Chapter 2

Wherein Asterisk asks Meme some questions and Meme does some inviting.

 Meme: We've known each other for, what, 10 years?

Asterisk: Yeah...first grade with Miss Aspartame. You wore braids back then too.

Meme: I'm aiming for a retro-chic vibe.
  
Asterisk: Nailed it.

Meme: Have you thought any more about getting a tattoo?

Asterisk: I wasn't really set on getting one - just toying with the idea. What you said really made me think about what I want to do with my life.  You always sound so sure of yourself, I thought you might be able to help me figure out where I'm going.

Meme:  I'll try.  I guess you could say that all the decisions I make are influenced by my faith.  You do know that I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, right?

Asterisk: I thought you were a Mormon.

Meme: It's the same church - "Mormon" is sort of a nickname.

Asterisk: It's a lot shorter.

Meme: My church has a strong program for youth - Young Men and Young Women.  I meet with other Young Women on Sunday and Tuesdays.  We have lessons and activities that help us learn more about God and our relationship with Him.

Asterisk:  I've always believed in God, what makes your church any different from the others?

Meme: Wow, that's a big question.  Can we save it for a little later?

Asterisk: Okay...but I still want to know how I can figure out my life and where I'm going.

Meme:  How about if we start small.  Small-ish.  Here's a booklet that I got at church (hands Asterisk a For the Strength of Youth booklet)

Asterisk:  Cool building...what does it have to do with youth having strength?

Meme: It's picture of the Salt Lake Temple.  My parents were married there.

Asterisk:  Was it expensive?  I know weddings cost a fortune!

Meme:  It was free.  The only thing it cost was personal worthiness.

Asterisk:  You lost me there.  Personal worthiness?

Meme:  It's like being clean.  You wouldn't want to walk in God's house with dirt on your shoes would you?  Personal worthiness is like making sure you don't have dirt on your spirit.

Asterisk:  I like the idea of being clean - I'm a bit of a neat freak.  How do I make my spirit clean?

Meme:  That booklet that I gave you can help get you started. Feel free to take it home and read it. You can call me if you don't understand something.

Asterisk: Thanks, I'll read it tonight.  Is that all there is to it?

Meme: I think you know the answer to that.  When you take a class at school do you just do the reading? 

Asterisk: No, there are usually homework assignments. What's my homework, besides reading?

Meme: Do you think you could pray about it?

Asterisk: Pray?  Well, I guess so.  I noticed you have this other booklet "Personal Progress" can I read that one too?

Meme: One at a time. I'll have to ask my Young Women's leader if she has a spare copy. One more thing.  You're probably going to need to refer to the scriptures while you're reading For the Strength of Youth. You can totally download a scripture app for your phone.  I'll send you a link.

Asterisk: You've sure given me a lot of stuff to think about.

Meme: Tell you what, why don't you come to Young Women's with me tomorrow.  We're going to have an activity based on the For the Strength of Youth booklet.  It'll be fun, and I'm pretty sure there will be treats. I'll pick you up at 6:45.

Asterisk: Sounds good. I need to head home now...I've got some homework to do!

Hmm...For the Strength of Youth.  I like the sound of that.  I've always wanted to be a strong person.  I think I'll read this before I tackle my math homework.