Pruned It, Digged It, Nourished It

Jacob 5
5 And it came to pass that he pruned it, and digged about, and nourished it according to his word. 
6 And it came to pass that after many days it began to put forth somewhat a little, young and tender branches; but behold, the main top thereof began to perish.

I couldn't understand the meaning of this scripture when I first read it, but I didn't want to pass it either...neither did I feel like I should.  In fact after I first read it I started chanting, "pruning, digging, nourishing" over and over in my mind.  This morning I was really wracking my mind, searching for an answer when the Spirit began to tutor me.  Thank You Father. 

When this scripture talks about pruning, it doesn't mean just cutting you back or being in situations to be humbled.  It means being put into places where we can grow and removed from those that will destroy us. 
Digging allows us to grow deeper, expand more in our righteousness and nourishing is being invested in the good word of God.

So while it's nice to see the regular leaves there, the actual proof there is growth is found in the "young and tender branches."  While it seems like the main top perishing would be a bad thing, in the allegory it is.  However, in our lives it is another thing entirely because it means the main ideals that previously suited us no longer do.  It means the stuff we no longer need is being removed from our lives and room for the "good" stuff is being made.  Our high-mindedness is brought low.  We'll grow taller and stronger and before long, that top which perished won't be thought of.  It wasn't necessary.  Our new growth will have surpassed the height and strength the old top had. 

WOW!  God is so good.  In the name of Jesus' Christ, Amen.

(entry dated 8/8/2011)

Conquering The Struggle

It has been a really long time since I've written in this blog...on this blog...since I've blogged.  See I don't even have the lingo down.  (wink, wink, smile)  I have struggled with what format this blog is supposed to take and months ago it was revealed to me how this was supposed to be used.  With a blog named "Manifesting the Glory of God Within" then it should reflect how to manifest God's glory or the glory that is being manifested.

Not sure why I didn't think of that before I created it but I know now.  Having confessed that, the blog...MY blog is going to take on the form of sharing the way I am most comfortable manifesting God's glory within.  That is in how I spend my time studying my scriptures and the revelations I received from my study.  Often my revelations are just for me, but many of them are supposed to be shared. 

I know I've been directed to share them so whatever is written here is solely for the glory of God.  I am simply a servant, a disciple of Jesus Christ, following a command God has given me for my life.  If I could ask for anything to happen for anyone who reads this, my prayer is that you receive it and your desire for greater knowledge of the scriptures is ignited so you can use them as a means of personal revelation.  That's what I have gained from reading and studying.  And truly it has been the best medium for getting to know my Heavenly Father, His Son and Spirit. 

Let me explain how I come about receiving my revelations, then I'll share one in the next entry.  First of all it is a process for me.  First thing in the morning, after using the bathroom, I pick up my journal and write.  The first thing I write is the entire verse or set of verses I received from my study the day before.  As I'm writing, if I hadn't yet learned what the message was for me, it is generally revealed.  I include the revelation somewhere in my journal entry.  When I'm done writing I pray to Heavenly Father, thanking Him for the time we had to share together, for lessons learned and power given.  Then I ask Him for my message for the day.  If I have a question, then I ask the question and I read until I feel compelled to stop.  It's that simple.  You'll know when you have your message. 

Sometimes I get distracted.  Sometimes I have no idea what I read and have to start over.  In those instances, I pray for focus if I haven't already asked for it.  It usually takes me anywhere between 2-10 minutes to get my message.  Sometimes it's the very next set of verses.  Sometimes it's a couple pages away skipping over Scripture Mastery or even old mission scriptures.  It's not that they aren't relevant, they just are not part of my message for that day that's all. 

OH!  Another VERY important component of studying my scriptures...Hold on let me clarify.   My daily scripture study is the Book of Mormon.  That's where I get my messages from.  I also study the Sunday School lessons on Sunday mornings.  The curriculum for 2011 is the New Testament.  OK, back to the other important component.  For my Book of Mormon study, I use a unmarked copy of the blue Book of Mormon otherwise known as the investigator's edition.  This way I'm not led to something else I may have marked at another time.  Using that edition gives me a clear slate to receive revelation.  

Other thoughts before I close:

1) If I don't have time to write in my journal, then I always read.  I use always because I need my message or my day is truly thrown off.  So I strive for always.  I have some pages in my journal where there are just scriptures written down because I read and got my message but hadn't written for a few days or even a week or more.  BUT I READ.

2) If you've had trouble keeping a journal, I suggest starting with a gratitude journal.  I challenge everyone to write 5 entries in their journal daily and not repeat an entry for 10-14 days.  At the end of 10 days you have 50 DIFFERENT reasons to be grateful.  It's actually pretty awesome.  For me I wrote things I was struggling with because 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, "In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."  That includes the icky stuff. 

What I have found is that including the icky stuff allows me to receive revelation on how to make it un-icky.  It's an amazing thing.  It's because I'm open to the situation existing as it is knowing that it is either an opportunity for God to manifest His glory in my life or an opportunity for me to repent.  Either way, I win. 

I'm excited about not just knowing what to do with this blog but also making the time to do it.  I hope you enjoy this journey with me.  God's continued blessings.  Always...(s.m.i.l.e.)

Honoring the Dream!!

Just so you know, I wasn’t kidding when I said my mission is to help part of Rev. Dr. King’s dream come true.  In his landmark “I Have A Dream” speech, Rev. Dr. King shared this poignant statement, “I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, and every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight; ‘and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together.’”

Well let me tell you, 2010 was quite the year.  I traversed through some very low valleys in my soul and climbed over mountains of fear and low self-esteem that would make even the most avid hiker tremble. 

But I am here!! 

I am still standing!!

I have come to exalt those valleys because if I hadn’t walk through those dark and dreary moments in my life, I wouldn’t be here.  I wouldn’t be standing.  I’m here to tell you that I took those hills and mountains of fear and low self-esteem and CHOSE to make them low.  The strength of my soul has been revealed and I am manifesting the diamond mine within my soul. 

India.Arie sings a song called “Beautiful Flower”.  The chorus simply says, “You are beautiful like a flower, more valuable than a diamond.  You are powerful like a fire.  You will heal the world with your mind and...  There is nothing in this world that you cannot do when you believe in you.  Who are beautiful, yes you!  Who are brilliant, yes, you!  Who are powerful, yes you!  Who are resilient…”  YES!  YES!!  YES!!!  This is where I am. 

I believe in me!! 

Those rough places?  They are now plain.  I am now walking with assurance, confidence and expectation and I can see clearly where I am headed.  Those crooked places?  My path is straight and it is leading me back into the glory and fullness of God. 

Marianne Williamson has a famous quote written in her book, “A Return to Love,” "Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, 'who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. You playing small doesn't serve the world. There is nothing enlightening about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. You are born to manifest God's glory within us. It's not just in some of us; it's within everyone. And, as we let our own light shine we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our fear, our presence automatically liberates others."

I believe in me.  I’ve fought those fears and turned on the light!  I am a child of the Most High God, even my Heavenly Father and believe in His belief in me, for me.  For without His son, Jesus Christ, I am nothing.  For without His Son, Jesus Christ, I can do nothing.  But WITH God I am powerful, valuable, beautiful, resilient and more.  And YES, I have a mind that will heal the world, that will serve the world!  WITH Christ I can do ANYTHING that is in my heart and His will for me to do.  So…I’m going to Africa. 

NOW is the time for me to “manifest God’s glory within [me]”.  I’m making part of Dr. King’s dream come true!!!!  I’m inviting you to glory in the Lord with me.  My greatest desire is that in doing so I am encouraging you to “manifest God’s glory within [you].”  Join with me and let’s make OUR dreams come true then we will be the flesh that sees it happen, that makes it happen together. 

Struggling in your relationship with God?  Maybe you don’t have one.  I honor that.  I still invite you to help me see my dreams come true and encourage you in yours.  Maybe in the course of seeing my dreams come to pass you will change your mind about God and decide to pursue a relationship with Him.

Thank you in advance for your participation and support.  There is so much going that just in case I don’t get to say thank you in person, I want to say it now.  Thank you.  You mean the world to me, whether you come or not; whether you support me or not; whether you wish me evil thoughts or good ones.  You are valuable to me and I Love you for being who you are. 

Kara Lynn "Kai" Sanders

God’s continued blessings.  Always…(s.m.i.l.e.)

Thank you! Thank YOU! THANK YOU!!!

I started this blog over a month ago and haven’t touched it since.  It’s been an interesting journey and I have much to report however if there is anything I need do right now, above everything else I could do, I need to say ‘THANK YOU!!!”  I just want to say “thank you.”  I need to acknowledge all those who have brought me this far, already knowing I will forget too many people.  So I will say as I’ve said before “I would be negligent if I didn’t say thank you.  It wouldn’t be right and I would feel horrible if I didn’t say so.  I will name names even though I know I will leave someone out since there are so many to acknowledge, so I will do it like this in the beginning in case your name is not found below:

“Thank you to all who have come and gone, leaving footprints on my heart and forever changing my life.

“Thank you for those who are still here, Loving me and believing in me.

“Thank you in advance for those who I have yet to meet.  I am honored that our paths will cross and know I will be blessed by your presence whether it will be for a reason, a season or a lifetime.  I hope you will feel blessed by my presence too.

I have knocked on doors and solicited businesses in four different cities: Raleigh, NC; Richmond, VA; Wilson (Windsor), CT and Vernon, CT.  I’ve had others donate from other places but those are the areas I’ve been in knocking on doors and talking to people.  The donors are listed by the name of the city they are in or I met them, neither in alphabetical order nor by donation amount.  In fact, some of the people listed here are not even financial donors, some are people who let me take a few minutes to tell them about my dream but were not in a position themselves to help.  So I am saying “thank you” for financial, spiritual, emotional and mental assistance because they have all lent to my growth and development. 

Of the financial donations, I have received amounts from people ranging from $1 to $100.  A very special thank you goes to the person who put $1100 towards my ticket.  I am forever grateful to everyone who has played a part in helping me get to where I am heading.  I Love, honor, admire and adore you all.  I promise your money has been used wisely. 

God’s continued blessings to everyone.  Always…(s.m.i.l.e.)

BLOOMFIELD, CT 

Dr. Sean Robotham, Chiropractic Physician (860 206-8198, 860 242-0274)

ELLINGTON, CT

Suzanne Farrah                                        

RALEIGH, NC

Tara Zechini-@ bar with Mark

Mark Nixon, Asst. GM Oxford Pub, Massage at bar with co-workers
Thank you to the bartender at the bar who allowed me to solicit his customers. I wish I could remember the name of the bar and its bartender where I met Tara, Mark and the crew they were running with.

Kierra                                                           

Malcolm                                                      

Linwood’s family, at Greyhound Station w/wife and 2 granddaughters (girls heading back to CT)

Brent                                                      

Professor Boone                                      

Gloria                                                           

Carl- Capital Cuts                                         

Ms. Charity-Ojemba African Store, made her labels

Sam Whitt                                               

African Hair Braiding, Trawick                              

Marvette                                                      

Richard-City Market Barber                      

Reverend David Foye                              

Mike and customer-Capital Barber, Hargett Street         

Lamont and Rodney-Joes Barber                  

Sam-Blalock’s                                              

Mr. Mac-Harris Barber School                        

Jack                                                             

Marsha-Beautiful door, “knock and it shall be opened unto you”

Tom                                                            

Hope Rawlins                                               

Mike-Wants to see pictures when I come back

Chapman Williams                                        

Sheila Cox                                               

Bill                                                              

Doris-The Oakwood Inn                          

Eddie             

Bob                                                                        

Ann                                                            

John                                                           

Ashley                                                        

Jenian (pronounced: Jenny Ann), beautiful quotes on door, member Unitarian Universalist Church

Matthew                                                               

Dave                                                                      

Tracy Whitt                                                 

Renae Newmiller, Mission Coordinator, Edenton Street United Methodist Church               

Victor Washington-www.godchild.biz

RICHMOND, VA                                      

Elegba Folklore Society-Janine (owner), Ben, Minta (customers)

Cici outside 7 Eleven                                 

Jerry owner of tent business outside CVS-Corner of Broad and Boulevard

Awa’s African Hair Braiding-Awa (not owner), Fanta

Harvey’s Progressive Barber Shop (the smaller shop)-

namely: Melvin (stylist), Fred, Lakita, Devetta, Rob (stylist), Champ, Darrell (not pronounced like you think it is, Frank (stylist-donation for Patricia too), Ben, Jeff

Al-Stuffy’s Sandwich Shop                        

Jennifer                                                             

Kevin, owner of Carpe Diem                     

Victoria                                                   

Les                                                         

SOMERS, CT

Bethany and Curtis Bingham                   

TOLLAND, CT

Cara Singer   

VERNON, CT

Jason Seplowitz-owner Ron-A-Roll Skate Center, allowed me to hold Bake Sale there.

Kerry and Kevin                                        

Chassity (Rick’s daughter)                           

LaShaun                                                     

Marianne                                                               

Maureen and Zack                                       

Eric, Yolanda, Tibor, Olga                                         

Monique                                                               

Rochelle                                                  

Ron                                                         

Thomasina Russell                                       

June and Tracy                                                       

Andy, Marcel, Shaheem-students from VCMS

Al                                                                  

Mike                                                            

Corey-Nice smile

Juanita                                                         

Chris                                                            

George                                                   

Thomas-Unemployed, reminds me of the story of the widow's mites, even though he didn't have much he gave saying he wish he could give more.

DaQuan                                                                

JeQuon-Wished he had $1 to donate

Joe                                                                        

My Kenyan Sister-chose to remain nameless

Nicole                                                     

Darleen Dewey-member of Full Gospel, Main St., Manchester, CT

Kim and Bruce-Bring back pictures

Guy                                                        

Irene                                                          

Julia                                                             

Norma                                                          

Leon                                                            

Mr. Fazal-cut his lawn (wife fed and tipped me)

Helen Moselsky                                         

Lady growing Chocolate Mint in her yard...it smelled so good!

Kevin                                                           

Frank                                                                    

John                                                           

Mr. Lattanzio                                               

Tim-Gave up a rib for me…haahaaahaa!

David Matthew Barnes-Kourtney’s man to rescue

Jennifer Conde                                         

Susan                                                        

Heather                                                               

Katie (Heather’s daughter)                           

John Murphy (from MA, driving by)-stopped by my “Adult Lemonade Stand”; left Friday advice: hug your kids no matter how old they are, Love your wife, never kick the dog

Jenna (Katie’s friend)                                  

Cindy (Jenna’s mom)

Lloyd Monroe and Jayden                            

Tommy (14)                                                           

Daelon-Friend of Tommy’s

Roobix (Adam) Ortiz-Brother

Jasmine Ortiz-Sister

Raquel-Security, repeat customer

Classie-Basketball video, been to Ghana

Billy-Ron-A-Roll Employee

Betty-mom                                                  

Cathie                                                         

Jamie Stevenson

Virgil                          

Millz (Jamil), Vivian, Michael, Matthew: 11^th graders at Hartford Public

Jamal-Security, Kindergarten teacher, detention center employee

Tamia, Damon, Bucky-Illing Middle School

Waleska and Jose-HPHS bus driver and son

Tori-Raquel’s friend, repeat customer

Bryan-Came back as promised

Roland- “Cookie Man”, choco-chip

Steven                                                  

Pauline                                                      

Mimi                                                        

Traci                                                       

Phyllis                                                 

With Tracie and Phyllis              

Linda                                                        

Kathy                                                

Sandra                                                    

Claudia                                                   

Kimmy                                

Macy, Marc                                                 

Sumitra-member of Red No. 5-5 woman a capella singing group

Monica Ferrara-Police Explorer at Rockville Fest

WASHINGTON, D.C.: This was a special group of people who helped me out of a really uncomfortable situation.  I'm grateful for them and have decided to include them here for lack of a better place to put them. 

Justin                                                        

Josh                                                            

Carl                                                            

Melissa                                                        

Steven                                                       

E (teacher)                                                 

WILSON (WINDSOR), CT

Shawnda-Premier Beauty Salon-also Angela, Kamara, Emily and 1 other in salon

Tiffany-Serenity       

Gus and Joe-Valley Barber Shop            

Sally                                           

Stylist at First Class Beauty, Plus customer

Ken Harvey-Went to his church, North United Methodist, Albany Avenue, Hartford

Ms. Pat-1^st person to speak with, started to cry, was incredibly kind and listened

Olga-Beautiful, Massive Garden

Gil                                                           

Kareem                                                              

Janelle                                                                

Rosemary                                                         

Frank-cut his lawn

Reverend Dr. Massey-Hopewell Baptist Church, 860 522-4321
Minister Sams-Hopewell Baptist Church,

Deacon Robert Bolden-Hopewell Baptist Church

And many more...