1 Nephi 2:12-14 - Murmuring

1 Nephi 2

12 And thus Laman and Lemuel, being the eldest, did murmur against their father. And they did murmur because they knew not the dealings of that God who had created them.

13 Neither did they believe that Jerusalem, that great city, could be destroyed according to the words of the prophets. And they were like unto the Jews who were at Jerusalem, who sought to take away the life of my father.

14 And it came to pass that my father did speak unto them in the valley of Lemuel, with power, being filled with the Spirit, until their frames did shake before him. And he did confound them, that they durst not utter against him; wherefore, they did as he commanded them.

I am grateful to have this significant set of verses contrasting the difference between Nephi, Lehi, and Laman, Lemuel.  When the elders were holding a Book of Mormon class last year (Fall 2012) as I studied for class God revealed His explanation for why people murmur.  It is written plain as day here in verse 12.  You cannot miss the meaning if you know what you are looking for.  Sadly, I missed it for 23 years.  I imagine that is why people still murmur, even and especially those who profess their belief in God.  Apparently they do not recognize that when they murmur it's because they "[know] not the dealings of God"!  That same God they profess to believe in.  Think of Nephi's opening statement to the Book of Mormon.  It contained an acknowledgement of his challenges, but it quickly recognized the favor of God.  It even contains a short discourse on the difference in time between afflictions, which were many and throughout the course of his days.  BUT... the goodness of God...was found in ALL his days.  No murmuring there.  

And what about Lehi?  He saw the destruction of Jerusalem amongst the visions that were opened to his view yet he praised God.  He didn't praise Him for the destruction, he praised God because he knew the dealings of God and knew the destruction didn't come from Him directly.  He knew the destruction of Jerusalem would come because of the increasing wickedness of the people that would cause God to remove His power, goodness and mercy.  Then the people would destroy each other.  In the case for Jerusalem the people would come from without and without God's protection due to their wickedness they would be destroyed.  

Now that is historically speaking.  But really this is intensely personal for me and it should be for everyone in the church. Because whenever I see Jerusalem I think of my home ward and the boundaries it serves.  It makes me think of how people can be so corrupt at times setting the stage for the spiritual destruction of others.  This is evident in unhappy familial relationships, the ever-pervading gossip of unfulfilled peoples and the lack of discipleship, true discipleship which can only be reflected in our studying of the Master and following His teachings.  

You cannot, by dictionary definition, call yourself a disciple of Christ if you are not first a student of His life actions and teachings and second, one who perpetuates the same.  Most people are not....  This is setting the stage for the spiritual destruction of Jerusalem (literally and figuratively) because those who know the truth should, above all, be endeavoring to be disciples and should be putting themselves in positions to speak up for the Lord.  They should expect the persecution and ridicule as Lehi did because we have the stories to teach us.

Now with Lehi we have accounts of him being persecuted in and out of his own household.  It surely affected him as a parent!  As the wickedness of his children cuts deep into his heart, he was able to exercise some control over the situation though.  By allowing Laman and Lemuel to experience the power of the Spirit through him he was going to make sure they followed the Lord's way hoping it eventually would become theirs.  BUT as we know until every person takes on a personal mission to study and show themselves approved before God and develop a personal, deep and abiding relationship with Father, Son and Spirit, it does not matter how many experiences with Spirit they have if they are always outside of their own desire for them.  

This reminds me so much of so many, too many people who smile in your face but stab you in your back.  This happens when you are spoken of unfavorably or gossiped about when you are not around.  That shows a lack of character.  I imagine the worst is when you know you've said something they admit they were wanting, waiting or needing to hear but they never apply what you say!  They may be touched by the Spirit, endeavor to keep the commandments for the moment but forget about the long term.  That shows a lack of discipleship.  That's far worse than a lack a character ever will be in the eyes of God.

Without genuine, sincere repentance those same people will continue to walk in error or fall further in.  If I feel the sting of rejection, then how much more does Father feel it since they are His words spoke under the influence of Spirit?  How does the Savior feel since He died so there would be meaning behind the words that were expressed?  I imagine sadness.  I imagine wonder.  They knew when they spoke Their words they were clear.  I'm sure They wonder how those same words got so corrupted and the meaning messed up. 

Likely it's because people do not liken the word.  OR they liken themselves to the good parts of the story when truth be told we all in some way resemble the "bad" parts of the story.  I guarantee most people will look at these verses and discount their similarities to Laman and Lemuel especially because they are not trying to kill anyone and they believe in and serve God.  But let it be understood that these same people don't know their scriptures because regardless of how much you profess to Love and serve God if you murmur, SCRIPTURE says right here, you know not the dealings of God.  And the truth is, you're not trying to know either.  That's the first thing.  

The second thing is John taught that whoever hates his brother is a murderer.  Cuz see when God sees things, He sees things in black and white: wickedness and righteousness, Love and hate, truth and lies.  We add the shades of grey.  The commandment, the greatest commandment is to Love God and to Love others, essentially everyone, as you Love Him AND as you Love yourself.  The Love you have for yourself, God and others is the same exact kind of Love. 

The tragic thing about this commandment is it is true in all situations.  It is true whether people are aware of it, trying to live it or not.  That's likely why it's called the great commandment.  You can judge a person's Love of God by how they treat you.  It also tells you how they feel about themselves.  This gets tricky to assess if you don’t understand how it works but it’s true.  For instance…

I had an experience where I felt a particular person was worshipful in their attitude towards me.  This doesn’t mean they are worshipful in their attitude towards God, it actually means the opposite because they are seeking approval and validation from you instead of from God.  The reason why we would worship God is because of His glory, majesty, grandeur, etc.  He lavishes us with His attention when we do, whether we like it or not.  We know we can expect it though.  It’s really quite a beautiful thing.  He is the only One who deserves such an honor.  So when someone is worshipful in their behavior towards you then it also means their self-esteem is rooted in how the world views them, not God.  So they worship man in order to receive verbal praise.  

Another example is this person who allowed me and invited me to minister to them from the word for hours and hours after having been privy to a truly miraculous healing experience.  Feeling empowered by the Spirit, the day ended with feelings of camaraderie…at least on one end.  I’d had too many experiences with their double-mindedness that I didn’t even become blinded by their feelings of the moment.  I already knew they didn’t want to change for God and it took less than a week to confirm they wouldn’t.   Before the week was up this person had so twisted the word of God that they could justify their sins and live falsely under their self-assumed title of victim.  It was and continues to be disgusting as others support their behavior and allow them to walk a path out of favor with God.  The fact that they are without peace in their world is evidence of their level of favor because there is only one source of peace and that is the Prince of Peace.  He can only offer that solace if you are meek and lowly of heart, which represents a penitent nature. 

See... This person, like too many other people, believe they can live any kinda way they want and make up the gospel to justify their behavior.  In the end they will realize they have set the stage, laid the foundation, for their own destruction.  “If you Love me keep my commandments.”  We don’t get to pick and choose which ones.  And if we aren’t keeping the commandments or making a genuine attempt to do so we cannot profess to Love God, ourselves or His people, our literal brothers and sisters. 

This is where people will say or think "that’s impossible".  The only sufficient answer is “All things are possible through Christ which strengtheneth me.  (Philippians 4:13)"  That’s why Christ came!  He came to make it ALL possible or else He’s a liar!  If it wasn’t possible to attain everything He taught and/or Father commands, whether spoken Himself, through Christ, His apostles, prophets or disciples, then He is a liar.  They are liars.  BUT in God’s infinite wisdom Jesus called and eventually left behind some of the most heinous people to run His church specifically BECAUSE of where they came from and the context of their personal histories would so closely resemble our own!  This was so we could not only have a divine example in Jesus but also more realistic examples showing the process of perfection so we can see it CAN be done. Isn’t this what we experience with Nephi in just these 2 chapters alone so far?  And we also experience what happens when we don’t believe as the story of Laman and Lemuel unfolds before our eyes as well. 

Now all that was to say if you don’t Love your neighbor, having the same regard and care for him/her (1 Corinthians 12:25) as you do for God, you’re a murderer.  You’re killing their spirit with your private derision or open disdain.  That makes you more like Laman and Lemuel than anything else.  Is it worth it?  NOPE!  I’d suggest that keeping the commandments just because is far worse than walking away, especially if the commandments are kept half-heartedly.  It is better to claim ignorance and endeavor to know rather than to pretend you do know and be completely wrong in the end.  God KNOWS the difference and we’re accountable when all is revealed.  

I’m so grateful for the word of God and how the word is unfolded for me, to me, courtesy of the Word Himself.  Because of His relations with His prophets His words rule my life.  Thank You for that!  May I seek to know your dealings before I murmur against the experiences in my life.  May I hearken to the words of the prophets not just so I can follow unwillingly but so I can run the path you’ve placed before me and walk the stony road I’m called to trod and not be weary.  What an awesome gift!  And thank You for the work of Brother Joseph.  Praise to the man who communed with Thee Father; glory, honor and adoration to the Son who made even that possible.  Without You, where would I be?  Where would I be?  Not tryin to find out. 

In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

1 Nephi 2:1-4 - In the Wilderness...

1 Nephi 2:1-4

For behold, it came to pass that the Lord spake unto my father, yes, even in a dream, and said unto him: Blessed art thou Lehi, because of the things which thou hast done; and because thou hast been faithful and declared unto this people the things which I commanded thee, behold, they seek to take away thy life.

And it came to pass that the Lord commanded my father, even in a dream, that he should take his family and depart into the wilderness.  

And it came to pass that he was obedient unto the word of the Lord, wherefore he did as the Lord commanded him.  

And it came to pass that he departed into the wilderness.  and he left his house, and the land of his inheritance, and his gold, and his silver, and his precious things, and took nothing with him, save it were his family, and provisions, and tents, and departed into the wilderness.  

I am so grateful for the opportunity to use the scriptures as a guide for my life.  I am grateful that my life unfolds in the scriptures.  I so needed this message yesterday (Wednesday, September 4) because I've been struggling with being here in Raleigh.  I Loved it when I first got here but now I miss CT A LOT!  And that's totally weird to me because I feel I have nothing and no one there.

It's little things like all the swearing I hear.  It. is. EVERYWHERE!  People cuss while talking in their normal tones of voice (without whispering) in the library.  On the basketball court, in the park, where little children are.  On the streets...  When people talk to me because it is such a part of their vocabulary...  I don't have to endure that in Connecticut.

I also don't have to witness the daily self-destructive habits of my brothers and sisters.  Here it is in my face EVERY single day.  In Connecticut I don't have to deal with men fawning all over me.  I've come to really be bothered by that because I don't want to be on anyone's pedestal.  It's not a compliment to me.  Above all things I want these men to Love God, not me...and they don't!  I can see it in the lust in their eyes and in their worshipful natures.  UGH!

So I was commanded to leave the land of my inheritance, Vernon, CT, because people were seeking my life, just like Lehi.  I know why.  It was for the same reasons Lehi had to bounce.  People don't want to repent or face the sins they allow to persist in their lives.  Now, they weren't trying to physically kill me...well...not al of them, maybe just one or two I can think of...but what it was is my spirit was dying there.  Love is a powerful tool for healing and that is why I am here.  I've got Love here but my spirit is being attacked in other ways now.  The difference is this time it's not personal so it's not as bad and I can recover more easily.  I imagine that's one of the reasons why I am here.

I know I am here on purpose.  I had permission and the transportation to come...door-to-door.  I left everything behind and took only the provisions I was directed to bring so...here I am.  Now what?  That is my question.  All I know is I can stop struggling with my doubts about being here so long and why I haven't earned the money I thought I was here to gain.  I can focus on my faith, as I receive another confirmation that I am in the right place.  I am here because of my obedience.  Now I just need to position myself to do the right thing by focusing on my faith in God and His purpose for my life, not my own.

I'm where I'm supposed to be.  It's a wilderness experience for me, even though it's familiar territory.  I'm a different person from the last time I was here so this feels new.  BUT God's got me.  This I know.  He REALLY does.  I Love that Man.  This is the additional confirmation that I've been seeking and He delivered.  I have my provisions and my family to.  Hassim is always with me, in my heart.  He is as much a part of this experience as if he were actually here with me.  It's time to be as Lehi and just give praise.  It's time to take things a little bit higher.  Time to go to the next level.  I'm deepening the depth of my soul while increasing the height of my flight and it feels good.

Thank You Father.  Whatever it is You have for me to do I'm willing.  I submit with patience and Love to follow this path You have me on.  Let me meat be Your will.  Let me feast on it until that is my only sustenance.  I Love You and thank You for trusting me and Loving me the way You do.  It is such an honor.

In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. 

Originally written Thursday, September 5, 2013

1 Nephi 1:18-20 - Tender Mercies

1 Nephi 1:18-20

Therefore, I would that ye should know, that after the Lord had shown so many marvelous things unto my father, Lahi, yea, concerning the destruction of Jerusalem, behold he went forth among the people, and began to prophesy and to declare unto them concerning the things when he had both seen and heard.

And it came to pass that the Jews did mock him because of the things which he testified of them; for he truly testified of their wickedness and their abominations; and he testified that the things which he saw and heard, and also the things which he read in the book, manifested plainly of the coming of a Messiah, and also the redemption of the world.

And when the Jews heard these things they were angry with him; yea, even as with the prophets of old, whom they had cast out, and stoned, and slain; and they also sought his life, that they might take it away.  But behold, I, Nephi, will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whim he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance.

I am grateful the Lord Loves me enough to remind me that he's got me when I'm struggling.  This is one of those moments.  ...I've been wondering what I've done wrong or what I'm doing wrong for things to feel so askew in my life right now.  I feel like I'm saying what I should say and doing what I should do without success, at least no tin tangible ways I can see.  It's discouraging.  When I first read these verses yesterday it made me think of K**** and D*** and others who don't believe or trust me, even as they say they do.  Those two in particular went on to persecute me when I corrected them even though I was offering them information on how to deepen their relationship with their Savior.  A relationship they both knew they were personally lacking.  Lehi went through the exact same thing...this is how you know people know they are wrong.

You're telling them about the potential for both good and evil.  But see people want to grasp the good feelings of living the good life believing they can live any kind of way and still lay hold  of it which means they are discounting their own evil.  When they do that they are mad at those who point it out, to the point of wanting to destroy the messenger.  K****, D***, T*****, T******, M*****,...Jersusalem.  Oh the people I could name...but really it comes back to Jerusalem.  Whether the individuals I could name or the people of the city, they are one in the same.  In the end, without repentance, they WILL perish.  That is not my prophesy, that is the word of God throughout time and in all ages.

I am so impressed by this story because once Lehi had the message he. was. on. it.  He did and said what he had to do.  Do I do that?  Am I doing that?

He brought the messages of salvation and destruction at the same time.  Which one do I hear?  Which one and I living up to?  Am I comfortable doing the same? 

The people were angry with the prophecies.  What is my reaction to my sin being revealed?  Do I respond like the Anti-Nephi-Lehis or the Ammonites?  How do I feel about my destruction being prophesied?  Am I truly repentant so I can lay claim to the Atonement, the whole purpose the Messiah came for?  Will I be among the redeemed?

There are two "characters" Nephi speaks of in these verses.  Lehi is one.  Jerusalem is the other.  Which one...who do I relate to most?  I've been in both roles.  In fact any wickedness in me causes me to be like Jerusalem if I'm doing nothing to repent.  I am trying to be more like Lehi:
* Rejoicing over God's power, goodness and mercy;
* Stepping out in faith to divulge the word of God to those I am called to minister to.

I have been and still am in too many ways rejected, stoned and cast out.  Attempts have been made to slay me, spiritually.  But I'm still here.  I'm still standing.  God's infinite tender mercies constantly deliver me and I know they will continue to...for me and for those I am called to serve and serve with.

Father, I just want to do Your work and be about Your business.  Qualify me according to the word of Your Son in D&C 4.  Help me to stay focused on my faith.  And please continue to deliver me from persecution to the safety and comfort of Your Son.  I pray to make this aspect of my journey another steppingstone even though it feels like a stumbling block.  I know You've got me.  I continue to claim that and Love you for it (among all the other things You do for me and simply for being God alone).  I pray for focus to be on my faith so that I may be mighty as Jesus in doing Thy will Father.  I pray to be more like Christ and less like me.  And I claim this in the sacred name of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen.

Originally written Wednesday, 9/4/2013

1 Nephi 1:14-15 - Great and Marvelous!

1 Nephi 1:14-15 ~

And it came to pass that when my father had read and seen many great and marvelous things, he did exclaim many things unto the Lord; such as: Great and marvelous are thy works, O Lord God Almighty!  Thy throne is high in the heavens, and thy power, and goodness, and mercy, are over all the inhabitants of the earth; and, because thou art merciful, thou wilt not suffer those who come unto thee that they shall perish!

And after this manner was the language of my father in the praising of his God; for his soul did rejoice, and his whole heart was filled, because of the things which he had seen, yea, which the Lord had shown unto him.

I am so grateful for the example of Lehi's attitude.  We read what Lehi experiences in the visions he has.  Yet, despite seeing the destruction of Jerusalem Lehi focuses on  the positive and exclaims his joy because of God's power, goodness and mercy.  The wording Nephi uses or claims from his father's record is that God's power, goodness and mercy are over ALL the inhabitants of the earth.  This means to me that God has  control and could control us by His power, but His goodness leaves us open to learning and His mercy heals and repairs any mistakes we could make in the process of growing.  No wonder Lehi is filled with praise for his God.  I am too!

Despite what he saw in the way of destruction he praised God for His construction of lives that dedicated themselves to Him.  What a mighty, awesome, wonderful God we serve!  And what two great examples we have to open the Book of Mormon.  Nephi praising God despite the afflictions he suffered.  He mentions the afflictions but honors Father by denoting the favor he felt from Him!  And here is Lehi, not discouraged by what he has seen regarding the unrighteous but rejoicing because of what he’s seen for the righteous.  

 I imagine that part of that joy came from recognizing that if he did his part there would be opportunities for the unrighteous to repent and claim the blessings of righteousness.  Why wouldn’t you rejoice knowing that? 

I think that’s why I’m so happy despite the wickedness that surrounds me.  First I understand and utilize the Atonement and second I am also working for the salvation of others by not keeping Christ to myself.  So I understand where Lehi is coming from.  I understand why his soul did rejoice and why his WHOLE heart was filled.  And it is beautiful and amazing. 

I am reminded of a song by Fred Hammond.  It's called "Keep On Praisin'" and can be found here on You Tube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QIeOx40UYY8.  The song simply says that no matter what you're going through "Keep On Praisin'" because it's the Lord that will see you through.  It's one of my favorite songs.  Lehi's attitude reminds me of it even though the circumstances surrounding his life were much harsher.  The things he saw were despairing but he didn't focus on that he focused on his faith and that brought him joy.  He knew that joy personally as he had been saved from his own wretched ways at points in his life and I know he longed for others to feel of the same. 

Thank You Father for the examples of these two men whose lives were dedicated to Your purposes to bring forth righteousness.  I anticipate being able to do the same…  I know am doing the same, maybe not as Lehi did but it is according to Your will, Your purpose, and Your timing for my life!  May it continue to be so!  

In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

1 Nephi 1:1 - Goodly Parents...Earthly and Divine

1 Nephi 1:1

I, Nephi, having been born of goodly parents, therefore I was taught somewhat in all the learning of my father; and having seen many afflictions in the course of my days, nevertheless having been highly favored of the Lord in all my days; yea, having had a great knowledge of the goodness and the mysteries of God, therefore I make a record of my proceedings in my days. 

I am grateful to be starting the Book of Mormon again.  This is quite the introduction.  Nephi teaches or shows his maturity as he walks back in time.  But this introduction says a lot.  The statement that stood out to me when I read was about how he's seen afflictions, MANY afflictions, in the course of his days BUT he was highly favored of God ALL of his days.  It was his having great knowledge about the goodness of God and His mysteries that led to his favor with God.  It shows he studied.  And he showed himself approved. 

Now, as I wrote this out, the very first statement struck me and leads back to the one I just mentioned.  See Nephi's parents were goodly so he was taught in their learning.  It says his father's learning but I imagine he was taught of both of them.; through his mother's nurturing and his father's education.  This is how Nephi came to know of God's goodness and His mysteries.  His father taught him so he would learn to develop a relationship of his own with Father.  God then showed Nephi HIS goodness ALL of Nephi's days, even before Nephi was conscious to it.  Looking back in his conscious spiritual state, I'm sure that even through the challenges Nephi saw the hand of God all over his life.

Interestingly enough if I use Nephi's definition of goodly parents I, too, have goodly parents because I was taught in their learning.  I, too, have reaped the benefits Nephi has but not because I followed my parents.  They have been the best examples for me of what not to do.  Therefore I consider them goodly because I never plan to walk in either of their paths.  It is good to have their examples so clearly before me.  It is even better to have the example of goodly, as well as righteous, parents by the record Nephi keeps of his.

I am grateful for this beginning to my study.  I look forward to continuing to recognize the goodness of God in ALL of my days and to have His mysteries revealed unto me as I continue in my studies of His word.  I am grateful for the afflictions that come because it is during that time that His goodness is revealed.  Thank You Father for this and more.  In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. 

A New Start

I've started reading the Book of Mormon again.  I actually don't know the last time I finished it because I've been studying it with such intensity that is has taken quite a while.  It can take me days to get through a chapter or pages and pages of writing in my journal before I am ready to move on to the next message.  Now is the time to share what I'm learning and also what I've learned.

I will post, on a regular basis, what I've learned from my daily messages.  Sometimes I will post things I've learned in the past as the Spirit directs.  Sometimes I will post definitions of words and phrases that may not be familiar to people or share something that might bring a new twist to what tradition has taught.  I'm excited to be speaking out about the things I'm learning and have been learning.  It's an exciting time for me.  I'm looking forward to being dedicated to the pursuit of one of my dreams, sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Before you begin reading you should know a little something about my study.  I keep a gratitude journal daily.  I start by writing out the scripture I received the day before, then I write in it five things I am grateful for.  I do not repeat anything more than twice in 10 days and no more than 2 times in six weeks.  I've been doing this for so long now I've gotten to be very creative with my wording and can easily accomplish this feat.  Of course, no one is looking either.  Haaahaaahaa...  Each day one of the entries I am grateful for is about what I've read.  Usually I write I am grateful for something the content of the verses taught me and then expound upon it.

When I've finished my journal entries for the day I then pray for my message for that day.  I open my Book of Mormon to where I left off reading the day before and continue to read until I feel impressed to stop.  Sometimes I know what the message is about.  Sometimes I only have an idea.  And other times I do not have a clue.  Sometimes even when I think I know what it is about I end up learning so much more when I write out the scripture because I get to analyze every word.  And I have come to realize how important each and every word is to the verse, that's why it is there.  It is quite an experience.  Now I'm making it public. 

I have had this blog for several years now and I've wondered what format it should take.  Even when I found out I didn't know how to proceed and didn't feel so compelled to, but now I do and I am excited.  So I hope you'll enjoy the posts.  I hope you'll learn from something I share.  I look forward to seeing where this journey will take us.  Please feel free to comment as you feel impressed.  I look forward to what reading the Book of Mormon this time will reveal to me and hopefully to you too.  Thank you in advance for being on this journey with me.  Love to all who read.  Create a beautiful day.

Peace, Love and God's continued blessings.  Always...(s.m.i.l.e.)
Kara Lynn Kai Sanders

It's Time...

Ok... so, I've had this blog for a couple years now.  It started out as a blog for my attempts to earn money to go to Africa.  Then I felt that it was supposed to be a place where I talked about the revelations or experiences I had in the scriptures.  But as I've been contemplating the title of this blog and what it really means, it came to me that the reason why I was struggling with the content of this blog is because I was trying to keep "the spiritual" separate from the "secular".  I am a daughter of God and a disciple of Christ.  Those two aspects of my life are not one in the same, they are inextricably intertwined.  It is with this renewed sense of purpose that I once again attempt to post to this blog.

Now that I've figured out what to put in it, it will show others how we are as the quote says, "spiritual beings having human experiences, not human being having spiritual experiences."  This means that since I've asked God to direct my life in all its pathways, then there is sacredness in all the aspects of it.  So now...here we go!  Create a beautiful day.  Peace, Love and God's continued blessings.  Always...(s.m.i.l.e.)