Kenneth Davis

IT'S TIME FOR 
JUST JOKING MONDAYS

Happy birthday to Zzzz

     I was working in a long-term-care facility, and there was a celebration for one of the residents. It was her 100th birthday. She was quite somnolent as the party began, so I asked her, “Do you know how old you are today?” “No, how old am I?” “You’re 100 years old.” “Well, no wonder I’m so tired.” 
—Source: healthdegrees.com

The test you definitely don’t want to be positive

Scene: I answer a patient’s phone call.
Me: “Dermatology. How may I help you?”
Patient: “Hi. I just had an autopsy. I’d like to know my results.”
—Source: notalwaysright.com

Joycelyn Lacy (Sommerville)

Kenneth Davis

SMALL STRAWS IN A SOFT WIND by Marsha Burns

     January 14, 2025: There are things that you have put off doing that need to be done. Now is the time to take the proverbial bull by the horns, put dread aside, and get started. Procrastination is not a good look for you. Proverbs 24:33-34 A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest; so, shall your poverty come like a prowler, and your need like an armed man.

   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 - THE PROVERBIAL BULL 

     A person likes to think of himself in a certain way, and when something happens that makes that no longer possible, you mourn the old self. The person you thought you were. Sometimes you fight what you are, and sometimes you give in to it. And some nights you just don’t want to fight yourself anymore, so you pick someone else to fight. There comes a point when you either embrace who and what you are or condemn yourself to be miserable all your days. Other people will try to make you miserable; don't help them by doing the job yourself. The only true happiness lies in knowing who you are ... and making peace with it.
     Walking your path doesn't mean you don't hurt; it means the pain is worth the progress. There are wounds that never show on the body that are deeper and more hurtful than anything that bleeds. Sometimes you have to break something down in order to remake it, and that includes yourself, or it did for me. There were moments when I wept for an easier road, but in the end, I would not trade my path for anyone else's. It is mine and the traveling of it has made me who I am and continues to shape and remold me into the best, happiest, most productive, most playful me, I've ever been. We hate most in others what we dislike in ourselves.
     Sometimes it's not the optimist you need, but another pessimist to walk beside you and know, absolutely know, that the sound in the dark is a monster, and it really is as bad as you think. Worry about the things you can control; the rest will either work themselves out, or they'll kill you. Either way, no more worries. Giving up something that no longer serves a purpose, or protects you, or helps you, isn’t giving up at all, it’s growing up. Feelings are never stupid, they just make us feel stupid sometimes.
     Only love of a good woman will make a man question every choice, every action. Only love makes a warrior hesitate for fear that his lady will find him cruel. Only love makes a man both the best he will ever be, and the weakest. Sometimes all in the same moment. He will not let you come barging in to his world like the proverbial bull in the China shop. If you love someone, then your freedom is curtailed. If you love someone, you give up much of your privacy. If you love someone, then you are no longer merely one person but half of a couple. To think or behave any other way is to risk losing that love. If you think love makes you happy, you've either never been in love, or never been in love long enough to have to start compromising.

~Laurell K. Hamilton~

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   

TODAY'S WORDS - THE BENEFIT OF THE DOUBT

AI Overview - Benefit of the Doubt - Meaning, Origin & Examples

     "The benefit of the doubt" is an idiom that means to believe someone is telling the truth or to trust them, even when you aren't certain. It's often used when there isn't enough evidence to make a definitive decision. 

Example 

"I didn't know if his story was true, but I gave him the benefit of the doubt".

Why give someone the benefit of the doubt?

Compassion - You might give someone the benefit of the doubt if you feel sympathy or compassion for them. 

Lack of information

     You might give someone the benefit of the doubt if you don't have all the information you need. 

Relationships

     Giving your partner the benefit of the doubt can help you feel more connected and vulnerable with them. 

Benefits of giving someone the benefit of the doubt

⦁ It can make the world feel more friendly and supportive. 

⦁ It can help you see the world in a more positive light. 

⦁ It can help you build deeper connections with people. 

     I have always had extraordinarily good relations with very conservative colleagues. And that's not because I agree with any of them or fudge on my positions, but people feel I listen to them and give them the benefit of the doubt. I assume the best of people. And that, I think, is an attitude that is maybe rare in politics.

~Barack Obama~

     But you don’t have to give everyone the benefit of the doubt.” “You don’t have to assume the worst about everyone, either. The world isn’t always out to get you. You're not a sucker. You're just nice. You give people the benefit of the doubt.

~Sarah Dessen~

     Nearly all inmates are drawn from the ranks of the powerless and the poor. A child of privilege frequently receives the benefit of the doubt; a child of poverty seldom does.

~Jimmy Carter~

     If I do not give a friend "The benefit of the doubt," but put the worst construction instead of the best on what is said or done, then I know nothing of Calvary love.

~Amy Carmichael~

     Reputation is a very interesting thing, and I always give people the benefit of the doubt, and I think that there's a part of all of us, especially in a generation where a lot of the stuff gets recorded.

~Damon Lindelof~

     I gave people the benefit of the doubt, thinking, so many people that appear very calm and even boring must have all these wild emotions and crazy ideas.

~Curtis Sittenfeld~

     Love chooses to believe the best about people. It gives them the benefit of the doubt. It refuses to fill in the unknowns with negative assumptions. And when our worst hopes are proven to be true, love makes every effort to deal with them and move forward. As much as possible, love focuses on the positive.

~Stephen Kendrick~

Kenneth Davis

WELLNESS WEDNESDAY
Eating These Foods 
Can Lead to Premature Death, Says New Study
By Kiersten Hickman
Updated on Jan. 30, 2024 

https://www.thehealthy.com

Hint: it makes up more than half the average American diet.
     Although a lot of companies are making healthy shelf-stable grocery options, data in recent years have suggested that the average American’s diet is made up of almost 60% of ultra-processed foods and contributes to over 89% of the added sugar intake. Many foods on grocery store shelves boast long ingredient lists with unrecognizable words, full of additives and added sugars, which can be listed under dozens of sneaky names. While these foods are known for being shelf-stable and, let’s face it, often yummy, further research continues to show that these foods can shorten an individual’s lifespan.
     Now a November 2022 analysis published in The American Journal of Preventive Medicine has evaluated the health of over 541,000 Brazilian adults between the ages of 30 and 69. Consumption of ultra-processed foods ranged from 13% to 21% of total food intake. Researchers found that the consumption of ultra-processed foods was linked to around 57,000 premature deaths, which is around 10.5% of all premature deaths for adults within this age range.
How ultra-processed foods affect your health.
     This isn’t the first time consumption of ultra-processed foods has been linked to negative health outcomes. Research continuously shows (such as in this 2020 Nutrients study) that these foods may lead to overeating and are linked to the development of obesity and type 2 diabetes. Many ultra-processed foods can increase inflammation in the body. Other studies even show a link with increased risk of colorectal cancer, heart disease and cognitive decline.
     Lower-quality diets comprised largely of ultra-processed foods have increasingly been linked with premature death due to cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality. This recent analysis further demonstrates that the consumption of ultra-processed foods can lead to increased mortality risk. The researchers of this latest study concluded that reducing ultra-processed food energy intake by 10% to 50% could potentially prevent 5,900 to 29,3000 deaths.
     It also doesn’t help that the portion sizes for ultra-processed foods continue to grow. A recent overview in the American Journal of Public Health found that despite health professionals pleads to the United States food industry to reduce portion sizes for ultra-processed packaged foods, packaging for ultra-processed foods are up to five times larger compared to sample sizes in 2002.
What are ultra-processed foods?
     Ultra-processed foods are foods that are not only highly processed, but typically contain a significant amount of added sugars, chemicals/additives, salt, and saturated fat. These foods include sodas (and other highly sugar-sweetened beverages), chips, candy, packaged baked goods, processed meats, frozen dinners, and more. However, not all processed foods are defined as ultra-processed. There are plenty of processed foods in the store that could still be considered whole foods, like canned tuna and vegetables. The frozen section can offer a lot of healthier processed foods, like frozen vegetables and fruits, chicken, potatoes and more. Even some natural starches and grains get packaged, like rice, legumes and pasta.
     The key difference between the two is the number of additives within the package. If the food is made with minimal, whole ingredients without too much added sugar or additives, it isn’t considered ultra-processed. However, if a packaged food contains a laundry list of ingredients that are unrecognizable, and a high amount of saturated fat and added sugar while not providing much nutrient density (such as protein, unsaturated fats, fiber, whole grains, and vitamins/minerals), it would be considered an ultra-processed food and should be consumed in moderation.

     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.

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   
TODAY'S WORDS - FLOW OF LIFE

     Balance, peace, and joy are the fruit of a successful life. It starts with recognizing your talents and finding ways to serve others by using them. People are reminded that it's not all ugliness in the world. I grew up in a broken home. My dad was out of the home when I was five years old. I never knew him very well. Our most important legacy will be the contributions we make to the lives of other human beings.
     The more you give yourself to others, the more joy and peace will flow into your own life. The act of contributing to the lives of others is its own reward. A servant's heart is a greater motivator than financial gain. Somewhere out there is a unique place for you to help others - a unique life role for you to fill that only you can fill. Surround yourself with the kinds of input that are uplifting, that expand your mind and settle your spirit.
     Each of us is a small part of God's plan. I'm a small part. I create paintings that are being used by God. I've had so much positive reaction and emotional fulfillment from the creation of my art and sharing it with everyday people that I never paid too much attention to the opinion of critics. The flow of blessings in our life is directly related to our passing blessings along to someone else. What I paint touches on foundational life values. Home, family, peacefulness. And one of the messages I try to constantly get across is, 'Slow it down and enjoy every moment.' When we learn to say a deep, passionate yes to the things that really matter, then peace begins to settle onto our lives like golden sunlight sifting to a forest floor.

~Thomas Kinkade~

Kenneth Davis

 TIME FOR ANOTHER 

     March 1992 - The Memphis Horns celebrated 25 years together in 1992 with a concert in the Pyramid which was attended by many of the artists they had played with. Trumpeter Wayne Jackson (right) and his musical partner, saxophonist Andrew Love, make up one of the most sought-after horn sections in the world. ~Karen Pulfer Focht/The Commercial Appeal~

     Dr. Willie Herenton, center suprintendant of Memphis City Schools, is consoled by school board member Maxine Smith after announcing his retirement plans for the end of the school year October 29, 1990 . At left is board member Hubon Sandridge and at right is school board president J.C. Williams. ~Michael McMullan, The Commercial Appeal~

     January 13, 1998 - Rufus Thomas shares a laugh with B.B. King on Rufus Thomas Boulevard. Rufus Thomas was presented with his own parking space on his street Tuesday evening.``I'm so happy to be back in Memphis, '' said King, who cut his teeth on Beale five decades ago and whose own club arguably turned the historical district around when it opened in 1991 as a tourist hotspot. ~Alan Spearman, The Commercial Appeal~

     Feb. 18, 1998: Coach Derek Hunter of Booker T. Washington High School rallies his team during a game against Oakhaven High School on Wednesday. Hunter, who is a Christian poet, calls on his faith to guide his team.

~Lance Murphey / The Commercial Appeal~

     February 26, 1997 - University of Memphis basketball coach Larry Finch received congratulations on a victory over Houston in The Pyramid as he tries to get his jacket on at the buzzer.
~Michael McMullan/The Commercial Appeal~

Estella Wright (Mayhue-Greer)

A Throwback song is accompanied by a Throwback hairstyle.

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   
TODAY'S WORDS - THE DISTRACTIONS OF LIFE 

     I compulsively reach for perfection in music, often at the expense of everything else in my life. I'm a recovered alcoholic. I don't do anything anymore, but those things, those things take away ... You're a different personality completely when you take those. For those who are really chemically dependent on anything, it's not you. I had a 10-year heroin habit and kicked that. Then I became an alcoholic. I drank two fifth's a day. I've done some dastardly things but what can I do except make amends and apologize?
     My life is music, and in some vague, mysterious and subconscious way, I have always been driven by a taut inner spring which has propelled me to almost compulsively reach for perfection in music, often - in fact, mostly - at the expense of everything else in my life. It’s like a language. You learn the alphabet, which are the scales. You learn sentences, which are the chords. And then you talk extemporaneously with the horn. Other than conversation, no other art form can give the satisfaction of spontaneous interaction like Jazz. It’s a wonderful thing to speak extemporaneously, which is something I’ve never gotten the hang of. But musically I love to talk just off the top of my head. And that’s what jazz music is all about.
     The value of jazz still has to be clarified. People involve themselves with its superficialities without digging for its soul. You know, when I'm playing, I think of myself in front of the Wailing Wall with a saxophone in my hands, and I'm davening, I'm really telling it to the Wall. When I got this saxophone, it became a religion. There wasn't TV, there wasn't much money, and there was just a real dedication.... I never thought of it as an art. It was just work that I loved. Not just work, but work that I loved. I loved it so much, I would play it if nobody listened to it. Any jazz musician, if there's nobody around to listen, would play just for the sheer joy of improvising music. Life is too full of distractions nowadays. When I was a kid we had a little Emerson radio and that was it. We were more dedicated. We didn't have a choice. I came from an era when we didn't use electronic instruments. The bass wasn't even amplified. The sound was the sound you got.

~Stan Getz~

Kenneth Davis

WELCOME TO 
SMOOTH
 CONTEMPORARY JAZZ 

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   
TODAY'S WORDS - YOUR DESIRES

     Humility is a flower which does not grow in everyone's garden. Life cannot be lived, and understood, simultaneously. Life is only meaningful when we are striving for a goal. A goal gets us motivated, while a good habit keeps us stay motivated. You will never do anything in this world without courage. It is the greatest quality of the mind next to honor. It is our choice of good or evil that determines our character, not our opinion about good or evil. Our problem is not that we aim too high and miss, but that we aim too low and hit. Character is made by many acts; it may be lost by a single one.
     Be a free thinker and don't accept everything you hear as truth. Be critical and evaluate what you believe in. Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all. The more you know, the more you know you don't know. You are what you repeatedly do. The most important relationship we can all have is the one you have with yourself; the most important journey you can take is one of self-discovery. To know yourself, you must spend time with yourself, you must not be afraid to be alone. Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom. Happiness is a quality of the soul...not a function of one's material circumstances. True happiness comes from gaining insight and growing into your best possible self. Otherwise, all you're having is immediate gratification pleasure, which is fleeting and doesn't grow you as a person.
     We are what we repeatedly do... excellence, therefore, isn't just an act, but a habit and life isn't just a series of events, but an ongoing process of self-definition. Bring your desires down to your present means. Increase them only when your increased means permit. The proof that you know something is that you are able to teach it. Today, see if you can stretch your heart and expand your love so that it touches not only those to whom you can give it easily, but also to those who need it so much. At the intersection where your gifts, talents, and abilities meet a human need; therein you will discover your purpose. Find the good. Seek the Unity. Ignore the divisions among us.

~Aristotle~

Estella Wright (Mayhue-Greer)

Kenneth Davis

    SMALL STRAWS IN A SOFT WIND by Marsha Burns

     January 19, 2025: You have been in a time of reflection, which is a good thing sometimes. But you must not get stuck in a place of regret for some of the choices you made. What is done is done. Leave the past behind and move forward in hope and faith for a better future. I am with you to guide you and direct your steps. Do not be afraid. Roman 8:1-2 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.

   T H O U G H T   F O R   C O N S I D E R A T I O N   
TODAYS WORDS - A TIME OF REFLECTION

     The true greatness of a person, in my view, is evident in the way he or she treats those with whom courtesy and kindness are not required. Kind words not only lift our spirits in the moment they are given, but they can linger with us over the years. Kindness is a passport that opens doors and fashions friends. It softens hearts and molds relationships that can last lifetimes. We know that we are often judged by the company we keep. We know how influential classmates, friends, and other peer groups can be. If any of our companions are prone to be unrighteous in their living, we are better off seeking new associations immediately.  
     Valued companionships begin with a personal commitment to be an exemplary companion. We like to be around those who are grateful. Gratitude is a mark of a noble soul and a refined character. I know that each of us has much to do. Sometimes we feel overwhelmed by the tasks we face. But if we keep our priorities in order, we can accomplish all that we should. We can endure to the end regardless of temptations, problems, and challenges. Dates that come around every year help us measure progress in our lives. One annual event, New Year's Day, is a time of reflection and resolution. Though our trials are diverse, there is one thing the Lord expects of us no matter our difficulties and sorrows: He expects us to press on. We see ourselves in terms of yesterday and today. Our Heavenly Father sees us in terms of forever. 
     Many in the world are searching, often intensely, for a source of refreshment that will quench their yearning for meaning and direction in their lives. They crave a cool, satisfying drink of insight and knowledge that will soothe their parched souls. I give thanks to my Creator for this wonderful life where each of us has the opportunity to learn lessons we could not fully comprehend by any other means. In spite of discouragement and adversity, those who are happiest seem to have a way of learning from difficult times, becoming stronger, wiser and happier as a result. Sometimes we make the process more complicated than we need to. We will never make a journey of a thousand miles by fretting about how long it will take or how hard it will be. We make the journey by taking each day step by step and then repeating it again and again until we reach our destination. Even when we make mistakes, we hope others will love us in spite of our shortcomings - even if we don't deserve it.

 
~Joseph B. Wirthlin~

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   
TODAY'S WORDS - AN UNDERSTANDING HEART 
 

     If we could look into each other’s hearts and understand the unique challenges each of us faces, I think we would treat each other much more gently, with more love, patience, tolerance, and care. Still, small heavenly voices penetrate the heart with their gentle, convincing declarations… Most often, hope, encouragement, and direction come from a soft, piercing voice. Small voices are heard only by those who are willing to listen.
     Listening is more than being quiet. Listening is much more than silence. Listening requires undivided attention. The time to listen is when someone needs to be heard. The time to deal with a person with a problem is when he has the problem. The time to listen is the time when our interest and love are vital to the one who seeks our ear, our heart, our help, and our empathy.
     We often equate charity with visiting the sick, taking in casseroles to those in need, or sharing our excess with those who are less fortunate. But really, true charity is much, much more. Real charity is not something you give away; it is something that you acquire and make a part of yourself. And when the virtue of charity becomes implanted in your heart, you are never the same again. Be the one who nurtures and builds. Be the one who has an understanding and a forgiving heart one who looks for the best in people. Leave people better than you found them.
     We ... tend to evaluate others on the basis of physical, outward appearance: their "good looks," their social status, their family pedigrees, their degrees, or their economic situations. The Lord, however, has a different standard by which he measures a person. When it came time to choose a king to replace King Saul, the Lord gave this criteria to his prophet Samuel: "Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; ... for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart."

~Marvin J. Ashton~

Kenneth Davis

IT'S TIME FOR 
JUST JOKING MONDAYS

The kid’s not wrong!
     I took my 7-year-old grandson for his yearly flu shot. As the nurse prepared the syringe, she asked, “Did you have a reaction to the shot last year?” “Yes,” answered my grandson. 
The nurse stopped in her tracks. “What was your reaction?” 
“I screamed.”
—Andrew Haydu, Roseville, California

Just passing time!
     I asked a young mother in our neonatal unit why she thought we had so many expectant mothers from her small town. She said, “Well, we don’t have cable.”
—Source: Scrubs magazine

Call it … carma!
     A car belonging to a pregnant patient was broken into. The only thing that was stolen was a wine bottle in a brown paper bag. It turns out, that’s where she was keeping her urine sample, which she’d brought in to be tested.
—Janet Grow, Overland Park, Kansas

Dude looks like a lady … or does he?
     The doctor explained to his patient that she suffered from cervicitis, or inflammation of the cervix. Concerned, she demanded that he test her husband for it too. The doctor assured her, “I’m positive your husband does not have cervicitis.” She shot back, “How do you know? You haven’t examined him yet.”
—Roianne Lope, Pine Hill, New Jersey

Joycelyn Lacy (Sommerville)

Kenneth Davis

SMALL STRAWS IN A SOFT WIND by Marsha Burns

   January 21, 2025: Through spiritual righteousness you can escape the penalty of sin, which is death and separation from God. Make every effort to do good and be good in every aspect of living and being and draw near to the Lord always. You have been given the power of free will to choose your destiny. Romans 8:1-4 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to 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    
TODAY'S WORDS - YOUR DESTINY 

     Other people's opinions do not determine your potential. You may not be where you want to be, but you can look back and be thankful you're not where you used to be. Every day, set your mind in the right direction. Find something to be grateful for. Life's too short to spend it trying to keep others happy. You can't please everyone. To fulfill your destiny, stay true to your heart. If you think your obstacles are too big, they will be. Don’t set limits on your life with your thinking. When you face difficult times, know that challenges are not sent to destroy you. They're sent to promote, increase and strengthen you. We have to realize that our lives could be gone in a moment. There are no guarantees that we will be here at this time next year. Learn to live each day to the fullest. Don't complain. Don't focus on what's wrong. Be grateful for the opportunity to experience each day.
     Your destiny is not cancelled because of a mistake, because of a failure. Get back up and go again. When you go through difficult times, make sure you pass the test. Don’t be stubborn and hardheaded. Recognize that God is refining you, knocking off some of your rough edges. Stand strong and fight the good fight of faith. God has called each of us to be champions; you are destined to win. If you will work with God and keep a good attitude, then no matter what comes against you, the bible says that all things – not just the good things in life, but all things – work together for your good. What others say and do cannot stop you from fulfilling your destiny. Your destiny was handed down by Almighty God.
     There will always be somebody more successful, more beautiful, more talented. You have to realize, you're not running their race. You're running your race. Replace those thoughts of worry with thoughts of hope, faith, and victory. The greatest gift you can give someone is your time, your attention, your love, your concern. When God puts something in your heart and deep down you know it’s a destiny moment, don’t wait for ten confirmations. Do what God is asking you to do now. Quit worrying about what other people think and just be who God made you to be. If you will run your race, God will take care of your critics.
     Every day is a gift from God. There's no guarantee of tomorrow, so that tells me to see the good in this day to make the most of it. You were created to make somebody else’s life better. Somebody needs your smile. They need your love, your encouragement & your gifts. You don't have to live up to anyone's expectations, just be the best you can be. You need to associate with people who inspire you, people that challenge you to raise higher, people that make you better. Don't waste your valuable time with people that are not adding to your growth. Your destiny is too important. Where you are now is not where you will always be. There are brighter days up ahead.

~Joel Osteen~

Estella Wright (Mayhue-Greer)

Obituary For Wilma Estella Sueing

July 13, 1933 ~ January 14, 2025

On July 13, 1933, in Wynne, Arkansas, the home of George and Tressie Watkins and big brother George Jr. was illuminated by the birth of a little girl, whom they named Wilma Estella.

Wilma accepted Christ as her personal Savior and was baptized as a member of the Union Valley Baptist Church in Wynne. While a teen, she learned to love church work, a practice which followed her for the remainder of her active years.

Her early education was completed at Childress Vocational High School in Wynne, Arkansas. From there she graduated as valedictorian in the class of 1951 and matriculated at AM&N College in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. In 1955 she graduated cum laude with a major in English and a minor in Secondary Education. She had accumulated enough history credits to receive an endorsement in history in the State of Tennessee.

While at AM&N, she was inducted into two national honor societies – Sigma Rho Sigma National Social Studies Honor Society and Alpha Kappa Mu. She was also inducted into the Alpha Rho Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and became a Life Member. In 2002, she received Golden Soror Status and in 2017 she received Pearl Soror Status.

Her subsequent achievements included earning the Master of Arts at the University of Memphis in 1973 with English as both major and minor. She earned an additional 45 hours in Educational Administration and Supervision.

It was Wilma’s conviction that her primary life’s work should be one in which she could best inspire others to use their skills in the areas of language, literature, and history in Memphis City Schools. She spent her professional career as a teacher of high school and college students in those disciplines, along with experiences in instructional supervision and professional development. Her school assignments included Booker T. Washington, Frederick Douglass, and Sheffield High Schools.She was a part-time teacher at Shelby State Community College (now Southwest Tennessee Community College). After 41 years of employment in Memphis City Schools, she retired as an instructional supervisor in December 1996.

Following retirement, Wilma was employed by the University of Memphis as a member of the Title I Support Team and as a per diem sales representative for Prentice Hall Publishing Company. This was followed by a four-year period as an independent contractor with the Distinguished Educators and Exemplary Educators programs for the Tennessee Department of Education.

Community/civic organizations which were close to her heart were her church Metropolitan Baptist Church, where she served in leadership and support roles – as a Sunday School teacher and Superintendent of the Young People’s Division, member of the Deborah-Macedonia Sunday School Class and the Pastor’s Weekly Bible Class, the Membership Committee, and the Board of Trustees; Beta Epsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., where she served as Chaplain, Ivy Leaf Reporter, and Editor in Residence of chapter history publications; Memphis Chapter of the Links, Incorporated, where she served as Chaplain, Program Chairman, Editor of Souvenir Books for the Holiday Cotillion; and Correspondence Secretary (receiving Alumni Status in 2007). Other involvement includes the NAACP, where she held Life Membership, the UAPB National Alumni Association, and Optimist International, where she served as President of Curve Optimist Club and Lt. Governor for Zone 2, a position for which she obtained the status of Distinguished. She was also a member of the University of Memphis Chapter, Phi Delta Educational Fraternity where she served as President.

Wilma was married to Charles A. Sueing, Sr. This union was blessed with two children: Cheryl and Charles, Jr. (Chuck). Upon this marriage, she was blessed also to gain children Andrea, Oscar, and his twin brother Oliver (mother, Bennie Wilson), all of whom she loved dearly.

Both parents, three siblings (her brother George, Jr., and unnamed twin girls), her husband Charles Sr. and stepson Oliver saw the face of God ahead of her.

On the 14th day of January 2025 in Bartlett, TN, Wilma was transitioned from the Church Militant to the Church Triumphant when she was ushered into the arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Fond memories will be cherished by her children, Cheryl Sueing-Jones (William Jones), Charles Sueing, Jr. (Marie Sueing), additional children Andrea Sueing Cosby, Oscar Sueing (Linda Sueing), grandchildren Lauren Travis, Lia Jones-Karavokiris (Lucas Karavokiris), Skylar Jones, Kristen Sueing, Justin Sueing (Elida Sueing), Jalen Sueing; additional grandchildren Gia Broadway (Danny Broadway), Christopher Sueing, Eric Sueing, Brooke Richardson, Jessica Salerno (Vincent Salerno), Adrian Sueing, Amarylis Sueing, Elizabeth Sueing; siblings Kenneth Watkins (Francis Watkins), Edna Randolph (Donald Randolph), Doris Hawkins, close cousin Marian Morrison, a host of nieces and nephews, cousins, former students and many others.

Family and friends will be received on Friday January 24,2025 from 4:00-6:00 PM at RS Lewis and Sons Funeral Home 2944 Walnut Grove Road Memphis TN 38111

An additional public viewing will take place from 10:00-10:55 AM Saturday January 25, 2025 with a Celebration of Life to follow at 11:00 AM in the sanctuary of Metropolitan Baptist Church 767 Walker Ave Memphis TN 38106.

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    
TODAY'S WORDS - RESOLVING THE PROBLEMS

     Emotional sickness is avoiding reality at any cost. Emotional health is facing reality at any cost. Mental health is an ongoing process of dedication to reality at all costs. The major threats to our survival no longer stem from nature without, but from our own human nature within. It is our carelessness, our hostilities, our selfishness and pride and willful ignorance that endanger the world. Human beings are poor examiners, subject to superstition, bias, prejudice, and a PROFOUND tendency to see what they want to see rather than what is really there.
     Since [narcissists] deep down, feel themselves to be faultless, it is inevitable that when they are in conflict with the world, they will invariably perceive the conflict as the world's fault. Since they must deny their own badness, they must perceive others as bad. They project their own evil onto the world. They never think of themselves as evil, on the other hand, they consequently see much evil in others. Evil people hate the light because it reveals themselves to themselves. ... They will destroy the light, the goodness, the love in order to avoid the pain of self-awareness. ... Evil is laziness carried to its ultimate, extraordinary extreme.
     I have learned nothing in twenty years that would suggest that evil people can be rapidly influenced by any means other than raw power. They do not respond, at least in the short run, to either gentle kindness or any form of spiritual persuasion with which I am familiar. The truth is that our finest moments are most likely to occur when we are feeling deeply uncomfortable, unhappy, or unfulfilled. For it is only in such moments, propelled by our discomfort, that we are likely to step out of our ruts and start searching for different ways or truer answers. The giving up of personality traits, well-established patterns of behavior, ideologies, and even whole lifestyles...these are major forms of giving up, that are required if one is to travel very far on the journey of life.
     Life is difficult. This is a great truth, one of the greatest truths. It is a great truth because once we truly see this truth, we transcend it. Once we truly know that life is difficult-once we truly understand and accept it-then life is no longer difficult. Because once it is accepted, the fact that life is difficult no longer matters. Life is a series of problems. Do we want to moan about them or solve them? We cannot solve a problem by saying, "It's not my problem." We cannot solve a problem by hoping that someone else will solve it for us.
     I can solve a problem only when I say, "This is my problem and it's up to me to solve it." Problems do not go away. They must be worked through or else they remain, forever a barrier to the growth and development of the spirit. It is in the whole process of meeting and solving problems that life has meaning. Problems are the cutting edge that distinguishes between success and failure. Problems call forth our courage and our wisdom; indeed, they create our courage and our wisdom. It is only because of problems that we grow mentally and spiritually. It is through the pain of confronting and resolving problems that we learn. We cannot solve life's problems except by solving them. We must be willing to fail and to appreciate the truth that often "Life is not a problem to be solved, but a mystery to be lived.

~M. Scott Peck~

Kenneth Davis

WELLNESS WEDNESDAY
3 Types of Foods That Help Lower Blood Sugar
Story by Marian Avila
https://en.mui.kitchen/

     Keeping blood sugar in check is a challenge for thousands of people worldwide, which is why what we include in our daily diet is so important. Factors like genetic predisposition, unhealthy habits, diet, and physical activity influence the onset and severity of diabetes. A study from the Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute highlights the importance of reducing energy intake to counteract the obesity epidemic. They recommend the Mediterranean diet or a diet that patients feel comfortable maintaining long-term according to their individual preferences.
     Supplementation with vitamin D, micronutrients like zinc, chromium, magnesium, and pre and probiotics can improve insulin sensitivity, but their use is not systematically suggested. There are some foods that contain these nutrients and are rich in fiber, which helps improve calorie absorption and has a controlling effect on blood sugar spikes.

3 Types of Foods 
That Help Control Blood Sugar Levels

Beans and Legumes
     Beans and legumes are a great source of dietary fiber and protein. Because they contain fiber, the digestive tract absorbs fewer carbohydrates than low-fiber, high-carb foods. These types of foods are recommended as a substitute for meat or cheese, according to Medical News Today, because they are an excellent carbohydrate option for people with diabetes. You can buy these foods canned or dried: lentils, black beans, chickpeas, white beans, kidney beans, and pinto beans.
Vegetables
     Vegetables are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals and are a must in a healthy diet. One of the main advantages is that they are complex carbohydrates and contain fiber, which creates a feeling of fullness. This also helps prevent overeating and avoids blood sugar problems. Some vegetables you can add to your diet include broccoli, leafy greens, carrots, bell peppers, potatoes, tomatoes, peas, and corn, among others.
Oatmeal
     Oatmeal is a food rich in soluble fiber, which prevents high glucose spikes as it is a source of slow-absorbing carbohydrates. This creates a feeling of fullness and stimulates the pancreas's function. The soluble fiber in oatmeal has an effect that helps slow the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream and maintain more stable glucose levels. Additionally, oatmeal contains soluble fiber, which reduces low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, the bad cholesterol, according to Mayo Clinic.

     This is for information purposes 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.

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    
TODAY'S WORDS - RISE ABOVE YOUR DISSAPOINTMENT 

     You simply will not be the same person two months from now after consciously giving thanks each day for the abundance that exists in your life. And you will have set in motion an ancient spiritual law: the more you have and are grateful for, the more will be given you. Usually, when the distractions of daily life deplete our energy, the first thing we eliminate is the thing we need the most: quiet, reflective time. Time to dream, time to contemplate what's working and what's not, so that we can make changes for the better.... we can no longer afford to throw away even one 'unimportant' day by not noticing the wonder of it all. We have to be willing to discover and then appreciate the authentic moments of happiness available to all of us every day.
     We can stop waiting for life to become perfect and start working with what we’ve got to make it as satisfying as we can. We can accept, bless, give thanks, and get going. Today, we can begin to call forth the riches from our everyday life. Today we can move from lack to abundance. Both abundance and lack exist simultaneously in our lives, as parallel realities. It is always our conscious choice which secret garden we will tend... when we choose not to focus on what is missing from our lives, but are grateful for the abundance that's present - love, health, family, friends, work, the joys of nature and personal pursuits that bring us pleasure - the wasteland of illusion falls away and we experience Heaven on earth. Today, look at the blue sky, hear the grass growing beneath your feet, inhale the scent of spring, let the fruits of the earth linger on your tongue, reach out and embrace those you love. Ask the Spirit to awaken your awareness to the sacredness of your sensory perceptions.
     This moment is your life. It is the process of living, the journey, that is life itself, and we often wish away our lives by focusing only on what tomorrow could, should, would bring. Every day we’re given chances to embrace the new. Don't wish today away. Don't waste it. Redeem one hour to be grateful. Let your thanksgiving rise above the din of disappointment - opportunities lost, mistakes made, the clamor of all that has not yet come. The authentic self is the soul made visable. Our deepest wishes are whispers of our authentic selves. We must learn to respect them. We must learn to listen. Today expect something good to happen to you no matter what occurred yesterday.

~Sarah Ban Breathnach~

Kenneth Davis

 TIME FOR ANOTHER 
THROWBACK
 THURSDAY

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    
TODAY'S WORDS - QUIET YOUR SOUL
 

     Celebrate your own special spirit, fly on the wings of your secret dreams. Live from the wise voice in your heart, and each day will blossom. We can thank our lucky stars when once in a blue moon we find rare and kindred souls along the pathways of our lives. Inspire, share Love, join hands, open hearts. We are here for each other. How enriched life is by friends! Good friends, new friends, old friends, feathered friends, feline friends, friends of friends.
     I live within the vivid colors of my imagination, soaring with rainbow-feathered birds, racing the desert winds on horseback, wrapped in ancient tribal jewels, dancing with mythical tigers in steamy jungles. Listen...you can hear the colors flowering in the quiet of your soul. May you find in the nectar of life, the sweetness of hope in your heart, feel the comfort of songbirds in your soul, the grace of new wind in your wings. Color your spirit with rainbows and shower gold dust in your hair. Time heals. Life renews. Dreams take flight again, close your eyes and drink it all in. 

 
~Laurel Burch~

Kenneth Davis

WELCOME TO 
SMOOTH
 CONTEMPORARY JAZZ 

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   
TODAY'S WORDS - LOVE AND APPRECIATION

     Every one of us comes into this life with lessons to learn and gifts to give. Anything in life that we don't accept will simply make trouble for us until we make peace with it. Change happens not by trying to make yourself change, but by becoming conscious of what's not working. The more willing you are to surrender to the energy within you, the more power can flow through you. Every time you don't follow your inner guidance, you feel a loss of energy, loss of power, a sense of spiritual deadness. The more light you allow within you, the brighter the world you live in will be. When we finally give up the struggle to find fulfillment "out there," we have nowhere to go but within. It is at this moment of total surrender that a new light begins to dawn.
     There is a wise being living inside of you. It is your intuitive self. Focus your awareness into a deep place in your body, a place where your "gut feelings" reside. You can communicate with it by silently talking to it, making requests, or asking questions. Then relax, don't think too hard with your mind, and be open to receiving answers. They are usually very simple and relate to the present moment, not the past or the future, and they feel right. A painful time in our life is what I call a healing crisis. We are letting go of something old and opening to something new. We always attract into our lives whatever we think about most, believe in most strongly, expect on the deepest level, and imagine most vividly. Everything in the universe wants to be loved and accepted. Our personal work is to find the love and acceptance within ourselves. The most powerful thing you can do to change the world is to change your own beliefs about the nature of life, people, and reality to something more positive... and begin to act accordingly.
     Each one of us has all the wisdom and knowledge we ever need right within us. It is available to us through our intuitive mind, which is our connection with universal intelligence.  You can love other people only to the degree that you've come to love and accept yourself. I think that everything in the world around us is a reflection of what is going on inside of us. So each of us as an individual creates a life - we draw to us certain people and events and circumstances that reflect what's going on inside of us, so we can literally look at our life and see a mirror of our own consciousness. My primary relationship is with myself- all others are mirrors of it. As I learn to love myself, I automatically receive the love and appreciation that I desire from others. If I am commited to myself and to living my truth, I will attract others with equal commitment. My willingness to be intimate with my own deep feelings creates the space for intimacy with another. May you be blessed with everything your heart desires.

~Shakti Gawain~