Way Maker (2/7/2021)

 SALUTATIONS: Greetings everyone. While some are questioning God's existence, those of us who have witnessed His hand at work and/or had a personal experience of His graciousness, know that it is the Great I AM who turns our lives around, mends our broken hearts, supplies our every need, and provides light in our darkness. Let's discuss how God is a man of His Word - a way maker when we trust and believe in His authority to do so in our lives. Let's dive into it. As always, take time to review ALL of the Announcements, Healthy Living Tips, and other information detailed below, following the Reflections and Power in Prayer, whenever time permits. Your continued support is always appreciated. Keep spreading 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: Post-Covid, I have finally resumed my normal workouts. I'm still taking it kind of slow since my lungs aren't 100% yet, but I transitioned from a daily slow to brisk walk to a 10 to 20-minutes HIIT routine at least 3 times a week. It's been challenging to rebuild my endurance and strength, and even more so since my asthma has been flaring up. But, I'm grateful that I can say that even though I had to modify some of the workout moves and limit the intensity and duration, my body is functioning at a capacity that many are not. If you cannot think of a single thing to be grateful for, be thankful for your life. God deserves our praise regardless. Our Lord, we thank you through our struggles, we praise you for our past trials, our current obstacles, and our future triumphs. Help us in our unbelief. Hallelujah! If you have a specific praise report, please share, because we “overcame [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: My cousin and her household, as mine was, have been plagued with Covid-19 and her husband and mother are experiencing serious symptoms; let's remember all those affected by this virus directly or indirectly, physically or financially, and/or severely or mildly. Let's continue to pray for one another and thank 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 download your FREE copy here https://rb.gy/niy4go). 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 amidst adversity… Ponder this: "God always makes a way even if the paths are covered with thorns." (Divya S. Shukla). 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. If you need someone to help you get there, or you're looking for an accountability partner, you've come to the right place. Here I am.
 
FEATURED SONGS OF PRAISE: "Way Maker" by Sinach (you can listen to it here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4XWfwLHeLM) and "Miracle Worker" by Anthony Brown & group therAPy (you can listen to it here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F43XMb-S9U4). 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://rb.gy/wtbmva.  

OPENING PRAYER: Yahweh, please let your presence set the tone for how this lesson will flow and how we will grow from it. Clear our mind and open our eyes, ears, and heart so that we may be decreased in self and increased in you. Fill us with your presence through the Holy Spirit to see as we look, to listen as we hear, to come into alignment with your word and your will, to receive, believe, and apply your truth, that we may be transformed by your intended message from this fellowship and become better as a result of it. In the name of Yeshua, Amen!
 
KEY PASSAGE(S) – ISAIAH 42:16: "And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them." 

**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: Blindness is a disability that prevents individuals from physically seeing the world around them, then, there's something that some refer to as partial blindness. Many of us spend a lifetime living in the latter; partial blindness is when we see yet lack understanding, or when we know what is right but choose not to do it - a spiritual disability that's worse than the physical one more often than not. 

Our key passage this week says, "I will bring the blind by a way they knew not... in paths that they have not known [and] make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight." What is this verse saying? Those of us who are living completely blind or just partially - talking about spiritually not physically - are ignorant to the ways of God; if spiritual things are spiritually discerned (read 1 Corinthians 2:14 here https://rb.gy/dsojsw) and no man knows God's ways (read 1 Corinthians 2:11 here https://rb.gy/cfyexx) because it is only by the Spirit that God's secrets are revealed (read 1 Corinthians 2:10 here https://rb.gy/pnqszl), then everyone who is spiritually blind, fully or partially, will remain in that state if they refuse to tune in to station F-M 6.33. If you didn't get the pun, I'm talking about Matthew 6:33, "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." 

"ALL these things" (Matthew 6:33) isn't exclusively talking about the material things and basic needs, but when we seek first God's kingdom, "all" includes knowledge, wisdom, and discernment. How do we seek Him first? Well, for one, we've got to stop "making time" for God and start prioritizing Him at the beginning of the day, then "find time" for everything else in our lives; in fact, I'd go so far as to suggest that as we allow God to direct our steps, then we'll gradually wean out the things that aren't adding to our lives anyway. Therefore, we aren't technically behind finding time, it's God who provides the necessary time, energy, resources, and support for us to carry out the things that He has brought us to. He's also the Source behind our ability to walk and speak in integrity. So when you're feeling like all hope is gone, do a self-check to determine if where you are, is the place that God called you to. If not, then reroute - pray, and seek His guidance; "For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of His mouth cometh knowledge and understanding" (Proverbs 2:6). "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you (James 1:5, NIV). 

Unlike those who are physically blind, with every waking moment, the partially blind have an opportunity to regain their sight; God can make a way where there is none, but that luxury is exclusive to those who abide in Him. When our vision is restored through Christ, we gain access to the character of God. We get to experience His love, grace, and forgiveness and what we were blinded to before becomes crystal clear; when we see no way, as we pray and believe, God becomes our way maker. #SOW

POWER IN PRAYER: POWER IN PRAYER: Our Father, our King, our Provider, our Friend, we thank you for your mercy and grace. We praise you for your unconditional love. We are grateful for your provisions. We thank you that for providing a way when there is none visible in our sight. We thank you for clearing our paths even when they're thorny. Lord, help our unbelief so that when we pray, we leave that prayer in your hands without worry or concern for the next day, trusting in confidence that you've already paved the path that leads to our best outcome. Lord, we thank you in advance for the complete and speedy recovery of those individuals suffering from symptoms of Covid-19, and for financial breakthrough for anyone burdened by unemployment, underemployment, or lack of consumers due to forced shut-downs. We thank you for blessing our world leaders as well as our spiritual leaders; may those who lead our troops and those who lead your flocks, center their lives on your glory so that they will not be swayed to the left or right, but remain on the path that is straight and narrow, as they fight for justice, and/or win souls for you Lord. Help our walk match our talk, so that we are living, walking examples of Christ-like behaviors. Bring us the peace that passes our carnal understanding so that we may be content in knowing that the way you make for us may not be as we envisioned, but it leads to the best outcome. Thank you for the discernment to recognize the calling you have on our lives, and for the strength and courage to step into it. May your Word become a permanent fixture in our mind so that every negative thought and lie whispered by the devil is dissolved. May your will be done in our lives, and may our trust in you be strong enough that we are genuine in that request. As your angels and Holy Spirit do your bidding on Earth and in Heaven, protect us and them with your recourse as you bind, loose, and cast out the demonic spirits of distraction, destruction, retaliation, revenge, and backlash. All these things we ask in the matchless name of Yeshua, Amen!

HEALTHY LIVING TIPS: Change begins within... The topic of mental illness has increased awareness over the past few years. Many celebrities, such as Taraji Henson, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Emma Stone, Chris Evans, Gina Rodriguez, and Kendrick Lemar, have been candid about their mental health struggles. I, myself, have struggled with depression and anxiety over the years. Many people, however, still find it difficult to discuss their mental illness due to the stigma that has been attached to it ages ago. 

Mental illness is a serious condition that should be addressed early on, as opposed to allowing symptoms to progress or fester into reckless behavior that might include indulging in alcohol and/or drug abuse among other things. So, here are 5 ways to improve mental health:

1. Start your day at peace - in a positive fashion, spend the first part of your day in gratitude. You can spend that time in prayer, meditation, reading inspirational or spiritual literature, and/or journaling, at a minimum of 5 minutes.
2. Form a circle of friends - whether you're hanging out at the local meet-up spot, playing games at the house, or just having a session to vent, gathering together is a natural form of healing.
3. Pay attention to your triggers - do a self-check to determine what actions, words, and situations decrease your mood and which ones boost your mood; knowing what negatively affects your mood can bring awareness to help develop proactive steps of avoidance, as well as knowing its remedy.
4. Self-awareness - again, this is a process of doing a self-check to determine what you might be lacking in life, and/or, if you're in a relationship, determining what you might not be getting enough of from your partner (e.g., attention, affection, etc.); this is a regular practice (habit) of vulnerability with yourself and/or your partner to assert your needs.
5. Sleep - getting enough sleep can greatly improve one's mood; I'm no licensed healthcare provider, but speaking from experience, I can attest to listening to your body when it comes to the amount of sleep that is adequate for you. Most health sites recommend 8 hours of sleep each night, no less than 7. Some even recommend taking a quick power nap, anywhere from 10-45 minutes. Although I do agree with the periodic power nap in the afternoon, I do not agree with the recommended 8 hours of sleep. I can only speak for myself, but I've noticed that sleep past 6.5 hours makes me feel groggy or fatigued. However, when I sleep between 6-6.5 hours, I wake up feeling refreshed. I do, however, believe that the quality of sleep is key; even if one has the recommended 8 hours of sleep, if that sleep is light and/or restless, then you still feel like you haven't slept at all. That's why, exercise, stress management, and a good diet are also beneficial to ensuring quality sleep, as they help to regulate your overall balance.

As always, be mindful of the things you allow to feed your body, both physically and figuratively. Be safe, be blessed, and choose health and fitness!

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

1. I have been rallying interested volunteers for a neighborhood clean-up in Los Angeles. If you're interested in physically joining this crusade, donating supplies, and/or know of resources or contacts that can assist in this venture, hit me up.
2. If you or someone you know is a victim of abuse, I invite you to join my virtual support group via Zoom; we meet every 3rd Sunday at 2:30 PST. Just text "heal" to (323) 800-8616 to be added to our text notifications/reminders.
3. Help me get FMBS Inc. back active in the community yall! I'd like to start regular community beautification projects, homeless outreach, and live workshops that will provide guidance, mentorship, resources, and helpful information for at-risk youth. Here's the thing, I don't know how to do any of this, but I'm willing to learn; if you have any helpful information or affordable training opportunities please share.
4. 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. To enroll, you must go to their website here http://www.friendsindeedpas.org/get-involved/ralphs-community-contribution-program/ and link your rewards cards and/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. 
5. Update on my 1st children's book, Color Isn't Who I AM © 2019: Coming soon... to a bookshelf near you.
6. Be on the lookout for the relaunch of my non-profit organization, Fostering Mind, Body, and Soul Incorporated (FMBS Inc.). Although I am willing to carry out my plans solo, I would be remiss if I didn't extend an invitation to ALL willing volunteers to help me serve our communities by accepting a significant role as a committed and trusted board member, or a contributor of time (physical volunteer work), monies, supplies, and/or resources. My appreciation is extended to anyone that can help facilitate making an impact in surrounding at-risk and underprivileged communities throughout Southern California. Part of our mission is to help supply the homeless as well as needy families with food and hygiene bags throughout the year and especially during the holidays and to serve as mentors and/or advocates for at-risk youth and victims of abuse. Reach out to me regarding your interest in service or to arrange another form of contribution; contact me via email at fmbsinc_2012@outlook.com, or leave a voicemail and/or text at (951) 790-2127.

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 and address some of the needs of our 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. 

 
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)