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.)

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.)