The theme for this year was 2 Nephi 4:15 “ For my soul delighteth in …Personal Progress…”. We did a play on the word ‘souls’, and took pictures of each young woman wearing the shoes that she wore while working on her personal progress project. Each young woman also made a 12x12 scrapbook page highlighting her individual achievements in personal progress this year. The scrapbook pages and the “soul” pictures were displayed during the evening.
Our key speaker was Carrie Sybrowsky, our Laurel advisor. She gave an incredible talk on the reason for personal progress. She began by showing her large key ring and talking about all the different doors that each key opens. Then she stated that she had one very special key, worth more than the rest, which can open the door to more than 100 buildings world-wide. This very special key, she stated, was her temple recommend. She then stressed the point that the whole purpose of the young women program is to prepare each of us to make and keep sacred covenants with the Lord in the Temple. She quoted Sister Julie Beck in saying, “The way to prepare to make temple covenants is to remember and keep the commitments you’ve already made. Personal Progress is a temple preparation course.” What a beautiful object lesson and talk! Sister Sybrowsky inspiring talk brought the Spirit into the meeting.
After this, our Laurel President, Jessica Reed, spoke about ways personal progress has blessed her life. She shared that personal progress has helped her become who she is today and ultimately, who she wants to be in the future. She shared this quote by President Gordon B. Hinckley, “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. … I see this as the one bright shining hope in a world that is marching toward self-destruction”.
Following her talk, each young woman was given the opportunity to share a little about her project and how it helped strengthen her relationship with Heavenly Father. The projects ranged from sports to dance to cooking to scripture reading.
After this, Roxanne Shumway presented a slideshow that she had prepared, highlighting pictures of each young woman and her accomplishments throughout the year. It was well-done and inspiring.
At the conclusion of the slideshow, Bishop McCauley shared his thoughts on the evening. He began by thanking the parents for all that they do for their daughters and for the ward. Then he stated that when he looked around the room, he saw hope - hope for the future of the church and hope for the future of the world. He encouraged each woman to continue setting goals as they worked towards becoming the women they wanted to be.
Following Bishop McCauley’s remarks refreshments were served: bread slices and pizza dip and of course, shoe sugar cookies. Overall, it was a wonderful evening!
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