mrsclaus

Just thought I'd update you all and thank you for all your advice. I really needed to hear what all of you said in order to feel confident in my decision. I decided to go ahead and talk with the Bishop today. I decided that if I was still feeling the pain of my actions, that I needed to take that final step, and talk to the Bishop. I feel like a ton of bricks has been taken off my shoulders. The Bishop said that if you feel prompted to tell him about something, even if it seems like you shouldn't need to, then just to talk to him. He said that the reason confession is so powerful and necessary in the repentance process is that it shows humility and a willingness to do all that is necessary to make things right with the Lord. I finally feel at peace about my past! I no longer feel pain at the memory of my past. I am amazed and so grateful for the power of the atonement. I truly did cast my burden on the Lord and I don't need to feel horrible guilt every time of I remember. Today as we sang songs for our Christmas program in sacrament meeting, the words had so much more meaning. We really can feel peace when things in our lives are right with the Lord! Thanks again everyone!!

Sweetiepie--I am in the same boat. All these years and temple interviews I have gone through, and until last week, I never even considered this was something to discuss with a bishop. I guess you learn as you go! I am grateful for a father in heaven who loves me enough to nudge me to take care of the past, even after 20 years! I am grateful to everyone for your thoughts and advice! It's much easier to do the right thing when you have a little confirmation that you ARE doing the right thing!!!! I agree with you, though, sweetiepie...this isn't going to be easy!

Pam--just goes to show that no one is perfect, right??? :)

When I was young, I had a problem with masturbation. I didn't view pornagraphy, but definitely had a problem. I never told a bishop about it and now, 20 years later, am suddenly wondering if I need to. I have lead a clean, pure life as an active member of the church since then and have not had problems with it since I got married. Is this something that still needs to be confessed? I never even considered confessing at the time because it seemed like a personal weakness. Just wondering if prayer and stopping are enough???