SALUTATIONS: Happy Sunday yall! Integrity is a highly valued character trait, yet, I believe that in this day and age so many lacks it. So, tonight we'll be talking about what it looks like to stand fast even if it goes against the grain. Let's jump 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**
PRAYER REQUESTS: My friend asked that we pray for his nephew Gabriel who had one successful surgery last week, but has another one coming next month; let's pray for the success of that procedure as well as a speedy and complete recovery. 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: "Integrity is not something you show others. It is how you behave behind their back" (PictureQuotes.com). 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: "Love Theory" by Kirk Franklin (you can listen to it here https://rb.gy/dlll0a) and "Your Greater is Coming" by Jekalyn Carr (you can listen to it here https://rb.gy/dph1zq). 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) – DANIEL 3:16-18 (NIV): "16 Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, 'King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. 17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and He will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. 18 But even if He does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.'"
REFLECTIONS: Yo! How powerful is their stance? Simply put, the king was like, Aye, yall betta bow down to this gold image I built or yall getting tossed in the flames. Fo'real Fo'real, how many of yall can honestly say that if you had to choose between bowing down to an engraved image and being put on a blazing BBQ grill or in a rotisserie oven, that you'd be wit' it? I'm gonna keep it 100, I cannot say with all honesty what I would or wouldn't do if I were in that predicament. From experience, I have done things that I said and thought I never would, and I have not done things that I said and thought I would because when I was in the situation my outlook surrounding it was different. What I do know, however, is that I desire to be strong enough in my faith and my faithfulness to God that even if my circumstance is unfavorable, even if God chooses to allow me to go through it instead of delivering me from it, that I'll stand fast anyhow.
Daniel had already stood his ground by praying to God regardless of the king's decree and was delivered from the lion's den. Now, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were being challenged but faced with an even tougher fate - a fiery furnace. In an age where integrity, values, morals, and ethics seem to diminish with each new generation, it is rare to see someone practice what they preach, stand up for what they believe in, and/or take action instead of just talking about the issues plaguing society. Not to mention, there is so much tradition being taught over doctrine, that many people would feel safe to assume that if placed in this situation, they could bow down to the image and then ask for forgiveness later. Here's the thing, what if later never comes?
Having integrity means that you live for honesty, are a woman/man of your word, and you live by your own values. It's a trait that is highly revered in leadership and professionalism. Essentially, how you respond even if no one is watching, is a test of your core values. When you humbly serve, honor, and obey the Lord outside of public observation and recognition, it attests to your integrity. John 14:15 (NIV) says, "If you love me, keep my commandments." Tradition teaches us to obey God to avoid hell as if salvation is earned by works; doctrine states that "the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people" (Titus 2:11, NIV) "and everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved" (Acts 2:21, NIV), "if you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved" (Romans 10:9, NIV).
Unfortunately, some religious leaders skip past the doctrine that confirms that "Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth" (Romans 10:4); Jesus did not come "to abolish the Law or the Prophets; ...but to fulfill them" (Matthew 5:17, NIV). Jesus was crucified to establish a NEW covenant, that whoever believes in Him shall be saved. Doing good deeds isn't what gets us a place in God's Kingdom, our faith does. However, just as integrity reveals one's innermost values, our true dedication to Christ is revealed through ACTION; our faithfulness to God and our love for Him is expressed through our good deeds and our obedience to His decrees - as a result of our gratitude and love for His provisions, we keep His commands, NOT as a condition thereof. Although, for many of us, we obey, serve, and "love" when it's convenient. However, the true testament of love for God is to follow His decrees even if your circumstances aren't as pretty as you think they should be. #SOW
POWER IN PRAYER: POWER IN PRAYER: Our Father who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Lord, we thank you for our daily bread. We thank you for your love and grace. We thank you for the gift of salvation and transformation. We thank you in advance for Gabriel's successful surgery and speedy recovery. We thank you for pruning us so that the parts of us that are undesirable are weeded out so that your seed may blossom in us to produce good fruit in love and deeds. Give us the willingness and courage to be steadfast in our convictions no matter the consequence, even if the outcome is unfavorable. Help us tap into every skill that you have equipped us with so that our character traits mimic yours. May our lifestyle choices be bathed in integrity so that the life we live may bring you glory. May your will be done in our lives, and may our trust in you be secure enough to render this request genuine in your sight. 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... If you're anything like me and my family, you're no stranger to occasional bouts of insomnia. So, here are some remedies that have worked for me, members of my family, friends, and/or associates:
**DISCLAIMER: This Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.**
- Melatonin - a non-habit-forming supplement that helps to regulate or form better sleep patterns. Depending on your age, the dosage can range anywhere from 0.5mg to 10mg or higher. It comes in liquid form, gummies, pills, and sublingual tablets. 5mg worked for me, whereas 15mg was my brother's dosage, and 1mg for my 4-year-old. Melatonin is not a sleeping pill, it is something our bodies produce naturally to regulate our sleep-wake cycles, but when one suffers from insomnia or hyperactivity when taken 30 minutes before bed, this supplement helps to calm you enough to reach a state of sleep, and/or to increase the amount of time you stay asleep during the night. Note: for the best effectiveness in hyperactive children, after administration of this supplement, make sure your child is in bed or a relaxed position; if your child is still running around after administration, this supplement may not produce desired results.
- Benadryl - is an antihistamine typically used for allergic reactions, however, it can cause drowsiness. I've found that taking 50mg can act as a non-habit-forming sleep-aid, whereas 25mg can counteract allergies and even assist with the management of anxiety attacks.
- Sleepytime Tea - is a tea that consists of a blend of chamomile, spearmint, lemongrass, and a few other herbs and flowers; this tea has a variety of flavors and ingredients. I've found this tea to help calm my nerves to help me reach a level of comfort before bed and assisting with restful sleep.
- Valerian Root Tea or Supplements - is an herb that I found out about watching the movie Fight Club. Tim Norton's character was suffering a severe case of insomnia and his doctor had recommended valerian root. I'd never heard of it before then, I don't recall finding it in the grocery store, so I must've ordered it online. To be honest, I don't recall whether or not it was effective but it's supposed to aid in nervous tension caused by anxiety and has a claim to fame for curing insomnia.
- Warm Milk - I'm no fan of this one, but I did try it. #Gross. I prefer icy cold milk whenever I do partake. However, I elected to mix a hot cocoa packet in warm milk at bedtime, and that helped elicit sleep.
- Binaural Beats or Meditation Music - I love this one. You can do a YouTube search for them, they have ones that require headphone use to hear, and those that do not. However, I prefer the ones that require headphones usage. Jody Hatton has a variety of them that I've found to be very effective. Yes, it is odd at first to sleep with earbuds at night, but my sleep when using these binaural beats was more restful than without. Here's one that I use frequently https://rb.gy/utw9bk. I'd also recommend finding binaural beats for power naps on his channel as well.
- Hot Bath - with or without bubbles, Epsom salt, essential oils, or candles, a nice hot bath relaxes your body. If you're like me and dislike the idea of bathing in your own dirt, soak for 10-20 mins, or more, whatever floats your boat, and then take a shower once you've reached your desired level of relaxation.
- Regular Exercise - I've found that when I maintain a moderate exercise routine 4-6 days out of the week, my body has more energy in the day and requires less need for aided sleep.
- CBD Gummies or Oil - these are candies that are made with hemp without the euphoric effects of THC; they can help with pain, anxiety, and sleep. I have used the Just CBD brand, their apple rings taste just like the real thing, with no weird aftertaste. 50mg, which is 2 gummies, has provided relief of anxiety and aided in sleep. I haven't tried CBD oil, however, one of my aunts uses it to manage her pain, and swears by it.
- THC Edibles or Oil - I listed this one last because it does alter your state of sobriety. THC can cause paranoia, euphoria, and even hallucinations in some people, while others cannot function without it. It was recommended to treat my severe TMJ pain and chronic anxiety, however, most of it tastes gross (to me), and if you're not a pro, you have to be mindful of your dosage otherwise you may end up having body twitching, deja vu, increased hunger, amongst other side effects. If you do choose to try THC edibles or oil, take it slow and start at the lowest dose, allowing a full hour to render effects before increasing your dosage. Additionally, be sure not to operate heavy-duty machinery or vehicles while using these products.
It is my experience that the effectiveness of any of the mentioned remedies is on a case-to-case basis, and relies heavily on one's lifestyle and stress levels. There are times when mild approaches were effective and other times when they were not. So be mindful that what may work for me and my loved ones may not work for you. As always, be mindful of the things you feed your body, both physically and figuratively. Be safe, be blessed, and prioritize your health and wellbeing!
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
- Join me for the Neighborhood Beautification Project in Los Angeles, taking place on Saturday, March 27th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm in the West Athens area. 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Update on my 1st children's book, Color Isn't Who I AM © 2019: There was a minor setback on its suggested retail pricing but it's just the setup for my God to come through. When He does, my book will be on a bookshelf near you.
- 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.
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) |
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