"With faith in Jesus Christ, we openly acknowledge to our Heavenly Father our mistakes, oversights, and unthoughtful actions toward others." p. 267
THE SACRAMENT
"Nothing reinforces and sustains our efforts to have repentance as a continuous and constant part of our lives more than our privilege of taking the sacrament each week." p. 268
"We approach the sacrament each week with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, remembering our love for our Heavenly Father and our faith in the Lord, Jesus Christ. We arrive early before the sacrament meeting begins." p. 268
"The word 'always' resounds in our mind and heart." p. 269
"As we partake of the sacrament, we reflect on our own personal needs and concerns." p. 269
President Dallin H. Oaks: "Because it is broken and torn, each piece of bread is unique, just as the individuals who partake of it are unique. We all have different sins to repent of. We all have different needs to be strengthened through the Atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ, whom we remember." p. 269-70
THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST and THE HOUSE OF THE LORD
"Taking upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ signifies that we belong to Him." p. 270
"In the house of the Lord, we better understand how to take Him name upon ourselves." p. 270
"With our spiritual eyes, we see more clearly who we are and our purposes for being on earth." p. 271
"In the house of the Lord, as we feel His holiness, we deepen our desire for our own measure of holiness." p. 271
"He paid the price for us, and with His blood our guilt and pain are replaced with hope and healing as we continually lay aside our sins." p. 271
"If we find ourselves temporarily facing setbacks, we don't become discouraged. We focus on our love of the Savior and His love for us, and we move forward." P. 271-72.
LANCE
These past months have been pretty life-changing for Lance. As he contemplates his future, Lance is excited about all the prospects that life may bring. He no longer feels the constant dread of getting up each morning. He is no longer using pornography. He and Jack are on good terms. He and Hailey are in a trusting and happy relationship. Lance is doing well in school, too. Lance continues to worship at the temple each week as well. He looks forward to this time. He and Hailey have even gone together to the temple when they can. Lance feels that this temple-time has been a bonus in keeping their friendship and relationship tight.
Moreover, Lance feels connected to God and His Savior in a way that he's never experienced before ... even as a missionary. Lance still feels inadequate at times. He feels lost in all the decisions that he will be making in the coming years. He also doesn't always choose the right thing, but he's more aware of his shortcomings now. The difference, though, is that he invites the Savior to help him in all that he has concern over. He isn't trying to do it all on his own. He feels safe and has confidence even though he doesn't have all the answers.
Over these past months, Lance has learned that at the sacrament altar each week, he isn't just eating a piece of bread and drinking a teaspoon of water. No, Lance is learning that at the sacrament altar, he is attempting to draw close to Jesus so that he can have His power with him throughout the week. Lance is purposefully seeking the Holy Ghost to help him in every aspect of life.
In short, Lance is progressively becoming a true disciple of Jesus Christ as he seeks for the divine gift of forgiveness.
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