Kenneth Davis

The more we grow in grace

the more we shall flourish in glory.

~Thomas Watson~

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  

     Great blessings await us at this time, and will soon be poured out upon us, if we are faithful in all things, for we are even entitled to greater spiritual blessings than they [the faithful at the time of Christ] were, because they had Christ in person with them, to instruct them in the great plan of salvation. His personal presence we have not, therefore we have need of greater faith.

~Joseph Smith, Jr.~

Rest In Peace Evangelist Louise D. Patterson 

Kenneth Davis

SMALL STRAWS IN A SOFT WIND  by Marsha Burns

     November 28, 2022: In all the busyness that surrounds this season, be sure to take opportunities to rest and rejuvenate. You can do that by letting go of all things that are a concern to you, and position yourself in the Holy Spirit where you will find peace. Stay as long as you need to in that place of serenity before you move on. Proverbs 4:7-8 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding. Exalt her, and she will promote you; she will bring you honor, when you embrace her.

 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 not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having a human experience. Nothing can resist the person who smiles at life - I don't mean the ironic and disillusioned smile of my grandfather, but the triumphant smile of the person who knows that he will survive, or that at least he will be saved by what seems to be destroying him.

~Pierre Teilhard de Chardin~

IT'S NOW TIME FOR
JUST JOKING MONDAYS

     A Stanford University professor took his young son with him on a trip across the country. One day after their return, a package was delivered with postage due. Neither the professor nor his wife had the necessary $3, but their son produced it. Surprised, his mother asked how he came to have that much money. “Well,” he said, “Dad was awfully careless with money on our trip and nearly always left some on the table when we ate. So I just picked it up.”

~D. Elton Trueblood~

Kenneth Davis

     Grief never ends, but it changes.

It is a passage, not a place to stay.

Grief is not a sign of weakness nor a lack of faith:

it is the price of love.

~Elizabeth I~

     With sadness of heart and the cherished memory of a loving classmate, I announce the transition of Alice Rodgers Blackburn. Notification was received from Amelia Griffin, our classmate and cousin of Alice. Arrangements will be posted to the website upon completion. Please uplift both families with prayer, on their behalf....

Joycelyn Lacy (Somerville)

Carolyn Parker (Gunn)

Hello Kenneth. Thanks for helping me figure this website out 

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 live in a crazy world. You don't know what's going to happen. The people that you think are supposed to be there for you and be happy for you - instead they want to tear you down. It always baffles me how people can lift you up so high and make it seem like they love you then you do one thing wrong and it's all of a sudden you the devil and you evil and everything you do from then on isn't right. People will throw stones and hide their hands and then get back and play victim. When somebody gives their testimony or tells their story, the next person can be motivated or inspired by it. That's all I'm trying to do.

~August Alsina~

Kenneth Davis

 CAROLYN PARKER 

     For anything worth having one must pay the price; and the price is always work, patience, love, self-sacrifice - no paper currency, no promises to pay, but the gold of real service.

~John Burroughs~

Robbin Houston (Houston)

I am so sorry to hear our friend and class mate Alice has passed. I was so happy she got in touch with me thru this website about a year ago. We have been texting and calling her since we reunited. But  if it was not for this site I wouldn't  have known she had passed. Kudos to you all and this website. Thank you all for the Love you have put into this ,to me  this is a wedsite of encouragement.  Again thanks

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 

     Promoting health without encouraging others to seek wholeness is an exercise in futility. Not until we realize that our bodies are mirrors of our interpersonal, spiritual, professional, sexual, creative, financial, environmental, mental, and emotional health will we truly heal.

~Lissa Rankin~

WELLNESS WEDNESDAYS

4 Tips for Damage Control After Eating Too Much
 
By Samantha Boesch - Published on November 24, 2022 

     So you've just finished up a massive, delicious meal—but now, you have to pay the price for eating too much. When you overeat, your body may start to feel bloated and lethargic. You may even begin to experience abdominal pain and cramping. No matter what symptoms may accompany feeling stuffed, this physical discomfort can put a damper on the rest of your day. While the best way to deal with overeating would be to avoid it by always eating in moderation, this is honestly sometimes easier said than done. When all your favorite foods are in front of you, the temptation might prove too great—especially during food-centric holidays like Thanksgiving. So, how do you avoid your eyes growing bigger than your stomach while indulging in a decadent, delicious meal?
     If you find yourself overeating and more often than not feeling too full after chowing down, you're not alone. In order to find out the best ways to healthily approach damage control after eating too much, we consulted a few dietitians to get their insight. So here are some dietitian-recommended tips to help you process your post-meal slump after eating too much—and for more dietitian-approved advice on healthy eating habits, be sure to also read 5 Best Eating Habits to Help Boost Your Metabolism, Say Dietitians.

( https://www.eatthis.com/eating-habits-boost-metabolism/ )

Make sure you're hydrating

     Eating foods higher in sodium "can contribute to feeling 'puffy' or bloated the next day," according to Amy Goodson, MS, RD, CSSD, LD, who is the author of The Sports Nutrition Playbook and member of our Expert Medical Board. That is why Goodson stresses the importance of making sure you stay hydrated before and after a big meal. In addition to drinking plenty of water, you can also try boosting your hydration by adding a little something extra to your beverage.
     "One thing you can do is hydrate throughout the day with water infusions, like this Apple Cider Vinegar Lemon "Detox" Drink (https://nutritiontwins.com/apple-cider-vinegar-lemon-detox-drink/ ) or this Cranberry Orange Ginger "Detox" Water (https://nutritiontwins.com/cran-orange-ginger-detox-drink/) ," says Tammy Lakatos Shames, RDN, CDN, CFT, and Lyssie Lakatos, RDN, CDN, CFT, also known as The Nutrition Twins. "The fluid will help to restore normal hydration status as it flushes out the excess sodium, sugar, water that's retained with them, alleviating bloat and heaviness."

Go for a walk after your big meal

     One of the best things you can do for yourself to provide more immediate relief after eating too much and feeling overly full is to go for a walk after your meal. "The walk will help clear your mind. And if you break a sweat, you can secrete some chemicals and small amounts of salt while also increasing blood flow to the brain," says the Nutrition Twins. "You'll burn a few extra calories while you're at it too, which will help to offset some of the extra calories you may have consumed."
     If you're not in the mood for a walk, Goodson has some alternative suggestions for moving your body after a heavy meal. "You can start a friendly game of football in the backyard with family," Goodson suggests. "Or if that doesn't work, maybe hit the gym the next morning, or park at the back of all the parking lots when you head out to run errands."

Get back on track with some vegetables

     According to the Nutrition Twins, eating some antioxidant-rich, fiber-packed greens in your next meal can help get your body back to feeling better. "Fiber from the greens helps push waste and toxins out of the colon, helping to keep you regular so you can quickly spring back and feel lighter," the Nutrition Twins claim. "And the antioxidants in the green vegetables counteract some damage created from overindulging in inflammatory sugary, fatty, and highly-processed foods."

Start the next morning with a balanced breakfast

     One of the things you can do the day after you go a little overboard with eating is making sure you're starting your day off with a healthy, balanced breakfast. "The day after overeating, start with a protein and fiber-rich breakfast to get your blood sugar going in the right direction," says Goodson. "Eggs and oatmeal or whole grain toast with peanut butter and a side of Greek yogurt are great options. This will help with feeling better throughout the day."

Kenneth Davis

 ROBBIN HOUSTON 

     I have always admired men and women who used their talents to serve the community, and who were highly respected and admired for their efforts and sacrifices, even though they held no office whatsoever in government or society.

~Nelson Mandela~

     On behalf of your website administrators, thank you Robbin, for the kind words. Thanks again to Amelia Griffin, for providing the information concerning Alice Rodgers. Amelia's actions, continue to exemplify the purpose of this website. Many of us don't use other forms of social media and this website is extremely valuable for that motivation. Additional arrangements for Alice have not been received yet, but they will be made known, upon receipt. Your administrators shall continue to present website participants with encouraging words and appropriate information applicable to us. May your days be blessed and please continue to visit the website....We see you too Jimmie Powell, keep visiting !

Kenneth Davis

SMALL STRAWS IN A SOFT WIND   by Marsha Burns

     December 1, 2022: Like bees in a hive, you are not alone. It takes every bee doing its part to produce honey. You already know what you need to do to coexist with others. You must do your part to fulfill your purpose and achieve your destiny. Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

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

     Many of the people I know and that you know are very complex human beings, and it's not all about race. Everything isn't a question of race. Everything isn't a question of economics at the very base level. Even the toughest people have a backstory, and villains don't feel like they're the bad guys. The metamorphosis of people is so interesting. I guess that's why everybody loves before and afters, throwback Thursdays, and all that kind of thing. I think Marvin Gaye is one of the greatest American music icons. His 'What's Going On' is as fresh today as when he did it.

~Lynn Whitfield~

IT'S TIME FOR ANOTHER

Kenneth Davis

SMALL STRAWS IN A SOFT WIND  by Marsha Burns

     December 2, 2022: You sometimes feel like you are running a race on an obstacle course where you keep getting bogged down in mud holes, having to jump hurdles, and hitting brick walls. But I tell you that I am with you to make rough places smooth and crooked places straight. Trust Me to bring you through, says the Lord. Isaiah 40:4-5 Every valley shall be exalted and every mountain and hill brought low; the crooked places shall be made straight and the rough places smooth; the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together; for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.

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

     The path to realizing our dreams is never smooth. Invariably we encounter bends, turns, detours, and roadblocks. Sometimes our frustrations make us want to give up the journey, but frustrations signal the need to pause for introspection and redirection. Frustrations are promptings from God to search our souls even more deeply to find our power and purpose, and to live it. Frustrations tell us that our thoughts and actions are not yet in harmony with our desires.

~Susan L. Taylor~

SMOOTH JAZZ FRIDAYS

STEVEN JOHNSON PRINTS

     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~

Kenneth Davis

BIRTH ANNIVERSARY GREETINGS
 TO 
LAVONE COHEN BAUCHA

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  

     Negative emotions like loneliness, envy, and guilt have an important role to play in a happy life; they're big, flashing signs that something needs to change. Keep in mind that to avoid loneliness, many people need both a social circle and an intimate attachment. Having just one of two may still leave you feeling lonely. We need to have intimate, enduring bonds; we need to be able to confide; we need to feel that we belong; we need to be able to get support, and just as important for happiness, to give support. We need many kinds of relationships; for one thing, we need friends. 

~Gretchen Rubin~

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  

     Grace, like an angel of mercy, makes his voice heard sweet and clear, repeating the story of the cross, the matchless love of Jesus. Whatsoever is done out of pure love, be it ever so little or contemptible in the sight of men, is wholly fruitful; for God measures more with how much love one worketh, than the amount he doeth. The great moral powers of the soul are faith, hope, and love. A person whose mind is quiet and satisfied in God is in the pathway to health. Do not neglect secret prayer, for it is the soul of religion.

~Ellen G. White~

Kenneth Davis

     We don't have an eternity to realize our dreams,

only the time we are here.
~Susan L. Taylor~

     Final arrangements have been completed for Alice Rodgers Blackburn. Paradise Memorial Funeral and Cremation Services has charge of protocol and may be contacted at (414) 461-8000. They are located at 7625 West Appleton Avenue, Milwaukee, WI. Streaming services will not be provided. Homegoing observances will be held at the Prince Hall Masonic Temple, located at 1218 West North Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53205 - Saturday, December 17, 2022, at 1:pm. Anyone planning to attend will be required to wear a mask.

     Should you be interested in sending flowers instead, her son Donald has requested you to please send one of the following colors: White, Purple, Lilac, Lavender, or any Green color plant. Cards expressing condolences, should be sent to Mr. Donald Blackburn, 3900 West Brown Deer Road, PO Box # 161, Milwaukee, WI 53209. Let's flood his mailbox with cards, to acknowledge the love we shared for his mother, as our classmate. 

Kenneth Davis

BIRTH ANNIVERSARY GREETINGS

TO

ROBERT PHIFER

     Happy Birthday to one of my best friends. Semper Fidelis Marine. Here's to another year of laughing at our own jokes and keeping each other sane! "It's just something to do", as we'd say among ourselves. Edwin Markham, a Poet Laureate of Oregon once declared; There is a destiny which makes us brothers; none goes his way alone. All that we send into the lives of others comes back into our own. However, Proverbs 18:24 says it best; A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Over the years, you've walked in the same path as my natural born brothers and none have questioned your loyalty to our family. 
     The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well (Ralph Waldo Emerson). So the question becomes "How many roads must a man walk down? To give real service you must add something which cannot be bought or measured with money, and that is sincerity and integrity (Douglas Adams)". Seventy years ago, you were blessed with character traits of justice, nurturing and responsibility. You possess great compassion and seek to be of service to others. Your choice of vocations, serving as a Marine, your respectable career at MPD as one of "Memphis Finest", solidified exemplary community service. Your performance as a member of "The Peacekeepers" continues to entertain your reputability. 
     A man’s true spiritual quality is to be judged by his graces, not his gifts (John Blanchard). Gifts are what a man has but graces are what a man is (F. W. Robertson). You've shared your gifts with the nation and your beloved city, but you've been blessed with Grace, so that others may see your spirituality. We're grateful to have had you as our classmate and friend across the decades. Turning 70 means seven decades and counting, so now you have just entered the fun age zone! Should you celebrate today, or not, we're grateful that you've been blessed to reach this most precious milestone achievement. May the sides of what I choose to call the "Trinity Triangle" continue to surround you throughout the days to come. May the blessings of Grace, Favour and Mercy be bountiful. Those of us who speak with you frequently, know that you have a favorite catch phrase, as your greeting. For that reason, I wish you a Jazz Holdouts type of day. You always say that you're Workin', but we all know that you're retired....enjoy your day my friend...stay safe and be blessed....

Joycelyn Lacy (Somerville)

Kenneth Davis

     Grief is not a disorder, a disease or sign of weakness. It is an emotional, physical and spiritual necessity, the price you pay for love. The only cure for grief is to grieve.
~Earl A Grollman~

     With sadness of heart and the fatherly responsibility of raising your first son, I announce the transition of Mr. Torry Romel Fossett. Torry is the son of our own Tilton Fossett. He was a graduate of Christian Brothers H S Memphis. Arrangements for services have not been completed, but will be posted upon receipt. Cards of condolences and sympathy, may be forwarded to Tilton Fossett and Family - 8007 Rimrock Circle - Frisco, TX 75034...please uplift the Fossett Family with prayers uttered on their behalf...

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 two enemies of human happiness are pain and boredom. It is a clear gain to sacrifice pleasure in order to avoid pain. A man can be himself only so long as he is alone, and if he does not love solitude, he will not love freedom, for it is only when he is alone that he is really free. Satisfaction consists in freedom from pain, which is the positive element of life.

~Arthur Schopenhauer~

IT'S NOW TIME FOR
JUST JOKING MONDAYS

     The topic of the day at Army Airborne School was what you should do if your parachute malfunctions. We had just gotten to the part about reserve parachutes when another student raised his hand. “If the main parachute malfunctions,” he said, “how long do we have to deploy the reserve?” Looking the trooper square in the face, the instructor replied, “The rest of your life.”

~Kenneth Rauens~

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  

     When you pray, remember that you are not praying to a distant God, but to the God that dwells within you. Don't just speak the words; feel what they mean in your life. Don't pray from your lips, but from your heart. Your prayers aren't for God, they are for you, to remind you of the presence of the Holy Spirit within you. When you say "Thy kingdom come, thy will be done," remember that you are loved and protected. God has planned greater things for us than we can imagine. The more we maintain an awareness of God's unchanging love, the safer and more at home we will feel in the world.

~Susan L. Taylor~

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 

     Sleep is Mother Nature's best effort yet to counter death. Regularity is a key: going to bed at the same time, waking up at the same time no matter what. But I think, also, it's not just about quantity - that's what we've been discovering. It's also about quality. Individuals fail to recognise how their perennial state of sleep deficiency has come to compromise their mental aptitude and physical vitality, including the slow accumulation of ill health. Sleep is the Swiss army knife of health. When sleep is deficient, there is sickness and disease. And when sleep is abundant, there is vitality and health. 

~Matthew Walker~

Fall Asleep in 10 Minutes or Less With These 3 Hacks

 Story by McKenzie Dillon

© Provided by CNET (short for "Computer Network")

American media website 

     It takes around 10 to 20 minutes to fall asleep at night, but as some know far too well, it can take much longer after what seems to be an endless fit of tossing and turning. This is especially true if you suffer from anxiety or stress. You may be harming your quality of rest if it takes you longer than 30 minutes to fall asleep. And in turn, poor rest can have a negative effect on your mood, metabolism, cognitive skills, your immune system and overall health. So it's important to find ways to calm your body and mind long enough that you feel relaxed enough to take a snooze. 

Falling asleep with the military method

     Individuals in the military have irregular sleep schedules, early morning rises and not-so-cozy sleeping quarters. In response, members created the "military method" to quickly and efficiently fall asleep.

Step 1: Lie in your ideal sleeping position. Starting with the face, relax the different muscles, including your brows, lips, eyelids and mouth.  

Step 2: Move down to your arms. Start with the shoulders and keep them relaxed, followed by your elbows and then wrists.

Step 3: Relax your chest and take deep, rhythmic breaths.

Step 4: Move down your body and focus on relaxing your bottom-half, from your waist down to your feet.

Step 5: Use guided imagery to imagine a tranquil scene that makes you feel relaxed and happy. This might be on a beach by the ocean, a quiet and breezy meadow or even a comfortable room. If stressful or anxious thoughts disrupt your flow, attempt to move past them by reshifting your focus back to visualization or muscle relaxation.

Fall asleep using progressive muscle relaxation

     One study involving 32 young volunteers analyzed the effects of progressive muscle relaxation. The results revealed that PMR was successful in lowering the heart rate, improving sleep efficiency and sleep latency. The goal is to use mindfulness, breathing techniques and muscle relaxation to relieve stress and promote a restful sleep.

Step 1: Lie in a comfortable sleeping position and close your eyes. Take deep breaths and slowly inhale and exhale.  

Step 2: Scrunch your face and tense the muscles for 10 seconds. After, release tension and return to taking slow, deep breaths.

Step 3: Move down to the shoulders and flex them for 10 seconds. Release and return to taking deep breaths.

Step 4: Like the military method, repeat this with the other parts of your body ending with the feet. Avoid any areas where you might experience pain when you tense your muscles.

Always follow the 20-minute rule

     If you're lying in bed trying to fall asleep and 20 minutes pass, don't keep lying there. The longer you lie in bed without falling asleep, the more you stress that you aren't falling asleep. Get out of bed and practice a relaxing activity or hobby until you feel yourself getting drowsy. This may include:

⦁ Reading

⦁ Listening to soft music

⦁ Gentle yoga stretches

⦁ Taking a bath

⦁ Drinking herbal tea