Danger Ahead!!!

Danger ahead!

43 And I now give unto you a commandment to beware concerning yourselves, to give diligent heed to the words of eternal life.
(D&C 84:43)

Something funny about being a missionary is that you get this mindset to turn everything you see into a gospel centered lesson. I did that yesterday as we walked around the beautiful area of Great falls. It was Magnificent and stunning. Just what an outdoors girl like me needed. The sun was shining the snakes were out (I do so love snakes) and the trees and critters were alive and thriving after a long cold winter.

When we first got there we walked the wrong way and ended up walking up the Potomac river (instead of strait down to the falls). The small hike was pleasant and peaceful and the river was calm and beautiful. I noticed many signs along the way indicating the dangers down river. All the "fun" things; swimming, boating, drinking, wading... PROHIBITED! Not just cautioned, PROHIBITED! 

From sitting up river and looking in it seems peaceful as the geese and ducks play around and the water glistens in the sun. It seems calm and welcoming and completely safe. Things change when you walk down river a little ways and see the great falls and hear the thunder of the water smashing into sharp deep rocks. It's an amazing sight but indeed a deadly one. 

What does this have to do with the gospel? Well let's think of the calm river upstream. That can be the world, it beckons and calls for us to come in and to enjoy the "fun." All the river shows is the crisp cool water on a hot day, and a seemingly calm surface. Just underneath the calm surface is a quick strong current waiting to pull anything in its way down to certain destruction. 

The signs along the way I liken to the scriptures, words of modern day prophets and apostles and those who have gone before and who have seen the dangers ahead. In the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints we have the bible and the Book of Mormon which adds another warning of the danger ahead. We also have a living prophet and apostles that speak to us and receive the warnings from our Heavenly Father. Our Heavenly Father loves us so much and he wants us to be safe. Places those signs, people, warnings and rules because knows what is down stream and the death and danger ahead. 

There will be a time when we all will get to see the incredible falls from a safe and secure place. But for right now beware the seemingly calm river. No matter how tempting and wonderful it may seem it's not worth the price we have to pay later. Watch for the signs and the warnings Heavenly Father places for you and heed their loving voices. I am so grateful that just a couple weeks ago we got to hear general conference and hear the words of modern day apostles and a modern day prophet. I encourage all to go see what they have said to help you return to your Heavenly Father in safety. They stand at the banks, they see the danger ahead. Please be careful my friends! If you find yourself in the river being swept away, remember it's not too late for the rescue team to come and offer assistance. 

Hope you enjoyed and I hope you hop out of that river. Love you all so much and hope you have a magical day!