Tati's Talk at YW in Excellence, "Goodbye Personal Progress, Hello New Youth Program!"

Welcome!

Thank you for coming to honor these incredible young women tonight. As we have served with the young women for the past six months, we have come to see the many talents and skills each of these beloved daughters of God possesses. What a great opportunity we have this night to be able to recognize all the good things these ladies are doing. As parents, you should be proud. You have raised some amazing young women.

It’s an exciting time to be in YW. We live in the latter days. We are living in the Dispensation of the Fulness of Times, in which the Lord has said: “… in the which I will gather together in one all things, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth.” (D&C 27:13.)

He added, “For I deign to reveal unto my church things which have been kept hid from before the foundation of the world, things that pertain to the dispensation of the fulness of times.” (D&C 124:41.)  Today, we are witnessing the fulfillment of these prophesies in this dispensation as several new policy changes have recently been announced. From changing the age of missionaries entering the field and for youth entering the young women program, to expanding the opportunity of being witnesses at sacred ordinances, to ministering changes, and 2-hour block schedules. (I still remember rejoicing when they announced that change). 

Along with those changes will be a discontinuation of personal progress, hence our theme tonight of celebrating the final year of personal progress. Come the new year, we will be focusing on a new self-guided youth program that allows for the young women to set personalized goals and reach them through the guidance of the Holy Ghost. While I have been grateful for the Personal Progress program and the ways it has helped countless young women to grow spiritually (including myself), I am looking forward to the new program. I know without a doubt that it will help our youth better seek personal revelation and draw closer to their Savior. 

As parents, you know your children best, and so we want to encourage you to work with your daughters on their goals. Just because personal progress is over, doesn’t mean we stop working towards something and growing spiritually. As leaders, we are always happy to assist. Working with your daughters on their goals will not only help them reach their goals, but improve your relationship with your daughters as well. 

As we work together, the Spirit of God will be upon us, and these young women. They will be better able to arm themselves with the armor of God, and better withstand the temptations of the adversary in these latter days when temptations continue to grow. I know that to be true. 

I testify that this gospel is true--That Heavenly Father knows each of you personally, loves you, and has a plan for you. I know that our Heavenly Father speaks with our prophet, who reveals gospel truths through him to us. I know God wants you to be happy and return to live with Him. You CAN do that as you follow the new YW theme--which we just read. I encourage each of you, parents and young women, to re-read it and ponder it later tonight. I know these things to be true, In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.