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 are always defining and re-defining music. My style of playing has been characterized as smooth jazz and acid jazz. I listen as I play; I'm not caught up in defining the type of music I play. When I was recording from '70 to '82, I always played piano and laid the tracks down. But I used to talk to the other musicians while the track was playing.
     The true beauty of music is that it connects people. It carries a message, and we, the musicians, are the messengers. I couldn't get my album played over the so-called smooth jazz stations. Jazz stations would not play it. You don't always know who you're making that soul connection with. On top of that, I have the gift to play music and make people happy through that. I'm just telling you from my heart, I'm so in love with life.

~Roy Ayers~

WELCOME TO 
SMOOTH
 CONTEMPORARY JAZZ 
FRIDAYS

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 

     You alone are the judge of your worth and your goal is to discover infinite worth in yourself, no matter what anyone else thinks. Whatever relationships you have attracted in your life at this moment, are precisely the ones you need in your life at this moment. There is a hidden meaning behind all events, and this hidden meaning is serving your own evolution.

~Deepak Chopra~

SATURDAY MORNING GARDENING TOOLS

Plant These Vegetables This Fall to Harvest Next Spring
By Becca Lewis https://lifehacker.com/plant-these-vegetables-this-fall-to-harvest-next-spring

     Fall in the garden is often thought of as a time for harvesting and putting it to bed for winter. In areas where temperatures during the winter get below freezing, you might think you can’t grow anything in the winter months. This is only partly true—you won’t be able to harvest anything in the coldest months, but you likely can plant some crops in fall that can be harvested in springtime. Here’s what you need to know for a successful early spring harvest.
The best timing for a fall garden
     When you’re considering the timing of your fall garden, you will want to aim for a period where the temperature is around 50 to 60°F. It’s good for the weather to be cooler, but you don’t want to put your plants in the ground if temperatures are below freezing for more than a night.
     Alliums like onions, garlic, and shallots can be planted in fall and will produce next year during the summer. These plants take a while to mature and can survive over the winter with just their root system. Since they don’t sprout until spring, you should make sure to label your plants carefully, so you don’t accidentally plant something else on top of them. For these plants, use mulch to suppress weeds and make sure the soil is well-fertilized with bone meal or bulb fertilizer to pave the way for a good harvest next year.
     Onions are one of the longest-to-harvest root crops, maturing over the course of about nine or 10 months. They are also perennials, like all alliums, so they will continue to produce as long as you want them to. Onions are planted with what is known as “sets”, or smaller bulbs that were grown the previous season. This gives them a head start on the growing season and makes them more resilient in colder conditions. You will be able to tell when they’re ready to harvest by seeing the base of the greens where the bulbs turn yellow or darker, depending on the type of onion.
     Leeks can be planted as seeds in fall and will sprout in spring. They should be spaced about six inches apart from each other. Although leeks aren’t planted from bulbs, they still need about four to six inches of mulch to overwinter successfully. The seeds should be planted around the same time you plant onion sets for your area, and leek plants will be ready to harvest after about six or seven months in the ground. The diameter of a mature leek will be between three quarters and an inch and a half in diameter at the base.
     Garlic is similar to onions except that it will begin to whiten at the base of the greens when it’s ready to harvest. Since garlic grows in clusters, you can separate the cloves and plant them just like a flower bulb, with the root end down and the papery pointed end up. You can buy garlic sets or you can use cloves from your previous year’s harvest. Garlic bulbs can be harvested in summer, but many varieties will also begin producing greens or scapes that can be harvested in spring.
     For a quicker harvest, you can try growing shallots. They clump like garlic but are layered more like onions and are often thought of as a cross between the two. Shallots will be ready in early to late spring, depending on when you plant them and how long your cold season is. You will know they’re ready to come out of the ground when the base of the greens begins to darken.
     If you just can’t wait for bulbs to be harvested and cured, you can plant some bunching onions for the earliest of spring harvests. These onions are usually grown for their greens although there’s no rule against eating the bulbs, and you can harvest them as soon as the greens are about a half inch in diameter or about six inches tall.

Estella Wright (Mayhue-Greer)

A salute to the International Players Association (IPA)

Kenneth Davis

 SMALL STRAWS IN A SOFT WIND by Marsha Burns

     September 10, 2083: I heard in my spirit the phrase patient continuance. And the Lord said: Stay on course. Do not deviate from your purpose in My kingdom. Distractions will come that would cause you to lose focus and drift, but you must remain steadfast and immovable. Deliberately choose to be loyal and faithful to Me. 1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

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

     Our life is a constant journey, from birth to death. The landscape changes, the people change, our needs change, but the train keeps moving. Life is the train, not the station. Each morning brings a hidden blessing; a blessing which is unique to that day, and which cannot be kept or re-used. If we do not use this miracle today, it will be lost. There are moments when troubles enter our lives and we can do nothing to avoid them. But they are there for a reason. Only when we have overcome them will we understand why they were there.
     At this moment, many people have stopped living. They do not become angry, nor cry out; they merely wait for time to pass. They did not accept the challenges of life, so life no longer challenges them. Every human being has a personal legend to be fulfilled, and this is our reason for being in the world. This personal legend manifests itself in our enthusiasm for the task.

~Paulo Coelho~

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  

     The first time onstage, a light went on. 'OK, this is my thing. I'm comfortable here. This is my thing. I'm a comedian so I'm not waiting around for someone to write a part for me. I don't have to wait for somebody else to create my next job; I have the ability to basically write my own ticket. Now, I think the people who are still doing stand-up are doing it because they love stand-up. I always had one goal, and that was to be a real funny stand-up comic, and that's pretty much what I'm doing. And everything else is kind of like gravy - TV, movies.
     It's not until you develop your own voice, your own persona onstage that you become your own comic, who you really are. I was really gifted at being able to construct a joke, but it's like they weren't even memorable, my first jokes, because they were so about nothing. It wasn't until I became more confident with myself, and I put myself forward instead of the jokes; at first it was put the jokes out there and I'm just behind the jokes.

~Wanda Sykes~

IT'S TIME FOR 
JUST JOKING MONDAYS

     “Nothing looks good on me anymore,” wailed a customer modeling an outfit in front of the department store’s mirror. “Nonsense, ma’am,” soothed the salesclerk. “That dress says it all.” “That’s the problem,” the woman replied. “I need a dress that keeps its mouth shut.”

—Don Wilder and Bill Rechin, North America Syndicate

     A man, shocked by how his buddy is dressed, asks him, “How long have you been wearing that bra?” The friend replies, “Ever since my wife found it in the glove compartment.”

—Submitted by Braeden Silvermist

Kenneth Davis

BIRTH ANNIVERSARY GREETINGS
 TO 
JACQUELINE FRANKLIN DANIELS

     It's not about trying to be perfect. It's not about trying to walk the straight and narrow. It's about loving who you are and finding those people who love and accept you for who you are. 

~Adrienne C. Moore~

Kenneth Davis

COMING TO A CAMPUS NEAR YOU

SEPTEMBER 16, 2023

DON'T FORGET YOUR CANNED FOOD DONATION

Joycelyn Lacy (Somerville)

Kenneth Davis

“For me and my family personally, September 11 was a reminder that life is fleeting, impermanent, and uncertain. Therefore, we must make use of every moment and nurture it with affection, tenderness, beauty, creativity, and laughter.” ~Deepak Chopra~

SMALL STRAWS IN A SOFT WIND by Marsha Burns

     September 11, 2023: When you feel as though you do not belong you must remember that you belong to Me, says the Lord. You belong in My eternal kingdom. You are not an outcast where it really counts. You are precious in My sight and loved beyond your ability to imagine. Rise above all thoughts of being unloved or not cared for; you are Mine and I am yours. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.

Kenneth Davis

SMALL STRAWS IN A SOFT WIND by Marsha Burns

     September 12, 2023: When you reflect back on your life, do not just remember the challenges, difficulties and failures; remember the times of overcoming, being triumphant, and succeeding. Your life has not been just one or the other. You have had highs and lows. The high points have given you courage, and the low points have brought instruction and correction. Be thankful in all things. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-19 Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit.

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

     In my career, I learned that giving your services for free gives you a good return on your investment, not just financially but morally. It supplements your personal integrity. Many years ago, but not so long ago, there were those who said, 'Well, you have three strikes against you: You're black, you're blind and you're poor,' But God said to me, 'I will make you rich in the spirit of inspiration, to inspire others as well as create music to encourage the world to a place of oneness and hope, and positivity.' I believed Him and not them.
     All I ever wanted to do was music, and all I've ever asked, as I've gotten to know and discover the world more, is that God would use me in any way to encourage and inspire love and inspire people to bring and give love to each other. I feel thankful to God, first and foremost, allowing me to enjoy this 'smell the roses' kind of thing. Life has meaning only in the struggle. Triumph or defeat is in the hands of the Gods. So let us celebrate the struggle!

~Stevie Wonder~

Kenneth Davis

BIRTH ANNIVERSARY GREETINGS
TO
LYDIA GRAY

     Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier. Be the living expression of God's kindness; kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile.

~Mother Teresa~

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  

     Inner peace doesn't come from getting what we want, but from remembering who we are. Happiness is the choice I make today. It does not rest on my circumstances, but on my frame of mind...In cultivating the habits of happiness, I attract the people and situations that match its frequency. I smile more often, give praise more often, give thanks more often, and am glad more often. For such is my choice today.
     By softening our attitudes, practicing mercy and compassion, we transform our lives by transforming other people's experience of us. Send love before you when you enter a room, and people will subconsciously feel it; they'll be prone to show greater kindness in return. That's how love makes things work better in our lives; it realigns the reactions of people and things around us. No one is any more or any less important than you are.

~Marianne Williamson~

WELLNESS WEDNESDAY

These Morning Habits Are Sending Your Blood Pressure Through The Roof, Doctors Warn  Story by Faith Geiger 
 

     Over time, high blood pressure (a.k.a. hypertension) can cause serious damage to your body. Long-term risks include kidney problems, dementia, heart failure, and even heart attack or stroke. Luckily, there are things you can do to keep your blood pressure levels healthy. That includes making several changes to your lifestyle. There are many common bad habits you may be doing every morning that could be leading to higher blood pressure and taking a toll on your health.
     To discover a couple of the worst, blood pressure-spiking morning habits that you should kick immediately for a healthier body, we spoke to Dr. Ramit Singh Sambyal, MD. He told us that having too much caffeine and skipping breakfast are two major mistakes to avoid.
1. Too much caffeine
     Sorry, coffee lovers! We get it: there's nothing like a hot cup of joe in the morning. In fact, drinking coffee can even be good for you, with health benefits that include weight loss. However, Dr. Sambyal warns consuming too much caffeine in the morning could lead to unhealthily high blood pressure.
     He says you should especially be careful of your caffeine consumption if you're over 60. "Consuming caffeine in the morning may seem like a good way to get your day started, but for people over 60 it can be dangerous," he tells us. "Caffeine is known to raise blood pressure levels and over time it can cause permanent damage to your cardiovascular system. I recommend avoiding any caffeinated beverages first thing in the morning and instead opt for non-caffeinated options such as warm lemon water or herbal tea. These drinks are much lower in caffeine and don't come with the same risk of elevated blood pressure." Got it!
2. Skipping breakfast
       Whether you're busy, find it hard to work up an appetite in the morning, or are trying to cut back on calories, there are many reasons you might find yourself skipping breakfast. However, you know what they say: breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It's crucial to your health that you eat something in the morning for several reasons. As it turns out, Dr. Sambyal says it can help you maintain healthy blood pressure. "Not eating a proper, balanced meal in the morning can cause your body to go into starvation mode which will raise your blood pressure levels significantly," he says.
     However, what you eat is also crucial. "Eating something high in sugar can also be just as bad as not eating anything at all because it could still trigger a rapid rise in blood pressure," Dr. Sambyal warns. Fortunately, there are plenty of healthy breakfast options to choose from. He recommends something with both protein and complex carbs, like health benefit-packed Greek yogurt. "This combination will give you sustained energy throughout the day while keeping your blood pressure levels stable," he concludes.
The bottom line
     It's important to keep a close eye on your blood pressure and make an effort to keep your levels healthy, especially as you age. One of the best ways to do that is by making changes to your routine. When you ensure you don't consume too much caffeine and that you fit a healthy breakfast into your morning, you'll be on track to a healthier heart.

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  

     Happiness is the peace of mind that comes from feeling that I am living a worthy life in the company of people I love and in the service of something bigger than myself. A person of character seeks true happiness in living a life of purpose and meaning, placing a higher value on significance than success. People of character do the right thing, not because they think it will change the world but because they refuse to be changed by the world.
     Don't let others define you. Don't let the past confine you. Take charge of your life with confidence and determination and there are no limits on what you can do or be. Take pride in how far you've come. Have faith in how far you can go. But don't forget to enjoy the journey. Sometimes the dues we pay to maintain integrity are pretty high, but the ultimate cost of moral compromise is so much higher.

~Michael Josephson~

IT'S TIME FOR ANOTHER

Kenneth Davis

 BIRTH ANNIVERSARY GREETINGS

TO

MAJOR COLE

&

FRED HIGGINS

Proverbs 18:24 Easy-to-Read Version
 Some friends are fun to be with,

but a true friend can be better than a brother.

Friends are friends forever, if the Lord's the Lord of them.

~Michael W. Smith~

Joycelyn Lacy (Somerville)

Estella Wright (Mayhue-Greer)

Tomorrow’s Food Drive Reminder

Please support the BTW Class of 70 Food Drive with your donation of non-perishable food items for the Neighborhood Christian Center’s Food Pantries.

Food insecurity is an ongoing issue, especially for children and their families. In fact, here in Shelby County, more than 116,000 kids and their families are food insecure.

The primary mission of the Neighborhood Christian Centers, Inc., is to guide those in need toward stability and sustainability through compassionate, Christ-centered ministries and empowerment programs.

Matthew 25:35-36

“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.”

Joycelyn Lacy (Somerville)

Kenneth Davis

  THOUGHT FOR CONSIDERATION  

My feeling is, the world is a lonely place. If you can find people who are like you, and find some camaraderie, that's special. I wish there was more of that in the world, in general.

~Katie Dippold~

Kenneth Davis

WILL RETURN ON SEPTEMBER 19TH

Estella Wright (Mayhue-Greer)

Joycelyn Lacy (Somerville)

Joycelyn Lacy (Somerville)

Kenneth Davis

SMALL STRAWS IN A SOFT WIND by Marsha Burns

     September 19, 2023: Set yourself to stay calm, cool and collected when things seem to not be working out the way you intended. Refuse to become irritated or agitated. Take the time to check your attitude and be determined to move through every difficult circumstance with grace and faith in Me to show you a better way, says the Lord. Quiet your soul. Psalm 131:2 Surely, I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with his mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me.

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

     Faith isn't about having everything figured out ahead of time; faith is about following the quiet voice of God without having everything figured out ahead of time.

     Like all who search for truth out of fear, I desperately wanted someone else to tell me exactly what to do. I think maybe God was trying to tell me that gentleness begins with strength, quietness with security. A great tree is both moved and unmoved, for it changes with the seasons, but its roots keep it anchored in the ground. Mastering a gentle and quiet spirit didn’t mean changing my personality, just regaining control of it, growing strong enough to hold back and secure enough to soften.

~Rachel Held Evans~