I Am A Latter Day Saint Woman

My name is Aimee Ruth Smith and I am a Latter Day Saint Woman. I gained my Young Women's Medallion when I was a teenager by completing a set of tasks and a 10 hour service project for each of the Young Women Values:

 Faith, Divine Nature, Individual Worth, Knowledge, Choice and Accountability, Good Works, Integrity and Virtue. 

When I was just beginning the program I felt a divine curiosity fill my heart and I remember wanting to complete each section quickly that I might be able to feel the sense of accomplishment that accompanies such a feat. I soon gained my reward in the form of a Silver, Medallion of the Salt Lake Temple which would hang from my neck for years to come. This medallion to some may seem too small a reward for more than 80 hours worth of labor but to those who have gone through the program and have just such a medallion know that it is far more precious to them than any amount of money. The knowledge obtained, the faith built, the better understanding of Gods love for me, the honesty and service, all of these things are priceless. The Young Women's program taught me to be the woman I always knew I could be. :)

For my 10 hour faith service project I took charge of my mothers Vegetable Garden for an entire summer. Deciding what needed to be planted, as well as, tending to the weeds thereafter, and taking care that the plants had water to grow. It turned out to be one of the most nourishing summers of my life :) I was also grateful for the opportunity to work a long side my mother and see her love for Gods earth and all he has blessed us with.

Divine Nature!! We are all children of God and we should never forget that! If he is divine.. which he most certainly is, than so are we and there is no shame in knowing and living your life as a child of God would. Divinely :)

My divine mission now is so much different than what it was when I was younger! Or is it? Our circumstances change, but our divine mission will always remain steadfast and sure. Spread the word of God, Bring souls unto Christ and return to Him once more. It is an Eternal Truth that will never change. 

I may not hold a physical college degree (yet) but I do not consider time spent studying the scriptures, words of the prophets past and present, any less real a tangible degree of growth. I cannot stand still in my search for spiritual knowledge anymore than I can deny myself a physical meal of nourishment. 

Choices, choices! :) I know that as I am preparing for motherhood my choice of an eternal companion is of the utmost importance. I will not allow my past trials to dictate the degree in which I will allow myself to love my next choice. I pray every day that he is preparing himself as much as I am me. We cannot expect perfection out of our significant other if we are only expecting half of that of ourselves. 

Since the age of 12 I have had this dream of visiting Africa and bringing music to the children there. I realized that it would not feed their bellies but knew that it would feed their souls! I do not have the means of providing music to little children in Africa but I do have the means of which to serve my fellow friends and family best I can here. I actively listen to things said by those around me and try my best to fill their needs. I have not forgotten my dream of going to Africa but rather am realizing that by small measures are big things brought to pass. 

Honesty is the best policy both figuratively and literally :) It is how we are more able to sense the gentle nudging of the Holy Ghost as well as keep good standing with our fellow men and God. One cannot fully be honest with others if we are not first honest with ourselves. 

The temple is the most sacred place on earth that we can go to feel the presence of our Father in Heaven and his Son Jesus Christ. I have in good standing with the Lord my regular temple attendance and plan on always having it that way. Our thoughts truly do reflect where we personally stand with the Lord and how wonderful it feels to know while, standing in His presence in His holy house, that our thoughts are complete and pure and perfect. 

I am not perfect. I am merely striving to become perfect by coming closer to my Father in Heaven.

"We are daughters of our Heavenly Father, who loves us, and we love Him. We will stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places as we strive to live the young women values, which are:

Faith*Divine Nature*Individual Worth*Knowledge*Choice and Accountability*Good Works*Integrity* and Virtue

We believe as we come to accept and act upon these values, we will be prepared to strengthen home and family, make and keep sacred covenants, receive the ordinances of the temple, and enjoy the blessings of exaltation."

-Young Women's Theme

P.s... Cool fact. The white dress I am wearing in these photographs was hand made by my Grandmother. It was worn by my Mother on her wedding day to my Father in the Salt Lake City Temple. :)

Photo Credit: Taylor Jay Photography LLC 

Alexa Ogilvie

taylorjay.photography@gmail.com