Lesson Recap: Chapter 9 "Search Me, O God, and Know My Heart"

Lesson Recap of Chapter 8: “Search Me, O God, and Know My Heart”  Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Lorenzo Snow, 2011

Quote # 1 Pg 119 I am under the strongest impression that which will be of the most service when we return to the spirit world, will be that of having established a proper and well defined character as faithful and consistent Latter-day Saints in this state of probation.

The word char·ac·ter   can mean character traits that form our individual natures, our moral or ethical quality: such as a man of fine, honorable character or our reputation: a stain on one's character.  Why would our reputation be an important thing?

President Snow says when we apply for employment or an office of trust, we must obtain Letters of Recommendation-So I wanted to find out what kind of character fills this room.  The following are some letters of recommendation I obtained. 

Jennifer B,

I've know this great lady for about 14 or 15 years now.  This person has excellent character.  She exemplifies a wonderful life of organization, virtue, honesty, integrity, good works, and sacrifice.  She is one of those sisters that is a shadow at most things and calls no attention to the great things she does. With her quiet nature, she emulates light all around her.   Everything she is involved in, she does extremely well.  If she commits to do something, she always follows through.  She is dependable and cheerful.  She would be a wonderful scout.  She lives life with exactness and honor. I would recommend her for anything.  In fact, I would vote for her to be an incredible RS President or YW leader.  This person dresses modestly and goes to the temple whenever she gets a chance.  I do know that she is musically inclined and a very good friend.  I've never seen her upset. Her home is always neat and clean.  

 As a mother, she is devoted to her children and makes sure they are doing good things in their lives to be happy.  They are a very happy family with her standing by her husband at the head of her home.  Her husband is valiant in all he does and part of what makes him so great is the top notch individual this person is to support her husband in his big calling.  It's an honor to call her one of my good friends.  Everyone that knows her loves her.  I don't think she has any enemies.  If you don't know her, you need to get to know this wonderful Sister.

Sincerely,  Diane B.

To Whom It May Concern,

It is my great pleasure to know Anna F. and to vouch for her high integrity, dependability and goodness as a person.  Although I don’t currently serve in a calling with Anna, it has been my pleasure in the past to serve in Young Womens with her.

If there was ever someone who likes to keep everyone happy, it is Anna.  She will bend over backwards to help when help is needed, to compromise to resolve a conflict  or to give whatever is needed to make someone else’s life better or easier.

You will not find anyone who gives more to their callings.  While serving with Anna, she always looked for things she could improve upon even when everything was fine.  When we had a need or a desire, she would get online and do research and come back with suggestions or answers before most of us even had time to think about working on the situation. 

You will not find a better mother than Anna.  She is very patient, loving and understanding with her children.  When you have four young children, it can be a challenge to keep up with life and spend time teaching and playing with your children.  Anna fits all of this in and is always looking for fun things for other moms and children to do too.

Having said all of this, one of my favorite characteristics of Anna is that she is a true friend.    She has such a tender heart and truly cares.  You can trust her in all situations and know that she is there for you. Again, I highly recommend Anna as a person who demonstrates her beliefs by the way she lives each day.

Sincerely,  Kathie C.

To Whom it May Concern,

When I think about Dixie, I think of her hugs to start with!  She is always on the ready to give one out.  I am glad I was the recipient of so many of them!  She is generous--not just with things, but of herself.  She is willing to share her time, experiences and her feelings.  She has lived a life that has had its ups and downs, but has remained faithful and kind through it all.  She has such a strong testimony of the Gospel. She is humble.  She never puts herselft above others. She is a hard worker!!!  She knows how to get a job done--not just done, done well. She is positive and hopeful, always thinking the best will happen. The best thing about Dixie is that she loved ME--with all my quirks and craziness!  Her spirit has touched my spirit, and I know we will be eternal friends!

Sincerely

Kelly B.

To Whom It May Concern,

Her smile lights up a room and her positive attitude and faith in the Lord radiate from her eyes. She has made the temple a priority in her life and has made many sacrifices to attend regularly. She is a mother who loves her children completely and teaches them the gospel in word and action. She is a friend to all and admired and respected by all. She is an amazing missionary and is always extending her hand of fellowship to those who are struggling. Everything she does, she does quietly, without fanfare or the need for self-aggrandizement. If she could be described in one simple phrase, it would be "Beautiful Humility". 

Sincerely,

Sarah A.

To Whom It May Concern;

I would like to recommend to you a great woman of high character.  She has shown throughout her life that she is dedicated to her Father in Heaven and her Savior Jesus Christ. Others can see this commitment in the way she lives her life...attending her meetings, sharing her testimony with others both in speech and action. She has exemplified and taught principles of honesty, forgiveness, and hard work, and Christlike love (just to name a few) to her 3 son's as well as her grandchildren.  She also, shared these values with many many teenagers in the public school setting.  She befriended and mentored and at times mothered more teenagers than can be counted...who loved her and looked to her for guidance. When asked to serve in the church....she took each calling very seriously....and put her all into it.  Whether it was a Primary teacher, Chorister, or Relief Society she could always be counted on.  Even when callings became more challenging in terms of time and sacrifice...she rose to the occasion and accepted the call...teaching seminary...for many years, serving in the temple...when it meant a days drive...time, money, being away from home...she went.  We saw her commitment and faith and love of the Savior...tested when she received the call to leave her family...children and grandchildren and travel to Africa to serve for two years.  She struggled and cried a few tears...but she dug down deep and told her Father.."Yes, I'll go where you want me to go". She worked...and loved the people of Africa as well as many many young missionaries. Many she continues to mentor today.  She stood beside and supported her husband tirelessly in all he did...always putting his wants and wishes above her own.   She left her home and moved to Arkansas to be near and bless the lives of her children and grandchildren.  For as long as I have known her, she has had a great testimony of Family History....and has spent hours in this great work....always sharing with her family the results of all her work; as well as tirelessly working to inspire others in this great work.  The Lord said that by their fruits you shall know them.  She has brought forth much fruit....and it is good.  Her children and grandchildren and her family on both sides of the veil....shall rise up and call her blessed!  

Sincerely, Susan I.

To Whom It May Concern:

I would like to take this opportunity to attest to the character of Esther Di.  When I think about this amazing woman the first thing that comes to mind is how Christ like  she is in her service to everyone she surrounds herself with.  She is the first to offer help of any kind.  More often than not, she is helping watch someone's children.  Ward temple trips, if she can't go she's quick to offer watching kids for whoever wants to attend.  Packing, cleaning, it doesn't matter, Esther finds a way to jump in and help. She goes beyond these 'phsyical' acts of service.  I'm so thankful for her friendship. She is supportive and listens. She has shared tears with me in times of frustration and times of sadness.  Our actions can speak volumes about who we are. The honesty of children confirms this. My kids reference Esther on a consistent basis. How she does things at her home, who she helps, how they feel when they are with her.  And my recent favorite (quoted by 5 year old Ella) "She doesn't need a challenge to get healthy cause she already does healthy EVERYDAY!! Maybe you can be healthy everyday too mom even after your challenge is over"

Jerushia D.

Katie is one of the most dedicated people I know.  Whether it is to the Gospel or her family or her job she is there 100%.  She is giving and kind; reaching out to everyone, even those who may seem to us, to be difficult to deal with.  She sets high standards for herself and yet is so forgiving of the shortcomings in others.  I have never seen a seminary teacher who cared so much about not only teaching a great lesson each and every morning, but in loving so fully her students.  She even went to individual homes of students who were struggling with attendance to help them reach their goal.  Her love for others is inspiring.  And has taught me much.  Because she IS a teacher.  Her priorities are Heavenly Father first.  Her testimony shines in her teary eyes and in everything she does.  I would bet there is not one person in her reach that does not know that Katie believes in Christ and loves her Heavenly Father profoundly and deeply.  My life is better for having known Katie Bouwhuis.  Besides all of this she sings, plays the piano, decorates, cooks like a professional southern cook (watch out Paula Dean!), reads and loves girls camp!  Her specialty is teenagers and reaching them with her ball of fire personality.  All our lives are better for having Katie in them.

Anne A.

I LOVED this Quote #4 pg 120… We must be true men and true women; to do right for the love of doing right, keeping our eye single to the honor and glory of God. To do this we must recognize the fact that the eye of God is upon us and that our every act and the motives that prompt it must be accounted for;

What do you think it means to be a true man or a true woman?  It means you DO WHAT YOU SAY YOU ARE GOING TO DO.  Honor your word.  Be true to it.  Live in a way that you can offer up the same prayer as David.  “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts; and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” [Psalm 139:23–24 )  Let us develop those character traits that are described in the R.S. Motto.  It is in times of trial that our character is truly tested.  Our prayers do influence the will of God.  We need not be discouraged when we fail.  When we discover our faults, we should repent.  By taking this course, we strengthen our character and advance our cause.  Our character as Latter-day Saints, should be preserved inviolate, at whatever cost or sacrifice.