and equally as delicious option opt for canned beans. Perez notes many cultures serve a bowl of beans and rice as a main entree or alongside other dishes for a balanced meal. She particularly likes them in soups, stews, curry, mixed with rice, in a salad, or turned in refried beans to enjoy in tacos or burritos. You can also add black beans to sweet or savory dishes or try them whole or mashed until you find a way that works for your taste, Nguyen says.

Kenneth Davis

     There is no shame in taking pride in achievements or position. But nobody gets to the top alone. Humility is becoming a lost art, but it's not difficult to practice. It means that you realize that others have been involved in your success. None of us got to where we are alone. Whether the assistance we received was obvious or subtle, acknowledging someone's help is a big part of understanding the importance of saying thank you. 

~Harvey Mackay~

     Thank you Estella and Joycelyn, for exemplifying the spirit of encouragement and spirituality during my absence. The "Gift of Presence" was necessary, as I attended the funeral services, of an extended family member, who's also a BTW Graduate. As impartial administrators, the elements of encouragement and spirituality have prevailed among the members of our class and they should be emphasized daily. Even through such simple acts as telling the truth, being kind, and encouraging others, we bring a smile to God's face (Rick Warren) and to those who visit the website. Henri Frederic Amiel once stated; Thankfulness is the beginning of gratitude. Gratitude is the completion of thankfulness. Thankfulness may consist merely of words. Gratitude is shown in acts....with these words and with gratitude, I close Act 1, Scene 1.....

Kenneth Davis

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

     There is no racial or ethnic involvement in Thanksgiving, and people who may be very distant from the Christian system can see the beauty and the positive spirit that comes from the holiday. Thanksgiving is a season that is very much in accord with the themes and teachings of Jesus Christ. Thanksgiving is a time when the world gets to see just how blessed and how workable the Christian system is. The emphasis is not on giving or buying, but on being thankful and expressing that appreciation to God and to one another. 

~John Clayton~

     Look, really look, at how beautiful this day is. Let go of the worries and anxieties and judgments, and see the beauty. Every day is a day to be thankful. Life's abundance has no limit, and gratitude is what keeps that abundance flowing. In every circumstance there is something for which to be thankful. Even when there seems to be nothing else, there is hope. Be someone who listens, and you will be heard. Be someone who cares, and you will be loved. Be someone who gives, and you will be blessed. Be someone who comforts, and you will know peace. You are here, and there is nothing to fear. Count your blessings and before you're finished counting, you'll have even more.

~Ralph Marston~

IT'S TIME FOR ANOTHER

Kenneth Davis

     Don’t be afraid of death;

be afraid of an unlived life.

You don’t have to live forever,

you just have to live. 
~Natalie Babbitt~

Kenneth Davis

SMALL STRAWS IN A SOFT WIND  by Marsha Burns

     November 25, 2022: Be kind. It does not take any more effort to be charitable than to be disagreeable. I would have you exhibit My character and nature in every situation. Make the effort to have a generous attitude and to be compassionate. Allow My Spirit to flow through you like a river. Ephesians 4:31-32 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.

 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 not background music. You must concentrate in order to get the most out of it. You must absorb it. The harmonies within the music can relax, soothe, relax, and uplift the mind when you concentrate upon and absorb it. Jazz music stimulates the minds and uplifts the souls of those who play it was well as of those who listen to immerse themselves in it. As the mind is stimulated and the soul uplifted, this is eventually reflected in the body.

~Horace Silver~

SMOOTH JAZZ FRIDAYS

ARTWORK BY FRANK MORRISON

Kenneth Davis

Life is a horizontal fall.

Since the day of my birth,

my death began its walk.

It is walking toward me,

without hurrying. 
~Jean Cocteau~