What leads your quest? (6/23/2019)

SALUTATIONS: I know it's been a good month since our last fellowship, I hope that everyone had some great moments of growth. So, as scheduled, I think I started composing this SOW the week after I sent out the last, and I just never got around to completing it. I would apologize, but I hate chronic apologies, and I've been doing that for years in lieu of my inconsistencies. That being said, I will not make excuses - I take full accountability for my negligence in getting out this word. Although late, to ALL the fallen veterans who have laid down their life for our freedom, I salute you. To ALL of those who are mourning the loss of a loved one whose passing is still very fresh, and to those who are simply missing a loved one who passed away ages ago, my prayers are with you. When I was younger, in fact, if I'm being honest, until last month, I didn't understand why someone would have the gall to wish someone a "Happy Memorial Day." I used to think it was because most people were relieved to have a day off from work and/or school, but as I originally started typing this lesson, it donned on me that memories help a legacy live on in our hearts; we can choose to dwell on the "happy" memories, and find solace in knowing that our loved ones are no longer troubled by the pangs of this life. On that note, I hope that each of you were able to relax on Memorial Day and every week thereafter, finding peace in knowing that your loved one isn't suffering the tribulation of life. In my absence, I also missed an opportunity to pay homage to all the REAL dad's out there; this acknowledgment is extended to EVERY male who has assumed the role of a father figure into a child/youth's life, whether a biological child or relative or not. However, it's not too late for me to say that I appreciate you for stepping up. When you chose to make time, please take a moment to register your Ralph's, Food 4 Less, and/or Kroger Rewards cards to enroll your member number/phone number for the Ralph's/Food 4 Less Community Contribution Program to help Fostering Mind, Body, and Soul Incorporated (aka FMBS Inc., serving communities throughout Southern Cali since 2012) raise funds to give back to the community; for every purchase you make, a small % is given as a donation to our non-profit organization - your rewards points are NOT affected by this enrollment. Thank you in advance, I appreciate your support. Also, at your leisure, I encourage you to check out the Announcements, Healthy Living Tips, and other information detailed below, following the Reflections and Power in Prayer. Always SHARE GOD’s GOSPEL and feel free to share the Scripture of the Week with the hashtag SOW. Enjoy! **Disclaimer: Production and distribution days of the SOW are subject to change without warning**

PRAISE REPORTS: I have several cousins who recently graduated and/or are doing big things: from high school (Mon'yae & Ryan), one who graduated from trade school (Tane), another from Spelman with high honors moving on to her doctorate (Nylah), one who's graduating college in Fall and trying out for the NFL (Vincent Jr.), and one who's face made it onto a building in Times Square for his musical talents (stage name August08). The fact that you’re reading this message means that you’ve been blessed with another moment of life, not to mention, functioning senses. Thank you, Yeshua! If you have a specific praise report, please share, because we “overcame him [the adversary] by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of [our] testimony” (Revelation 12:11). **NOTE: All praise reports are shared with reference to your name unless anonymity is specified**

PRAYER REQUESTS: Within my bible study group, imagineLA, several members are embarking on new endeavors, from illustration and publishing books, to event planning, to life coaching, to documentaries, to music, to starting new businesses or expanding old ones, to law school and so forth; each of our members and visitors are in need of clarity, guidance, and maybe even a breakthrough to remove the evil forces that have hindered such growth in the past; there are so many names to list that I'll simply ask you to pray for our bible study group collectively and as individuals. I'd also like you to pray for me to be connected to the right board members to help FMBS Inc. flourish and impact communities. Additionally, asking for an extra hedge of protection over me, protecting me from fatigue and procrastination; I need to excel at time management, organization, and productivity so that I am not lacking when it comes to fulfilling my God-given purpose. Also, keep praying for one another, thanking Yahweh for the victory while refraining from confessing the problem caused by the enemy; ALWAYS pray for the desired result, NOT the unfavorable outcome (refer to the book The Tongue – A Creative Force, by Charles Capps; you can purchase your copy here https://goo.gl/qf4rxB). If you or someone you know needs prayer, let me know, and your request will be added to the following SOW. **NOTE: All prayer requests are shared with reference to your name and need unless anonymity is specified**

BE ENCOURAGED: NEVER lose sight of God in amidst of adversity… Ponder this: “You are the only person on Earth who can use your ability” (Zig Ziglar). I'm no theological scholar, and even if I were a pastor or an expert on God's word, I would still advise you NEVER to take someone else's word as solid truth; "Study to show thyself approved" (2 Timothy 2:15), and CHALLENGE EVERYTHING by comparing it to the Word of God. If what you see, hear or read does NOT fall in line with the Word of God, then it is NOT true... The rest of this day isn't promised, let alone tomorrow, so why not strengthen your faith TODAY? Feed your body healthy nutrition, be cautious of what things you allow your eyes, ears, and spirit to be exposed to (e.g. media, books, TV, music, etc.) so that YOU can start anew and become a better you NOW, rather than later. 
 
FEATURED SONGS OF PRAISE: "I Understand" by Smokie Norful, you can listen to it here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0skD7d3usw) "Chasing After You (feat. Tasha Cobbs & William Murphy)" by Bishop Paul S. Morton, you can listen to it here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MrmPfRMDCP0). I would also like to recommend Classical for Studying Radio on Pandora to better facilitate your meditation on the Word as you study, you can listen to that station here https://www.pandora.com/station/play/2639311889517434029.  

OPENING PRAYER: Yahweh, please clear our minds and open our eyes, ears, and hearts so that we may see, hear, and receive your intended message from this fellowship. In the name of Yeshua, Amen!
 
PASSAGE(S) – JOHN 1: 36-39: "36 And looking upon Jesus as He walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God! 37 And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. 38 Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto Him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou? 39 He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where He dwelt, and abode with Him that day: for it was about the tenth hour."

**Unless otherwise indicated all Scripture quotations are taken from the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible retrieved from https://www.biblegateway.com/passage**

 
REFLECTIONS: What or who is it that leads your quests? As I write this, I am reminded of a Sprite commercial from back in the day where these two Black dudes and a Spanish looking one, in tanks, one was buff, were shooting a commercial on a basketball court trying to sound hard and the director tells one of them that he was holding the soda can was upside down. All of a sudden, all 3 of them started talking proper. What stood out the most was the last dude's comment, so much so, I would randomly walk around saying "What's my motivation?" So, my friends, at this moment I ask you, "What's your motivation?"

John was with two new disciples and had pointed out Jesus to them, and they began to follow Him. When the Lord saw them following Him, He asked "What seek ye?" They tell Him that they want to know "Where dwellest thou?" Jesus tells them to "Come and see." As I ponder this passage, I see a deeper conversation. I see some believers being introduced to the Lord for the first time, their curiosity leads them toward Him for a closer look. As they are allowed in, they want to know where the Lord will dwell - where He will be spending His time so that they too can be enveloped in His presence. Jesus invites the believers in, assuring them that as long as they follow Him (truly seek Him), they will see all the example they need through Him, to lead a life of righteousness.

In the NIV translation, Jesus asks, "What do you want?" Is there some other reason or motive behind your seeking the Lord? Are you truly seeking the Lord because there is a desire to, or, are you in it with an expectation that your time with Him will deliver some type of extraordinary modern-day miracle? Like, when you lend someone money with the expectation that they'll repay you. Or, you buy a friend an expensive gift, expecting them to reciprocate. "What seek ye?" What really motivates you to seek the Lord? Are you looking for relationship - for Him to dwell in you and you in Him? Or, are you looking for an association - for a lifetime dedicated to your own desires, calling on Him in times of trouble, yet praising Him only when things are going well?

Think of your relationship with the Lord like one with a significant other; most people look for a mate who will improve their life, not one that takes from it. For instance, someone who gets with another because they genuinely like that person, only to find that the other person was just in it for status, money, or some other type of gain. Is that an equally yoked relationship? No! Both individuals are motivated by differing factors, and therefore they aren't on one accord. Jesus waits for us to accept (open) the gift He's already given. When someone hands you a present, do you ask them what it is and what's the price so that you can repay them? No! You open the gift and accept it, and your gratitude is their reward. The Lord only expects us to seek Him out of appreciation for what's been given. If the driving force behind your relationship with Christ is fear or material gain, then your efforts are in vain. Our motivation should be thankfulness for His promises, and a genuine desire to want to draw near to Him the way we'd draw near to a significant other, as we grow together and learn more about them. However, when our desire is selfish in nature, the getting to know one another part goes neglected, and the relationship typically fails. Same as with God, as we nurture our connection with Him through time, through prayer, through fasting, through studying, through service to others, and through self-sacrifice, we grow closer to Him.

The more time we spend with the Lord, the more we grow to appreciate Him and our time with Him, and, the more we learn (understand) about Him. Words of faith are simple (easy), but adoration (appreciation) develops as we live by faith. We must follow God in pursuit of His purpose not our own; we must search self to determine what, who, and why we follow Him. What leads your quest to find God? Peace? Heaven? Salvation? Wealth? None of those should be the goal of your quest, because they are its benefits. If your motivation is self-seeking, then you will not be able to claim to "know" the Lord - to know, having a connotation of intimacy that suggests a closeness to someone - and at His 2nd Coming, be certain that He will say "I never knew you, depart from me" (Matthew 7:23). We will learn to love the Lord for who He is as we ALLOW HIM to develop that within us, but that development occurs naturally as we commit our time to Him. 

POWER IN PRAYER: Yahweh, we thank you for redemption, and for the freedom to choose life over death by way of our faith. We thank you for your provisions of health and healing, and for allowing us to breathe yet another week. Forgive us for our unbelief and remove the things or people from our lives hindering us from recognizing our potential and purpose, so that the spiritual things that require spiritual discerning will be clear to us. Lord, we praise you for the peace and calm amidst chaos, sorrow, and mourning. We thank you for removing the hindrances that block the members and visitors of imagineLA from pursuing endeavors that you have mapped out for them, and for the provisions needed to take the proper steps in bringing those goals into fruition, as your will leads. Lord we also thank you for placing an extra hedge of protection over Tylesha and her purpose to aide and impact communities through both her non-profit organization and her online ministry, as well as the many other talents you have embedded within her. Lord, we thank you for stopping the adversary in his tracks before he is even able to conjure his next attack against the individuals that make-up imagineLA, against Tylesha, and against the individuals you are molding for the roles needed to advance FMBS Inc. We praise you for knowing our needs, and thank you in advance for blessing, and addressing those needs according to your will. We thank you for closing doors that are necessary for our growth while opening new windows of opportunities for transformation of a character that reflects you; keep us removed from self as we embark on the paths you've etched into our hearts, Father, so that we will remain steadfast in our obedience to you and continue to make choices in wisdom, not folly. Create in us new hearts that sincerely trust in and act upon your will. Help us to turn away from sin and to serve others in a manner that displays an appropriate example of Christ-like behavior, demonstrates love, encouragement, edification, and strength so that others may experience your grace through us. We give the Holy Spirit permission to dwell within and use us as vessels to share your light with the world. Give us the strength and desire to forgive those who have wronged us, and to forgive ourselves; cause us to let go of the past that haunts us and release us from any binds and attachments that negatively impact our growth. Keep us humble, focused, disciplined, and driven as we work to become everything you have called us to be. Bless each of us individually providing all the tools necessary to balance our personal, professional, and spiritual lives. Bless our loved ones and even our enemies. Provide revelations and awareness as you deliver us from our strongholds and achieve in us the ability to pray game-changing prayers – prayers that change people, change outcomes, and help your will to manifest. This is our trusted prayer, and as the angels and Holy Spirit do your bidding on Earth and in Heaven, protect us and them with your recourse. All these things we ask in the matchless name of Yeshua, Amen!

HEALTHY LIVING TIPS: Change begins within...  "Vitamin D is one of the most powerful hormones needed in the human body. It is important for calcium absorption and the formation, growth, and repair of bones... [and] directly stimulates the immune system" (Hill, R., & Thurmon, J. (n.d.). Healthy self: 10 habits of the longest living Americans. Pan De Viva Productions. Sanare Life Restoration Via Education). The BEST way to get Vitamin D is by sun exposure. I bet you're wondering, what are the healthy alternatives to sunscreen? Well, I know that raw oils and butters like coconut oil and shea butter naturally contain SPF. But, if you're looking to create your own natural sunscreen concoction, check out this homemade sunscreen recipe under How to Make Shea Butter Sunscreen by Isabella retrieved at https://bettersheabutter.com/how-to-make-shea-butter-sunscreen/. So, if you ever run out of your store-bought SPF or your homemade concoction, remember that if you have a lil' coconut oil on your shelf, you can slather a lil' bit over your body, confident in your natural skin protectant. 
 
ANNOUNCEMENTS: 

1. I am on a quest to relaunch Fostering Mind, Body, and Soul Incorporated (FMBS Inc.) and I NEED volunteers and serious board members; Currently, I am in need of people who have a background in business, have some knowledge of operating a non-profit, and/or have resources or connections that can help facilitate our making an impact in surrounding at-risk and underprivileged communities **NOTE: this is a business NOT a hobby** FMBS Inc. has a mission to help supply the homeless as well as needy families with food and hygiene bags. Our recipients are selected by referral, and/or by canvassing the streets for deserving families and individuals throughout Southern California. I encourage you to reach out to me regarding your interest in service or to arrange any monetary donations or item contributions at any time via email at fmbsinc_2012@outlook.com, my voicemail or text at (951) 790-2127, or by making a donation using the Donate button on the upper right corner of our Facebook page here https://www.facebook.com/fmbsinc.sustenance/.
2. Another way FMBS Inc. raises funds is through the Ralph's/Food 4 Less Community Contribution Program; you must go to their website here http://www.friendsindeedpas.org/get-involved/ralphs-community-contribution-program/ and link your rewards cards or telephone numbers (Alt ID) to our organization each year, and we will earn money for every purchase made under your rewards cards. Your continued support is always appreciated. Please keep spreading the word. #SOW

JOIN OUR CAUSE: Fostering Mind, Body, and Soul Incorporated (FMBS Inc.) is on a never-ending quest to locate deserving individuals to extend our services to. Therefore, we are always in need of monetary donations and/or contributions of hygiene items, sealed snacks, bottled water, seasonal items (gloves, scarves, blankets, umbrellas, sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm, etc.), mini bibles, reading books, and so forth.; our YEAR-ROUND mission is to serve homeless and/or needy individuals and families in underprivileged communities throughout Southern California. We also need DEDICATED volunteers and members – is this your calling? Eventually, when we have met our need for volunteers and board members, we will extend our services to assist/mentor at-risk youth, and to address some of the needs of veterans and their family members. We are successful because of YOUR continued support. Please continue to back us up through participation, and/or by encouraging others to join our cause!
 
For more information about our organization contact fmbsinc_2012@outlook.com, as our website is currently under construction. Feel free to LIKE our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/fmbsinc.sustenance/ and follow us on Twitter @FMBSInc.
 
Very Respectfully,

Tylesha "Tye" Allen   Behavioral Interventionist | Mobile Notary | CEO/Founder of FMBS Inc. ·         Mobile: (951) 790-2127 ·         Address: Los Angeles, CA ·         Website: http://www.ready411.weebly.com | http://sodbytye.blogspot.com  ·         Email: professional1_99@hotmail.com ·         Change begins within; work on becoming a better You ·         "It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man." (Psalm 118:8) ·         Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/fmbsinc.sustenance ·         LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/pub/tylesha-"tye"-allen/a4/599/875 ·         Twitter: https://twitter.com/TyeDreamsBig