Nov 27, 2005

Dear Brieanna,

I'm sorry it's been so long since I've written. My life has been really crazy lately.

About a month or so ago, we did something fun. We went to Moab Utah with some other families in our ward, and went four wheeling, with our jeep. We went to a place called Elephant Mountain, and if I had known before hand what we were going to do, I probably wouldn't have gone. Trails are rated from 1 to 5 with 5 being the most difficult. On a 5 trail, you need a super jacked up jeep, and a winch to pull you up in some places. The trail we went on was rated a 4. I was really worried we wouldn't be able to get our jeep back home. Some of the slopes we went up, on our little family jeep were amazing. We camped for several days, and had a really great time. We all went repelling too, even Asher and Seth.

I'm doing something today that I've never done before. I'm making soap from scratch. It's actually kind of a dangerous procedure, because you have to use lye, which is extremely caustic. It's the opposite of acid, a base, but its just as strong as sulfuric acid. You can make soap out of just about any oil. I'm making mine out of olive oil. It's cooking right now, so I don't know how it will turn out yet. I got the idea from Melanie. She used to attend craft fairs, and was hoping to sell something so that I could be with her. I saw other people selling soap, and became intrigued. I remember going a local pioneer village, and seeing hand made soap. Anyhow, I've read a bunch of books on it, and finally had the resolve today to try it out.

I hope all is well with you. I worry about you. The age you are passing through right now is so critical. It's a time where if you make the wrong choices, you can really mess up your life. Please stay close to God, and say your prays and go to church, and read the scriptures. Try to choose the right. Stay away from things that you know are wrong. Don't be tempted to do everything that your friends and peers are experimenting with. Drugs and alcohol, will only bring you pain. Keep yourself morally clean and chaste. If you have made mistakes, that's okay, just make a choice to do what's right, and turn away from mistakes. I wish the best for you. I've been around now for 40 years, and have made plenty of my own mistakes. I expect you to make a few of your own, but hopefully you can avoid the big ones.

We learned that your Grandfather Pettit passed away. I was sorry to hear that. I had respect for the man.

Brieanna, I don't know what your home situation is like, or how things are with your mother. I worry quite a lot about this as well. I worry about your relationship with her. Since I don't know what your relationship with her its hard for me to give you advice. I can only guess from my own experiences with her, that now at this age, your relationship with her will be a challenge. It is important that you honor your mother, and be as kind as you can to her, but at the same time it is important that you learn to be independent, and to start making decisions for yourself, especially where you know you are right. This time in your life is the transition from being a dependent child to being an independent adult. I'm worried that at this stage in your life, that you may not be getting the correct and good advice that you need from your mother. I have a suggestion, that you seek out your Bishop in your ward, and establish a relationship with him. He can guide you through problems at home, school or your friends. He will have the experience, inspiration, and knowledge on how to counsel you. If you feel confused, or in conflict, your bishop can talk with you and help you.

I will tell you one more way that you can make decisions, and that is through the power of prayer. If you have a need, or an important decision, or a challenge, go to a quite place alone, and say a prayer to God, and ask for help. There have been so many times in my life that God has heard my prayers. There are those on the other side of the veil who watch over you and take an interest in you. You are never alone.

Let me explain the process of getting a confirmation, or revelation through prayer. First carefully way out all of the options, and if possible come up with a decision based on your own best wisdom. Then take your decision to the Lord in prayer. One of two things will happen. The first is that you will feel and overwhelming feeling of clarity and light fill your body. This is the Holy Spirit testifying that what you are doing is right. The other is that you will continue to remain confused. Confusion means that what you have proposed is wrong, and will lead to trouble. Only go through with a important decision, if your mind is filled with light, and your heart has warmth. If you are confused keep seeking an answer and it will come, but you must have the humility to listen, and accept answers from the Lord that may go against your own will and what you think is best.

Brieanna, as you can see from my letters, I am doing the best I can to be a father to you. You are my first born, and I love you.

You are always on my mind, and I look forward to seeing you again.

Love,

Dad.