"We Will Be Prepared . . . "

I. PERSONAL PROGRESS PREPARES YOUNG WOMEN TO . . .

strengthen home and family, make and keep sacred covenants, receive the ordinances of the temple, and enjoy the blessings of exaltation (YW theme).

Teachings about preparing:

• Parable of the 10 virgins (Dallin H. Oaks, Ensign, May 2004).
• “They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps” (Matthew 25:3-4).
• “But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you; but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.”
• In D&C 45:57 it says, “For they that are wise and have received the truth, and have taken the Holy Spirit for their guide . . . shall abide the day” (Matthew 25:9).

• Each young woman has a responsibility to prepare herself temporally and spiritually.
• Each young woman should be in the process of progressing individually.
• Young women should make progress in those things which prepare them to return to live with their Heavenly Father.
• “In our lives the oil of preparedness is accumulated drop by drop in righteous living” (James E. Faust, Ensign, Nov. 2002, 110).

• Gains a testimony of her identity as a daughter of God.
• Learns to qualify for, recognize, and rely on the Spirit.
• Prepares herself spiritually and temporally, acquiring talents and skills that help her to be more serviceable to the Lord.
• Practices keeping her baptismal covenant and prepares to make temple covenants.

• Many people can help a young woman with Personal Progress (See Church Handbook of Instructions, Book 2, pages 212, 213, 217, 221; Guidebook for Parents and Leaders of Youth, pages 3, 5-6, 18-21; Young Women Personal Progress, pages 7, 64).
  • Parents
  • Priesthood leaders
  • YW presidency
  • YW advisers
  • YW secretary
  • Other family members
  • Other young women
  • Class presidency

• The ward Young Women president coordinates the efforts of those who can help and helps divide the work of Personal Progress.
• Additional Young Women class advisers can be called as needed.
• “We took sweet counsel together and walked unto the house of God in company” (Psalm 55:14).

• Most young women need some motivation to complete Personal Progress.

  “We all recognize from first-hand experience that young women often do not take responsibility. It could be a symptom of their age and need for further maturity. That is why we must teach them without taking away their autonomy. We must motivate each girl to take care of her own life” (Susan W. Tanner, Personal Interview, August 2004).

• Young Women leaders can also do Personal Progress.

  “A leader who is working on Personal Progress loves it and has a burning testimony of it. That testimony will be her most powerful tool in motivating young women” (Susan W. Tanner, Personal Interview, August 2004).

• "Leaders who participate in the Personal Progress program themselves understand the program better and set a favorable example for the young women to follow" (Guidebook for Parents and Leaders of Youth, 19).

• Love, know, recognize, and mentor young women.
  • “Leaders, parents, and other family members are encouraged to work with her in selecting Personal Progress experiences and projects” (Church Handbook of Instructions, Book 2, 212).
  • “Our job as leaders is to help plant and make grow a testimony in each young woman. As we come to know the needs of the young women, we can receive inspired direction for every aspect of our calling. It directs our prayers as a leader. It also directs our planning, not just for Personal Progress, but Sunday lessons, camp, Mutual and other activities” (Julie B. Beck, Personal Interview, August 2004).

VI. KEEP PROGRESS PERSONAL AND SIMPLE

• Adapt goals to individual needs.
  • “Value Experiences and Value Projects may be modified according to personal or local circumstances, interests, and needs with the prior approval of parents and Young Women leaders” (Guidebook for Parents and Leaders of Youth, 19).
  • Exercise for Young Women leaders: Read Faith Value Experience #3 on page 13 of Personal Progress and ask: What is the intent of this Value Experience? What does the young woman need to learn? How would you adapt this experience for a young woman who is the only member of the Church in her family?

• Some young women work too slowly and others work too fast. “You may work at your own pace, but you should always be working on at least one experience or project” (Young Women Personal Progress, 9). “The good things young women are doing at home, Church, school, seminary, and in the community may fulfill the requirements of the Personal Progress program” (Guidebook for Parents and Leaders of Youth, 17).

  “When you complete the Personal Progress program, . . . you may continue your progress by completing additional Value Projects and Experiences” (Young Women Personal Progress, 64).

1. Is the young woman feeling the Spirit as she works on Personal Progress?
2. Is the young woman learning things that are helping her grow spiritually and temporally?
3. Is the young woman doing things at home, school, or other places that can be part of her Personal Progress?
4. Is the young woman writing in her journal to remember what she is learning?
5. Is the young woman still progressing personally and feeling a part of the Young Women program?

• Occasional Group Activities
  “Personal Progress activities may occasionally be held at Mutual. Such group activities should be planned prayerfully and selectively to ensure that the Personal Progress program remains personal for each young woman” (Guidebook for Parents and Leaders of Youth, 18).

• Exercise for Young Women leaders:
  Read Value Experience #2, Young Women Personal Progress, page 48 and ask: What should the young woman learn from this experience? Could a Mutual activity be a springboard to help a young woman complete this value experience? Can the activity be applied personally in the life of a young woman?

“Wherefore, be faithful, praying always, having your lamps trimmed and burning, and oil with you, that you may be ready at the coming of the Bridegroom” (D&C 33:17).

“You are second to none. You are daughters of God.

“There has come to you as your birthright something beautiful and sacred and divine. Never forget that. Your Eternal Father is the great Master of the universe. He rules over all, but He also will listen to your prayers as His daughter and hear you as you speak with Him. He will answer your prayers. He will not leave you alone....

“Now, you dear, wonderful girls, I speak with a father's love for you. I thank you that you have traveled so well so far. I plead with you to never let down, to establish a purpose and hold to the line and move forward undeterred by any opposing temptation or force that may cross your path.

“I pray that your lives will not be wasted but that they may be fruitful of great and everlasting good. The years will pass, and I will not be here to see what you have done with your lives. But there will be many others, oh so many others, who will be counting on you, whose very peace and happiness will depend upon what you do. And above them all will be your Father in Heaven, who will ever love you as His daughter” (Gordon B. Hinckley, Ensign, April 2004).

“When you save a girl, you save generations. She will grow in strength and righteousness. She will marry in the house of the Lord. She will teach her children the ways of truth. They will walk in her paths and will similarly teach their children” (Gordon B. Hinckley, Worldwide Leadership Training Meeting, January 10, 2004).

• "In That Holy Place," Sally DeFord, New Era, March 2002, 10-11.

• Encouraging Young Women to Work on Personal Progress e-learning.