Escape!!!

      Two weeks ago I wrote about how Satan attempts to lure us into his river of dirty water with a  fancy, sparkly fishing line! Hopefully we can see that those fancy sparkles are not the real thing and we quickly swim away. But what happens if we are not in tune with the source that can help us see those false jewels for what they are? After all, if Satan entices us with things that we really like and want, it is so easy to fall into his trap and get caught and dragged even further and further into his dirty river. And the further we go into that flow, the harder it is to get out. BUT, don't give up hope. Never give up hope because there is always an escape! Not easy! Not simple! Not fun! But very very worth it!!!

     So how do you escape? Well, first you have to truly have the desire to get back into the clean and clear waters the Lord provides for us. If your desire is sincere you seek for His help! And most of the time He will send others into your life to help you! Then you do your part by following the steps of repentance: recognition of your wrong; remorse for having done wrong; restitution for the wrong must always be made, as best you can (and that always includes asking forgiveness of anyone you may have hurt in any way AND trying to make it right); some wrongs need to be confessed to a propererly authorized Church authority. Sometimes that is very hard, but we need to remember that they are there to help us, not condemn us! All of these steps help us turn against Satan's dirty stream of water and swim against the current and back towards the Lord's clear, clean stream that will help carry us back to our Heavenly Father! 

     BUT there needs to be continuous and consistent effort and work on your part, even when you make it to the Lord's sprakling clean stream, to stay in the Lord's current, and not drift back, because Satan will continue to throw things at you from every angle. AND he will not forget those things that especially entice and tempt you. You need to turn away from them and don't think that just one more time won't be a problem. All things, for good or bad, start with one tiny step at a time. You need to always have sincere heartfelt prayer! Study your scriptures with real intent on wanting to learn and grow with His Spirit as your guide. You need to obey all of the Lord's commanments. You cannot pick and choose and then expect the same rewards as those who struggle daily to keep all of them. You need to stay focused on the Savior and follow His example. And as you strive to live this way you will be able to see the true jewels that sparkle around you and make your life here so much better. And as you strive to do all of this the Lord will be there for you and help you in so many ways. And, in turn, you and your example of changing your life can be the strength that another person may need to change their own life!

     None of us is perfect, BUT we all have the chance to keep working to get our lives right until the glorious day that we can worthily kneel at our Savior's feet and thank Him personally for all of His help in escaping the muddy rivers of Satan and working our way up His clean, clear river of eternal life and happiness!