Friday Jazz

Friday Jazz

06/08/24 08:32 AM

#5008

06/08/24 10:29 AM

#5009

06/09/24 08:30 AM

#5010

06/09/24 02:07 PM

#5011

06/10/24 08:32 AM

#5012

06/11/24 08:33 AM

#5013

06/12/24 08:48 AM

#5014

06/12/24 08:24 PM

#5015

06/13/24 08:40 AM

#5016

06/14/24 08:36 AM

#5017

06/14/24 01:56 PM

#5018

Curtis Farmer

Just wanted to say thank y'all so much for taking the time to publish this newsletter.
May the Lord bless you real good.

06/15/24 08:47 AM

#5019

06/16/24 08:44 AM

#5020

06/17/24 08:39 AM

#5021

06/18/24 05:36 AM

#5022

SMALL STRAWS IN A SOFT WIND by Marsha Burns

June 18, 2024: The difficulties that you are facing will begin to sort themselves out. But, you must be patient. It could take more time than you anticipate. Just know that you are on the right track. Impatience will only slow your progress and cause frustration. Stay calm and focused as you place your trust and hope in Me, says the Lord. I am well able to bring you through. Romans 12:11-12 ...not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer.

T H O U G H T F O R C O N S I D E R A T I O N
TODAY'S WORDS - CALM AND FOCUSED

Change is growth. For me it has been a very spiritual and musical rebirth. You're never promised your next breath. We weren't put here to be miserable. We were put here to do the best we can, and we should take our energy and improve our state of being. We have so many distractions. We're losing the family unit. We're losing the one-on-one. We're becoming extremely narcissistic. And we have to be careful about that. There's a lot to deal with out there. The way I was raised and the people that I grew up around for the most part were very humble people, and I appreciate all that they taught me, and their energy and their magnanimity help keep me grounded.

A lot of my songs deal with spirituality and God, and I guess if you're in tune with that, you'll read into it. I am not trying to change the world. I am just offering my gift that God gave me, and if somebody is moved by it, that's beautiful. You need to open up so that more comes through. And you can just feel that when your ego is not in the way and when you're letting it be what it wants to be. You have to let it be what it wants to be as opposed to what you think it should be. People always accuse me of being motivational in a way, like it was a bad thing, but that's just how I was raised. My mom raised me in a positive environment, with lots of love in my heart, and that reflects in my music. I'm a very open and loving person. My whole thing has been "let love rule" since my first album. I'm about unity and peace and God.

To let go of the illusion that I'm in control is an important lesson, because I tend to be a person who likes to be in control, not only of my art but of my life and things around me, and it can be healthy up to a certain point, but at the end of the day, we have to go on faith and learn to let go and ride the wave. There are so many people that don't believe in themselves and don't have faith. I just live my life and try to be present. When I'm present in the moment and something comes, I can capture it, because it doesn't come from me, it's out there. I just need to know that I did the very best I could and that I was true to myself. Keeping grounded and keeping focused and keeping calm and thankful, that comes from God. We should take time out to really love; we should take time out to find out who we are. God is love and if you are ready, he always is. Love is the most powerful energy there is.

Lenny Kravitz

06/18/24 08:47 AM

#5023

06/19/24 07:18 AM

#5024

T H O U G H T F O R C O N S I D E R A T I O N
TODAY'S WORDS - POSITIVE INFLUENCE

We should be in harmony with our own consciousness; our mind, body, and soul should be one in interest and in purpose. And in that unified condition, we can actually express that natural innate love that we have found in our own life in everything we do in the world. The art of loving creates the unity which has unlimited spiritual strength, and that is the greatest need in the world today, and each and every one of us can make such a difference if we become humble, if we develop a service attitude rather than an exploitative attitude, if we develop the broad mind to see the oneness and to learn to love all living beings. Things can give pleasure to the mind and senses, but only love can give pleasure to the heart. And ultimately, that is what we are looking for.
When there is love in our heart, only love will come out. Humble people don't get Offended easily. Whoever we are, wherever we are, however we are, whatever our condition is, there is no impediment to attaining the perfection of life-if we are humble & sincere. If our mind is in conflict, not balanced with our body and with the needs of the soul, then there is a fundamental disunity in our life. Only if we have unity within ourselves, we can create unity in the world around us. You can't give something you don't have, even if you have all good intentions. In giving respect, we can be very happy, because we can do it in all situations. When we expect respect, we are miserable, because it is not that everyone in every situation will respect us.

In my path, three things are really important. One is associating with people who inspire us with their positive influence. The company we keep is very important. Number two is our spiritual practice. Putting aside sacred time every day to make that journey within, to tune into the frequency of our true nature and the love and the grace that is within us. Number three is to try living with ethical, moral and spiritual values, which culminates in unselfish service. Real religion is about, developing real character; character of compassion, character of humility, the character of determination to grow in all circumstances.

Radhanath Swami (born 7 December 1950) is an American Hindu Gaudiya Vaishnava guru, community-builder, activist, and author.

06/19/24 07:25 AM

#5025

WELLNESS WEDNESDAY

Is There A Benefit To Drinking Okra Water?
Story by Michelle Welsch
https://www.tastingtable.com/

Some pretty outlandish claims make the rounds on the socials, but when it comes to drinking okra water, there may be some truth to back up some of the circulating reels. Also called lady's finger in some countries, okra can be pan-fried as a side dish, incorporated into curry recipes, stirred into simmering pots of shrimp gumbo, and used to infuse water. While some might squirm at the thought of this sometimes-slimy ingredient floating in a drinking glass, the purported benefits of okra-infused drinking water include healthier skin, controlled blood sugar levels, and a boost in hydration and digestion.
When eaten, okra delivers mouthfuls of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and cholesterol-lowering compounds. Okra's mucilage is thought to aid digestion, while the fiber content contributes to daily requirements, which some claim could help with weight loss. Though it is unclear exactly how many of these benefits are left behind in a glass after swimming pieces of okra have been fished out, there's enough rumor to warrant closer inspection. Sadly, concrete, research-driven data is sparse when it comes to proving some of the more positive anecdotes. "While research on the specific benefits of okra water for humans is very limited, okra itself provides three grams of fiber, 14 percent of the daily value of magnesium, and 26 percent of the daily value of vitamins C and K per one-cup serving," author and registered dietitian Mascha Davis, MPH, RD, told POPSUGAR.

The Quest For Proper Hydration

For those who struggle to meet their daily water goals, the intentional decision to make okra water and drink it could motivate you to start guzzling. With the added vitamins A and C in your water, the supposed health benefits may encourage the more health-conscious among us to pour and raise a glass. If you're interested in trying the trend for yourself, you'll need to wash the okra pods, slice them, and add them to a jar of water to soak overnight. Just remember that if you're expecting quick results, prepare for disappointment. "While it's unlikely to cause any harm, if someone chooses to try okra water as a silver-bullet solution to weight and blood sugar or other concerns, they may be disappointed, as there is no solid research backing up those claims," Davis cautions eager okra water drinkers.
Of course, you may find you enjoy the flavor of this unique water and be sucking it down on the regular, but if it's not your style, you can bake up a dish of crispy okra with the remainder of the okra pods you picked up from the store and enhance your water with other ingredients, instead.

This is for information purpose only, and should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. These are opinions from an external panel of individual doctors. Please seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns.

06/20/24 01:09 AM

#5026

T H O U G H T F O R C O N S I D E R A T I O N
TODAY'S WORDS - DECISIONS YOU MAKE

Don’t let people’s compliments go to your head and don’t let their criticisms go to your heart. The degree to which you do either of these things is the degree to which you'll be ruled by what other people think of you. Conflict tip: What comes out of someone else's mouth is a reflection of their heart ... not yours. Do not confuse the command to love with the disease to please. Don't put the whole of your identity into the smallness of a situation. It is a rare and beautiful thing when we choose to offer love in situations when most people would choose to scorn or ignore. Sometimes it's the words we choose not to say that speak most loudly about our character.
Feelings are indicators, not dictators. They can indicate where your heart is in the moment, but that doesn't mean they have the right to dictate your behavior and boss you around. You are more than the sum total of your feelings and perfectly capable of that little gift . . . called self-control. Just because we feel offended doesn't mean we must be offended. How to overcome that seemingly impossible issue... Pray more words about it than you speak. Today, let's be determined to see blessings in the midst of things that seem like burdens. Just because something is hard doesn’t mean it’s impossible. Scars are beautiful when we see them as glorious reminders that we courageously survived.
Today, let's set our minds and hearts on feeling more thankful for what we are than guilty for what we're not. Let's cut the threads of guilt with grace. Don't let the hurt of today blind you to the hope of tomorrow. Disappointment ushers in a new appointment. Not making a decision is actually a decision. It's the decision to stay the same. The decisions you make today matter. Every decision points your life in the direction you are about to travel. No decision is an isolated choice. It’s a chain of events. If you choose wisely, your future will reflect that. But if you don’t choose wisely the decisions you make now will take you to places you don’t want to be later.

Lysa TerKeurst (born July 21, 1969) is an American speaker and author of Christian non-fiction. TerKeurst is president of Proverbs 31 Ministries, reaching millions of women daily with Biblical truth and wisdom.

06/20/24 01:15 AM

#5027

TIME FOR ANOTHER
THROWBACK
THURSDAY

06/21/24 01:08 AM

#5028

T H O U G H T F O R C O N S I D E R A T I O N
TODAY'S WORDS - LEVEL OF REALITY

Just because the road ahead is long, is no reason to slow down. Just because there is much work to be done, is no reason to get discouraged. It is a reason to get started, to grow, to find new ways, to reach within yourself and discover strength, commitment, and determination. The road ahead is long and difficult, but it’s filled with opportunity. Start what needs starting. Finish what needs finishing. Get on the road. Stay on the road. Don’t give up. When the path becomes difficult, that's no reason to give up. In fact, it means you're making real progress.
Today is an opportunity to do something positive. Today is your chance to add new value to your life and to your world. Make the commitment to fill this day with meaningful richness and purposeful effort. This is your day to live, so do so with vigor and enthusiasm. 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. Let go of your attachment to being right, and suddenly your mind is more open. You're able to benefit from the unique viewpoints of others, without being crippled by your own judgment. Patience expands your options. If you insist on immediate gratification, your choices are severely limited. What you hold in your heart, you will see in your world.
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. The direction of your focus is the direction your life will move. Let yourself move toward what is good, valuable, strong and true. Don't lower your expectations to meet your performance. Raise your level of performance to meet your expectations. Expect the best of yourself, and then do what is necessary to make it a reality. Be appreciative of what's right with your life. In your gratitude is power to make it even better. Being truly thankful makes you infinitely more resourceful. By sincerely appreciating what you have, you find new and valuable ways to make use of it.

Ralph Marston was an American author and inspirational audio speaker, best known for his inspiring messages and daily inspirational quotes. Marston started his job as a journalist as well as helped numerous papers in the Pacific Northwest. In the 1950s, he came to be interested in personal development and also started composing and speaking about subjects such as positive thinking, personal goal setting, and self-improvement.

WELCOME TO
SMOOTH
CONTEMPORARY JAZZ
FRIDAYS

Frank Morrison Funk Keys Artist Proof

06/22/24 01:12 AM

#5029

T H O U G H T F O R C O N S I D E R A T I O N
TODAY'S WORDS - GENERAL WELL-BEING

Great people do things before they're ready. They do things before they know they can do it. Doing what you're afraid of, getting out of your comfort zone, taking risks like that - that is what life is. You might be really good. You might find out something about yourself that's really special and if you're not good, who cares? You tried something. Now you know something about yourself. Sometimes painful things can teach us lessons that we didn't think we needed to know. Try to keep your mind open to possibilities and your mouth closed on matters that you don't know about. Limit your 'always' and your 'nevers.'
Opening your heart and being courageous and telling people that you care about them or like them or that you think they're special only makes you a better, bigger, kinder, softer, more loving person, and only attracts more love into your life. Continue to share your heart with people even if it's been broken. It’s never overreacting to ask for what you want and need. There's power in looking silly and not caring that you do. Dreams never wear you down. Change is the only constant. Learn to surf your life instead of planting your feet. Taking risks and making choices is what makes life so exciting. You never know what's around the corner unless you peek. Hold someone's hand while you do it. You will feel less scared.
Be easy on yourself. Have fun. Only hang around people that are positive and make you feel good. Anybody who doesn't make you feel good, kick them to the curb. And the earlier you start in your life, the better. The minute anyone makes you feel weird and non-included or not supported, you know, either beat it or tell them to beat it. Any painful experience makes you see things differently. It also reminds you of the simple truths that we purposely forget every day or else we would never get out of bed. As you navigate through the rest of your life, be open to collaboration. Other people and other people's ideas are often better than your own. Find a group of people who challenge and inspire you, spend a lot of time with them, and it will change your life.
The only thing we can depend on in life is that everything changes. The seasons, our partners, what we want and need. We hold hands with our high school friends and swear to never lose touch, and then we do. Change is the only constant. Your ability to navigate and tolerate change and its painful uncomfortableness directly correlates to your happiness and general well-being. We don't want to be afraid to make a choice because we're afraid to make a mistake, because most decisions aren't final. Feelings change all the time. You can always change your mind and taking risks and making choices is what makes life so exciting because we never know what's going to happen. Every day something new comes our way.

Amy Poehler (/ˈpoʊlər/ POH-lər; born September 16, 1971) is an American actress and comedian. After studying improv at Chicago's Second City and Improv Olympic in the early 1990s, Poehler co-founded the improvisational-comedy troupe Upright Citizens Brigade. The group moved to New York City in 1996, where their act became a half-hour sketch-comedy series on Comedy Central in 1998.

06/22/24 09:35 AM

#5030

06/23/24 01:12 AM

#5031