Follow in the Footsteps
of the Savior

Throughout the room are tables displaying various shoes belonging to the young women (ballet, sport, baby, prom, etc.)  Cut out single-file footprints (about 12" long) in Young Women Value colors and place these in single-file order up and down the walls.  In the center of each footprint is a Personal Progress goal (brief, one or two words).

Introduction:  Our Father in Heaven loves us and has given us commandments to guide us on our path in mortality.  He has provided specific ordinances so when we depart this life and return to His presence, we can be exalted in the Celestial Kingdom.  These sacred ordinances are only found in the Temple.  Now is the time to prepare to be worthy to enter the temple and receive those blessings.  The Young Women program will help you stay on the path that will lead you back to your Heavenly Father.  (Show signs with capitalized words as appropriate.  Young Women leaders help you STEP in the right direction.
 

Each age-group level has a PAIR (counselor, adviser).  They give SOLE support!

Can you imagine how many miles you walk in a lifetime?  Our feet prevent jars to our body which might shock the spinal column.  Tough, thick skin covers the bones and ligaments of your feet, and thin layers of fat act like an air cushion to protect the inner parts of the foot.

Throughout history mankind has made coverings to protect feet from weather and injury.  If you were a shoe, what kind would you be?

YOU DON'T WANT TO BE A "LOAFER"
Everyone knows loafers are lazy shoes - don't have to tie them, just slip them on.  Don't "slip" your standards of righteousness.  Dig in - Reach goals.  Personal Progress teaches girls to set and reach goals

YOU DON'T WANT TO BE A "FLIP-FL0P" (old days used to be called thongs). 

Very comfortable, but the problem is that they are too flexible.  They flop in and out.  They lack integrity - not dependable in difficult environments, situations.

AND NOW. THE SHOES YOU WANT TO WEAR EVERY DAY!

1. FURRY SLIPPERS
They are soft, quiet.  Like the Holy Ghost  "still small voice".  We need to develop sensitivity to the Spirit.  PRAYER.

2.  OXFORDS
Some of the leaders will remember when two-tone oxfords were popular.  Sturdy construction - meant to last a long time - survive all kinds of negative conditions.  Oxford University (England) is one of the most famous universities in the world.  Education is empowering.  You will take your knowledge, intelligence with you into eternity.  Study and learn throughout your life.  Develop those necessary skills you will need to face the next century.  But even more important than intellectual education is spiritual education.  Learn about the gospel principles and doctrine.  Know your Heavenly Father's plan for you.  Diligently read and study about the life of the Savior so you may become more like Him.

3.  KEDS (used to be called 'sneakers')
Everyone likes pleasant surprises (sneak up on you).  Set a goal to perform secret acts of kindness every single day (not because it's one of your chores, not just so you can fulfill a Personal Progress goal).  Performing little thoughtful deeds will prepare you to share your life in the future with a roommate, missionary companion, husband, children.  Be more unselfish.  Be more Christlike.

4.  CONVERSE SHOES  (these used to be black hightops -- before the days of Nike, etc.)
They were great for basketball because they provided great traction - you can hear them 'squeak' on basketball wood floors.  In your conversation with others - don't allow any "slipping".  When it comes to repeating profanity, vulgarity, keep your tongue - laced up tight.  Refrain from gossip -always speak the truth.

5.  CLEATS

(ask who plays soccer?  What shoes do you wear?  What do they look like - what do they do?) Shoes with cleats are on the go, enthusiastic.  During your youth you want to get "a kick out of life".  Cleats keep you from sliding, falling down on the field.  Young Women values, gospel principles are like cleats.

6.  HIGH HEELS
Do you remember your first pair high heels?  Do you remember how tall you felt?  How hard it was to balance and walk at the same time?  Didn't you feel like you were learning forward on tall sticks?  High heels must be strong in order to raise you up, support your weight.  High heels remind us it is important to elevate our thoughts, actions.  Set your standards high, right now.  Decide NOW what you will do in various situations
(temptations).  Remember you are a daughter of God.  When it comes to correct values and principles. Dig in your heels!

(A) KEEP YOUR BODIES CLEAN
 Discuss Modesty and Morality
 Do not pollute mortal tabernacle (1 Cor 6:19)
 Do whatever possible to avoid disease, enemies of physical bodies
 (1)  Follow the word of wisdom
 (2)  No unclean person can achieve a lasting relationship with the Lord or with His Spirit

(B) KEEP YOUR MINDS CLEAN
 Guard against all suggestive ideas, influences, pornography.
 Avoid others who have evil minds.  Avoid the filth they produce.
 You can't have the companionship of the Holy Ghost, if your mind shares time with Satan.

Each of you is a special and unique young woman.
Like shoes, you have your OWN STYLE!
Please STAY IN STEP!

Your Heavenly Father and Leaders love and support you!  Someday it will be your privilege to put on beautiful white shoes, a matching white dress, and you will have the privilege of receiving sacred covenants in the Temple!