For my brothers.

When I think of a man, I think strength and beauty.  It's not just physical, but what lies deep within.  Nobody can tell you how to live, only you can.  So, make up your mind to be the best person you can possibly be.  It'll be one of the best decisions you have ever made, so do it and work hard.  Now, here are some do's and dont's for you.

Don't overanalyze everything!  Take things at face value, and don't get caught up in the what if.  Don't worry about what people think, just be happy with yourself and don't get embarrassed.  You're great, don't you know?  It's not so wonderful when you're super shy and don't say much, but it's also too much when you are over-the-top energetic and steal the attention away from everyone.  Be a gentleman and be polite.  Have fun!  Play around, goof off sometimes, and smile a lot.  Do you know how much I like it when you laugh?  

Be the man that God created you to be!  Be bold and shoot for your dreams.  Don't sit around and stew, go chase something.  Nobody likes it when you sit on your behind and mope, least of all you.  Take chances and make mistakes.  You're human.  Believe in yourself, and ask for help when you need it.  Don't be a jerk, though.  You are not always right, so be courageous enough to admit that you're wrong, and change whatever it was that you were doing.  Be considerate and kind.  "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."   

Marriage?  Please want it, but try not to be that guy who is "just looking for a wife," because that is so far from attractive.  Be the man who wants to find an incredible woman to marry, but not so picky that you throw her away for something "better".  Gordon B Hinckley said to the woman:  "Aim high, but do not aim so high that you totally miss the target. What really matters is that he will love you, that he will respect you, that he will honor you, that he will be absolutely true to you, that he will give you the freedom of expression and let you fly in the development of your own talents. He is not going to be perfect, but if he is kind and thoughtful, if he knows how to work and earn a living, if he is honest and full of faith, the chances are you will not go wrong, that you will be immensely happy." That applies to you, too.  George Washington wanted to be the best at a lot of things, and at the top of his list was to be the best husband to his wife and to be the best father to his step children.  Don't just want to get married and have kids, and don't just do it to get into the celestial kingdom or because you are horny.  Do do it because you want to be the best husband.  Do do it because you want to be the absolute best father.  There is nothing more important.

Live your life.  Pray and rely on Heavenly Father.  He's there for you, and wants to hear from you.  Don't hang up the phone before He picks up, that's what Dad told me.  Actually, this is what Dad said about prayer in the Seattle time sin 2004:

Derek Nelson, a 41-year-old Gig Harbor, Pierce County, banker, is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He, too, usually prays more than once a day — before family meals and whenever the need arises.

He goes somewhere private, gets down on his knees, gives thanks for his blessings in life, and prays for his family, friends and local and world leaders. If there's something special for which he needs guidance, he asks God for inspiration. "It's amazing — if I'm in tune, ideas will pop into my head, sometimes right then, sometimes a little later.

"I believe when you call upon your Heavenly Father, you're actually dialing up the phone and you want to make sure you don't hang up before he has a chance to say hello. It's a personal, direct connection with God — the doors to heaven aren't shut."

Don't forget that, okay?  Dad would say that to you if he was here, so I'm passing it on to you. Trust me: He loves you, and he's still there for you even though he isn't physically here.  He always will be around.  Do your best to remember him, and try to remember the wonderful things about him and work hard to be like him.  He was absolutely incredible.  He was strong and courageous, always happy and confident.  He asked for help.  He worked so hard.  He loved everyone, especially his family.  He loved you so much.   Be strong and courageous, and be prepared to carry those in need - just like Dad.  Go to church, love it, and share it- just like Dad.  Go on a mission, - just like Dad.  Love all those around you, work hard, and be the best person you can possibly be - because then you will be just like Dad.  You know what else?  He is so proud of you, all of my brothers.  Never, never forget that.  

And love.  Love with all your heart, might, mind, and strength.  Love your friends and your neighbors, your teammates and your enemies.  Love the women in your life, and treat them with the upmost respect.  They don't deserve your scorn, and neither does anyone else.  They are daughters of God, just as you are a son of God.  I have seen too many women treated poorly, and I absolutely cannot stand it.  Be good to them!  Love them, be patient, and trust them!  We need you just and much and you need us.  Work together.  But really, love them with all your being.  Love and respect your mother!  She has given her life to you in raising you, and that deserves respect and loyalty.  Treat her well also because that is how you will someday treat your wife.  Love your wife because she is your best friend, love her because she is beautiful, love her because she married you, love her because she has your kids, and love her because she loves you.  Love each other equally.  Be 100% devoted to her.  Hold her hand and be affectionate the rest of your life.  Go to work, provide for the family while she is mothering and teaching your family.  Will you remember to do something?  It's extremely important.. Help her with the dishes at night.  You have both worked hard all day, and doing the dishes together is a wonderful way to show her that you care and that you want to work along beside her.  Days can be long, but don't let your foul mood affect the way you treat her or your children when you get home.  Make time for the two of you, even if it's just a walk.  Actually, walks are beautiful and necessary.  Slow down every once in a while and relax.  Life is meant to be enjoyed.  

You are wonderful and brilliant in your own way.  Embrace that.  Now, be happy and confident.  There is no reason to doubt.  Have hope.  To the world you are just one person, but for one person you are the world.  And you know what?  To me, you are the world.  Each one of you have a chunk of my heart that I will never get back.  I am so proud of who you are.

I love you.  Forever and ever, I love you. 

- 

"Love is like the North Star. In a changing world, it's always constant."

"If Life Gets Too Hard To Stand, Kneel."

"Cultivate an attitude of happiness. Cultivate a spirit of optimism. Walk with faith, rejoicing in the beauties of nature, in the goodness of those you love, in the testimony which you carry in your heart concerning things divine." 

"Through all of living have much joy and laughter, life is to be enjoyed, not just endured." 

"Go forward in life with a twinkle in your eye and a smile on your face, but with great purpose in heart."

 -- Gordon B Hinckley