July 11, 2000

Kristi,

Some of the most important things you can learn from this life are:

1.      That Jesus is our savior and that he lives and loves us.

2.      To humble ourselves before Him.  To realize that we are not perfect and we need his help in everything that we do.

3.      To ask in faith- drawing upon the powers of heaven, do our part, then leave the rest to the Lord.

4.      Everyone has and will sin so we need to understand the repentance process and the atonement and use it all the time.  Do your best then hang on to the end.

July 16, 2000

There are a few things that are really important to me…  That I return to my Father in Heaven with honor, that I marry the right guy at the right time and in the right place, and my family and friends.

*All names have been changed in order to protect the privacy of those involved.

November 20-22, 1999

I have learned so much in the past few weeks, Kristi; mostly as a result of my sessions with the hypnotherapist.  He knows so much about God’s plan and about our bodies and spirits.  Did you know that even some of the simplest things we say can program our subconscious minds to negatively influence our lives?

God has given us such a great gift: our bodies.  With them comes great power.  Our goal on this Earth is to learn to use that power wisely by uniting our body, mind and spirit through God’s help.  Once I obtain inner peace (or oneness) and obey God, I can have anything I desire that is righteous.  I am so excited.  Now that I understand a little more clearly I can really start my life!

Love, Melonie

(Age 16)

November 22, 1999

My parents are in Wyoming.  My dad is working out of state again.  I don’t know what’s wrong with me.  I feel angry, hurt, and scared.  Yesterday I practically beat up my sister when she was mean to us again.  I never do that!  I feel like scum.  My sister hits us, kicks us, swears at us… all the time.  That’s how she is.  I don’t know why I snapped.

*All names have been changed in order to protect the privacy of those involved.

October 16, 1998

Hey Kristi, I’m back! I’m really sorry I haven’t written you; I’m so behind! I’ve been busy… and I got myself into trouble. I feel really bad. I hate being a teenager.

My greatest goals are to return to my Heavenly Father and to be ready when Jesus comes again. Sometimes I think I forget those goals. I love my Heavenly Father. I hope that, in spite of some of my actions, he knows that.

I am so amazed and grateful for the unconditional love He has for me. Though I make mistakes, forget Him and break my covenants to Him, He is still there when I need Him and He continues to bless me.

I am so thankful for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is my life, my direction, my guide, my support and my protection. I know for a fact that without it, the only part of me that I truly treasure would be lost forever. I know this is the true gospel and that, in it, we can find the plan of God. I know this with all of my heart. I just wish that everyone else were so privileged.

Tonight I am beginning a fast. I don’t know how long it will last but I know it’s what I need to do to be forgiven and to keep Satan far from me. I am going to win this spiritual war and return to God with honor.

I am so thankful for the temples, prophets and everything else that keeps us on the right path. We just heard a talk in General Conference (and twice in Seminary) about dating and how we should not date until we are 16. This is something I have a problem with. I have probably been on at least 3 group dates and I’m not 16 yet; and I already have a date for the Sadie Hawkins dance. Even though my mom told me its okay to go, I don’t feel right about it. I can’t tell him I don’t want to go know, can I? He seems to think we are “going out” now. I don’t even really “like” him. He’s just a friend.
I love you,
Melonie
(Age 15)



*All names have been changed in order to protect the privacy of those involved.