The First Step
 																														  Paradise is not for  those without sin. It is for the sinners. Paradise is full of sinners  who repented. It is open to us as well. As long as we take the first  step of repentance. Upon doing so, the good Lord hurries to take 10  steps to pull us close to him. These are the steps of mercy and  forgiveness. With the pain of warm prayer, let us say: Our Lord Jesus  Christ, give us true, tearful repentance. You remained our only hope of  salvation. You are the Truth in so many lies. You are the joy found  among our sorrows.  You are the redemption of our sins. You are the  serenity found in a troubled world. Lord, we praise your patience and  tolerance!
Amen.
  +Elder Ephraim of Arizona