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Though you will never read this I feel an urgency to write it. Even if I were to give it to you in person you wouldn't understand a word of what I write. But yet I have to write it. Dad I want you to know just how much I love you. Words can't describe the love I have for you. You have been my strength, my support, my ally. I don't even know where to begin. You helped bring me into this world and for that I will be eternally grateful. I've gone from the little girl who adored her father, to the teenager who thought you had no compassion whatsoever, to the adult who went back to adoring her father. There were so many times in my life that you weren't physically there. I know your career in the Navy took you away from us so much. Days, week, months went by without you being home. Yet you were always with us. Of course I could have gone without the hours of endless lectures that later on became the joke among our family. But what I wouldn't give now to hear one of those lectures again. Even one of them. Family vacations will always be such a joyous memory of mine. You worked so hard saving money so we could have a family vacation each year. Or at least every other year. While some may not think of them as overly exciting...I always enjoyed them. Our Saturday drives are another thing I will never forget. We'd get in the car...never knowing where we were going but just drive. Wow some of the most interesting things were found when we did drives like that. You taught me right from wrong. You brought me up in the Gospel and taught me to love my Heavenly Father. I may not always have lived up to those expectations but you did teach me. Your example meant a lot to me. I remember when you were a member of different Bishoprics and getting those phone calls in the middle of the night. Never once did I hear you complain about having to go out and assist someone who was in need. To give a blessing when needed. You always willing accepted callings and responsibilities and put every ounce of strength you had into them. Strength...you were the strong one. You were my dad. Of course you were strong. But alas...time has a way of getting away from us. Disease has a way of taking over. The once strong person I knew is now gone. But your sense of humor sure hasn't left you. Now disease is destroying your body. Doctors say I will only have you for a few months more. Oh how my heart aches knowing this. I find myself breaking into uncontrollable sobs. Yet, the gospel that you made sure I knew and taught me...let's me know..that once your journey here on earth ends, no longer will you have this disease. You will be made whole and well again. While it's hard to let you go this knowledge is also a comfort. Dad again I want you to know just how much I love you. I will miss you terribly. Love, your daughter. ps...It was in the heart of the Heart Stein Mountains. 
I posted this on a thread but thought I would post on a blog as well. It probably belonged here more than it did on a thread. There have been a couple of threads lately that have inspired and prompted me to view my thoughts and feelings.
I feel that these two threads are a result of the last days. Woe until them that call evil good and good evil. What I find amazing are the numerous members of the Church that choose to justify their own thoughts and actions by the world's standards instead of scripture and the promptings of our own Church Leaders.
There is a talk by President Monson that says the following. (I'm only quoting the beginning):
He talks about vising Tonga and learns about the fishermen that trap Octopus using a maka-feka which is an Octopus snare. He then uses that as an analogy.
Quote:
It was an easy transition for the teacher to point out to the eager and wide-eyed youth that the evil one—even Satan—has fashioned so-called maka-fekes with which to ensnare unsuspecting persons and take possession of their destinies.
Today we are surrounded by the maka-fekes which the evil one dangles before us and with which he attempts to entice us and then to ensnare us. Once grasped, such maka-fekes are ever so difficult—and sometimes nearly impossible—to relinquish. To be safe, we must recognize them for what they are and then be unwavering in our determination to avoid them.
Constantly before us is the maka-feke of immorality. Almost everywhere we turn, there are those who would have us believe that what was once considered immoral is now acceptable. I think of the scripture, “Wo unto them that call evil good, and good evil, that put darkness for light, and light for darkness.” Such is the maka-feke of immorality. We are reminded in the Book of Mormon that chastity and virtue are precious above all things.
End of quote
Satan leads us little by little. He starts slow until he has ensnared us just like the Octopus snare. What starts as something that appears innocent and one would think certainly couldn't cause harm leads to more dangerous activity.
On the subject of modesty. I'm only going to quote one source that I found on lds.org.
This is from Elder Robert D. Hales Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and was published in August 2008.
Some Latter-day Saints may feel that modesty is a tradition of the Church or that it has evolved from conservative, puritanical behavior. Modesty is not just cultural. Modesty is a gospel principle that applies to people of all cultures and ages. In fact, modesty is fundamental to being worthy of the Spirit. To be modest is to be humble, and being humble invites the Spirit to be with us.
In everyday living, immodest clothing such as short shorts, miniskirts, tight clothing, shirts that do not cover the stomach, and other revealing attire are not appropriate. Men and women—including young men and young women—should wear clothing that covers the shoulder and avoid clothing that is low cut in the front or back or revealing in any other manner. Tight pants, tight shirts, excessively baggy clothing, wrinkled apparel, and unkempt hair are not appropriate. All should avoid extremes in clothing, hairstyle, and other aspects of appearance. We should always be neat and clean, avoiding sloppiness or inappropriate casualness.
(End quote)
Now if someone would like to argue the above statement...argue with Elder Hales.
I've read one comment on a thread: "If it doesn't come from the Prophet's mouth then I won't believe or follow it." Do not the other leaders of the Church also act as a mouthpiece for our Prophet and for our Heavenly Father? Do they not receive revelation and inspiration in what they have to teach us as well as the Prophet?
Let us not be caught up in the maka-feka and be ensnared by the workings of Satan. Unfortunately we will see more and more of this as we progress nearer and nearer to the last days.
I am so far from perfect. I would not profess to be even minutely close to it. However, I trust our Church leaders that they would not lead us astray. That they provide sound counsel and advise.
Okay so this is the first blog I've written. But wanted to get some of my thoughts down in writing. My son who is a senior in high school and is 17 made a huge step in his life yesterday. He took an oath to join the Navy. He will be on a delayed entry program and will not leave until August 11, 2009. I have so many mixed feelings. Most of them being selfish. Until I moved to Utah 13 years ago, the Navy life had been the only life I had known. My dad, my uncle and my ex husband are all retired Navy. I worked for the Navy for 18 years as a civilian. I love the Navy life and the opportunities it can give someone. I think this will be an excellent opportunity for him to learn, to grow, to experience and to hopefully see some of the world. At the same time, this son is my bud. We do so much together. He's my friend. While I want him to enjoy and progress in something, it saddens me to think I will also be losing him somewhat. I know that's how life is..it's just coming faster than I thought it would. And with the state of the world these days it frightens me at the same time. Will I be sending him off to war? Will I lose him to war? As a mother you always want to protect your child and keep him out of harm's way. But in this case I have no control. He's excited for the possibilities. Already looking at ways he can progress in rank and he hasn't really even started yet. I'm proud of him and proud that he wants to follow in the tradition of family. I guess my little boy is growing up.
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