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Message Archive
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12/13/2006
Dear Missionaries,
Again it is December and the time to send out wishes of "Peace and Goodwill" to you all. It has been a very eventful year. One thing that we must do in April 2007 Reunion, is to borrow a leaf from the reunion held at the Temple in Chorley and share testimonies with one another. It was extraordinary to do so in Chorley and it really brought the memories flooding back to all of us. Some made us more thoughtful, some made us laugh, and all made us more aware of the grand experiences which we shared that made the country and the people so wonderful for us.
We continue to rejoice in your communications to us, and in your expanded experiences since leaving the mission. We will never grow tired of hearing about all that you are doing to continue the spirit of your mission.
This last year has been filled with a multitude of activities. For the last year and a half I have been serving as the High Priest Group Leader in our Ward. In that time, the High Priests have sponsored and attended the theater together; done a summer dinner together at the home of our Bishop; held an Oktober Fest at the Timp Lodge; and sponsored a Christmas dinner for the Ward family. It has had a unifying effect on the Ward.
None of the above considers the month that we were able to spend in Scotland and the reunion with European missionaries who served with us in Scotland. Actually, the reunion was planned and implemented by James and Portia Edwards, who were ably assisted by Nathan and Anna Headington.
The open house in late September at our mountain home was grand because of munching and mingling with all who were able to come. Sean and Amy Peterson brought a beautiful display of pastries, which were superb. Thank you to all who came and enjoyed. Sister Barbara Duncan came from Canada with a friend and then enjoyed Conference in the days after the gathering.
Now, after 35 years, I have once again been called to serve on the Stake High Council. This time, they want me to get it right.
As a part of my assignment for December, I have been asked to speak to the Provo Canyon Ward about the two fold nature of the problem of being offended and of giving offense. Following are some thoughts regarding the concern:
Well had the writer of Proverbs 18:19 said: "A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city:"
It does not matter if the offense was intended or misinterpreted, the effect is the same. In either case, it is our responsibility to seek a correction of remediation of the cause, thus alleviating the effect in the life of the offended and/or the offender.
While it is sad that one would let the action of another keep him from the healing effect of the atonement by not partaking of the Sacrament each week, if we choose to be offended, that is our choice and we become responsible for the consequences of our choice. No one can cause us to be offended. It is a conscious choice which we make. On the other hand, if someone deliberately causes offence to another, then "...woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!" (Matthew 18:7) Then it becomes the responsibility of he who gave offence to mend the fence and repent of his transgression. Even if the offence was misinterpreted and not intended, it behooves us to go to him who took offence and implore the offended to forgive us. We need to walk in the footsteps of the Savior, who was offended many times, but on the cross He was able to say, "...Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do."
When we take the initiative and invite with love, one who avoids the companionship of the saints, to "come back" and be one with us, we are acting in the manner that our Prophet, Howard W. Hunter, asked us to do. It is amazing, how many will be overwhelmed and be grateful for the opportunity to come back to the fold and be one with us again. Yes, it may take several repeated invitations for them to come, however, we need to remember that the worth of one soul is of infinite value.
So much for my musings upon the subject, however, we would only add, if we have ever offended a missionary, we humbly ask forgiveness and implore them that they do not let it stand between them and the Lord. Rather, let them be reconciled to the Savior and forgiving to us.
Know, again, how much we love each one of you and delight in your continued service to our Master.
With love and affection,
Pres. and Sister Clyde
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