Maybe I'm just being a typical teen, I don't know. Lately (last two or so weeks) I've been arguing with Mum, had no patience with siblings, getting mad and upset with parents. I know this isn't right, I know I'm meant to be honoring God and my parents with my words, actions and thoughts. I just can't seem to follow through!

Lord, it's all head knowledge, I know what I'm meant to be doing but I can't feel you in my life, helping me do it. I feel like you're so far away right now. What am I doing on this site, praying for other people, when I am so messed up right now? WHY do I feel like you are so far away? I wish my knowledge of you would fall from my head to my heart. I don't want to be so wrapped up in knowing the rituals I am meant to perform, to be a "good little Christian," I want to be a child of you, walking with you, talking with you, holding your hand and experiencing you as you guide me and teach me. Why are you so far removed from my heart at the moment? Why am I constantly crying and sad and yelling at my Mum, my brothers and sisters? Why am I jumping at the chance to get away from my family? Why am I letting my heart get all tangled up with thinking about Chris all the time when I know it would be a mistake to get involved with him anyway, especially at my age? Why am I hardly spending any time reading the Bible and praying? WHY is this happening and how can I change it? Please come back to me, Lord.

I am sorry this post was so long. Please, can you just spare a minute to put in a quick word of prayer for me. I really feel at my wit's end.
Thank you so much.

---

Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

King's Kid-- I am so proud of you. You love the Lord and that is rare in this day and time. I am the mother of four. Two small and two teens (17 & 15). I can tell you that they feel that way sometimes too. They to love the Lord. I have had conversations with them both about almost the same things. You keep on working for Jesus,everything will be alright. Romans 8:28 (KJV) And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Precious Jesus, lead and direct the paths of this child of Yours. Lord, please help them to hold tight to You when the storms of life are about them. Protect them and keep them safe. Give them knowledge and understanding.In this I ask in Your name,Jesus.Amen.

So awesome that you know Jesus & care to serve him as a teenager!
That alone is wonderful, & please don't stop.
It is not easy, life, and living with parents, brothers & sisters can be a challenge, no matter your age. Everyone can have good intentions but there are personalities involved.
As previous poster says, you're doing great, so keep working for JESUS & you'll be fine. Try to put more energy into these thoughts (of God) & less into things you cannot control. Always do what is right in God's Eyes & HE WILL reward you. We don't always see immediate results but when we lay our heads down at night to sleep we know that we have had a blessed day for HIM.
Hang in there & continue to reach out to other Christians as this place, for your support & remember NO MATTER WHAT Jesus is ALWAYS there for you.
It always makes me feel happy to see someone your age devoted to CHRIST. You are a blessing! When you need that reminder & support, post here, we'll help you.
GOD BLESS!

tishlea Wrote:King's Kid-- I am so proud of you. You love the Lord and that is rare in this day and time. I am the mother of four. Two small and two teens (17 & 15). I can tell you that they feel that way sometimes too. They to love the Lord. I have had conversations with them both about almost the same things. You keep on working for Jesus,everything will be alright. Romans 8:28 (KJV) And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Precious Jesus, lead and direct the paths of this child of Yours. Lord, please help them to hold tight to You when the storms of life are about them. Protect them and keep them safe. Give them knowledge and understanding.In this I ask in Your name,Jesus.Amen.

When you get upset at someone at home, for example your mom or brothers & sisters, & maybe you yell at them, take some time & later go back & appologize. It's perfectly normal to get upset when living with another human being, it is not easy, especially our family we can love them to pieces & they irritate us when we are under same roof (at times). So know you are normal.
When you relax & take a break then go back & say I am sorry for being upset.. & know too that Jesus does NOT expect perfection.
He is asking us to perfect ourselves in HIM, there is a huge difference.
Try to dream of Heaven when you are upset, this life is in passing & even in the BEST of families things can seem rough.
What I do when I feel discouraged or alone is to think of chapters of the bible that I love reading, I read them again, and I think of Heaven and what that will be like.
Never hesitate to post at Christian boards like this for your prayer when you need them. It's great to see a teen following Christ.
You are a trailblazer. So proud of you..

Guest Wrote:So awesome that you know Jesus & care to serve him as a teenager!
That alone is wonderful, & please don't stop.
It is not easy, life, and living with parents, brothers & sisters can be a challenge, no matter your age. Everyone can have good intentions but there are personalities involved.
As previous poster says, you're doing great, so keep working for JESUS & you'll be fine. Try to put more energy into these thoughts (of God) & less into things you cannot control. Always do what is right in God's Eyes & HE WILL reward you. We don't always see immediate results but when we lay our heads down at night to sleep we know that we have had a blessed day for HIM.
Hang in there & continue to reach out to other Christians as this place, for your support & remember NO MATTER WHAT Jesus is ALWAYS there for you.
It always makes me feel happy to see someone your age devoted to CHRIST. You are a blessing! When you need that reminder & support, post here, we'll help you.
GOD BLESS!

tishlea Wrote:King's Kid-- I am so proud of you. You love the Lord and that is rare in this day and time. I am the mother of four. Two small and two teens (17 & 15). I can tell you that they feel that way sometimes too. They to love the Lord. I have had conversations with them both about almost the same things. You keep on working for Jesus,everything will be alright. Romans 8:28 (KJV) And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Precious Jesus, lead and direct the paths of this child of Yours. Lord, please help them to hold tight to You when the storms of life are about them. Protect them and keep them safe. Give them knowledge and understanding.In this I ask in Your name,Jesus.Amen.

Almost in tears as I read your awesome posts and prayers. I'm so shaken. The encouragement you've just given me... you have no idea. May God bless you three wonderful people and just thank you so much. I'll keep going, knowing that things will sort themselves out. It's so hard, sometimes, keeping my eyes on God, it's so easy to get completely wrapped up in this world and what is presently going on. But you three have no idea how much you have helped and I just thank you from the bottom of my heart. I don't know if you're all women or mothers, but from Australia, Happy Mother's Day! Have an awesome day. Thank you so much. Bless you. Naomi.

King'sKid,

So glad you are feeling better! It feels so good to pray for others, as you realize I'm sure as you do the same.
I bet you would hear from any adult that is living with their family again for some reason, that there are struggles & although it is difficult being a teen (I remember!) it is also not easy living with family. They can be wonderful people but sharing space under the same roof as we get older isn't easy. Then ad to that the pressures of the world, there's SO MUCH peer pressure & this is why too we say it is WONDERFUL that you are holding tight to Jesus when there is pressures at your age to go with the crowd & often that is not good. If the, "crowd," is a group of Christians that is different, but even still we each have a relationship with Christ so it's personal & uplifting, our renewal in CHRIST.
It does touch my heart to hear of someone your age that is following Christ. I don't know if you've seen the movie, "A Walk To Remember," it is a Christian movie, very good, about a teen that walks with CHRIST & is often set apart because of it but is triumphant because of this. Also, I saw, John Tesh (who is a Christian), his music production, "John Tesh, Alive," the other night. It is wonderful music, he emphasizes the need for teens to move, to be ALIVE & John Tesh is Christian so the message is, being ALIVE for CHRIST! It is out on DVD (2008).

One reason it's not always easy to follow Christ is because HE not only calls us to be true, following THE WORD can set us apart at times but it also aligns us with HIM as individuals, HE LOVES us so much & SEES each of us as one of HIS CHILDREN, so that spiritual development in CHRIST is a lot of work, yet it is simple. There is one instruction book to follow (The Bible).
I do think of Heaven often, dream about this, wonder what it will be like, eternally.. instead of focusing on the problems of the day as much.
Something I have found too, is that others don't always see us as we want to be seen, as we believe even that Christ sees us, our spiritual, renewed selves. It's all a part of our earthly walk. Our Eternal Home will be so much more beautiful, without the pain, heartache & worries of this world, I think that a Christian realizes this on a subconsous level, and we long for the day we will be in Heaven, with our Heavenly Family healed & whole in CHRIST. So I choose to think of Heaven a lot, read my favorite scripture when I'm struggling, & I know my best friend, JESUS, is ALWAYS THERE For me.
Your will soon be & in the meantime continue to wear your , post at places like this for Christian support & KNOW it is perfectly normal to have the stresses you have, this earth is in passing, so focus if you can on Eternal Life, & talk to GOD, HE IS ALWAYS THERE!
HUGS... You are on the right path & at your age, a trailblazer ...
BLESS YOU! keep up the good work!

p.s. I'm not a mom but female & I have a wonderful mom & will be celebrating mother's day with her today. Bless you sweetie!!! CHRIST IS JUST AWESOME, WONDERFUL, HE is just way too COOL to not follow.. you are on the right path, know it! never doubt!
not for one second!!! When we follow Christ we then are leaders.
You are a leader.. leaders are servants. for HIM.
BLESS YOU!!! It just tickles me that you are led in the right direction & teenage.. you will Never go wrong on this path!

king'skid Wrote:Almost in tears as I read your awesome posts and prayers. I'm so shaken. The encouragement you've just given me... you have no idea. May God bless you three wonderful people and just thank you so much. I'll keep going, knowing that things will sort themselves out. It's so hard, sometimes, keeping my eyes on God, it's so easy to get completely wrapped up in this world and what is presently going on. But you three have no idea how much you have helped and I just thank you from the bottom of my heart. I don't know if you're all women or mothers, but from Australia, Happy Mother's Day! Have an awesome day. Thank you so much. Bless you. Naomi.

A few things I've been going through - most without even really realising it...
I've been avoiding God because I've been viewing him as a 'chore'. Which is crazy because I jump at the chance to spend time with my girlfriends so why avoid him? It was like I thought he'd take up too much time from my busy day.
I've been staying too busy. I've been avoiding rest and running away from relaxing, simply because as soon as I relax, I start getting worried about "everything" I "have" to do, and so feel guilty I'm not doing it. Like I'm only going to be happy as long as I'm not flat-chat, run-off-my-feet. Then of course I'm not happy, because I'm exhausted, and then I'm taking it out on my family.
I've been scared that if I do go to God (and this I didn't even realise until I fully analysed what exactly has been holding me back) I've been scared that if I do go to God... then I won't feel him or hear him, that I'll still be shut off - so I've been avoiding that. Does that make sense?

That's just a little bit of the struggles I've been facing. I don't know if it sounds like much or not but it's had me tied up in knots for weeks. I had a talk to Dad last night. Usually it's Mum I go to - but Dad got in first! :P Guess he got fed up of me and my moods, took me aside and I just laid at all bare before him. Told him everything I was going through and pretty much sobbed until I was exhausted. Dad ... well, Dad doesn't really talk all that much. He's a quiet guy. But he sat there, listening, and talking with me until two hours past my bed-time (wow! Dad's a stickler for bed-times!). Then he hugged me and prayed with me and for me. And I really believe God's heard (and answered! hallelujah!) your prayers, Dad's prayers, and my prayers. Isn't he an awesome God? I am so excited about Him right now!

Two things Dad pointed out to me - I know this post's getting long but they really hit home for me and they're good principles to share -
Sometimes, God might let us go through tough situations and let us feel like there's no hope, and then he'll begin leading us back to his side again, he lets us go through that, so that then we are in a position where we can empathise with and help other people.
Also, Dad pointed out, God might be letting me go through this period of "being in the desert", being away from Him, so that when I finally realise my mistake and go back to him, he can speak to me and teach me things because I'll be broken, open and receiving. On my knees and searching, there God will find me; so It's hard while the trials last, but it's worth it in the end!

I just want to say thank you again. I didn't mean to give you a complete update on my life. I just wanted to tell you how I am now, so you can praise the Lord with me because I'm getting back on track again. I just feel like a new person. It's been so hard for so long... it seems like a lifetime but I think it's only been about two or three weeks. Now, I am finally broken (I have been staunchly ignoring his prodding and calling for too long). Now the Lord is doing the healing and teaching. Thank you, my awesome Father in Heaven. Thank you, fellow believers that are praying for me and care about me. Your support is phenomenal. Bless you all so much.

Naomi.

King'sKid, thanks for the update & how awesome that you had a talk with your dad & he prayed with you!
When I was a teen, in high school I was always with my friends & as you, I rarely stopped. Life is busy at that age with school, friends, often a part time job, family.. there is little self time, time to stop & also reflect. It is VERY understandable how you feel as you do.
That is why it is so neat for us here to hear that you are a teen & are a CHRISTIAN! So often the world does move so fast with so much to do at that age, God isn't part of the vocabulary. SO, the fact that you come to God, to pray & especially with your family is wonderful.
Know that your frustrations too are normal, living with your parents as a teen is not easy, it's not easy as we get older period, because we can love them to death but there are personalities & it's not easy. I'm sure there's much love but it's just a lot of work! So, remember that too, it's normal to have struggles!
It is great that your dad prayed with you the other night & oh my if you can enlist your parents this way to pray with you, pray over you.. that I'm sure will help you too & help them! It's Wonderful to pray with /for others.. I'm sure they are honored to have you ask them if you feel comfortable doing so.. & parents that pray with their children are like Gold.. so it sounds you have some pretty neat parents!!!
King'sKid, when we walk with CHRIST we learn who we are in HIM. God is Love so when we love with all of our hearts, we are one with HIM. When we forgive others or appologize again, that is love. God does not ask us to be perfect that would be impossible..
I will keep you in my prayers as well as the other posters here, lifting up our needs to HIM. There is much turmoil in the world & one this is always true, GOD IS AWESOME.
I have a prayer I say when I wake up every morning. I may not get back to praying any certain prayer during the day, but it helps me to focus & ask for protection before I start my day each day. It doesn't take but a few minutes & I usually can be eating breakfast while I say it... but if I don't say it I can tell .. also putting on God's Armor each day before you start your day. just some prayer maybe you find online or the Our Father, you could ask your parents if they know of a good prayer to say that you could print & say silently for instance while you eat. I love to multitask, so that way I get a lot done at once & often I pray this way too. I don't think God minds!
Remember, when you follow Christ you are a leader.. & it is not easy at your age, SO MANY distractions, emotions, changes, challenges but I am SURE your parents are very proud of you that you call on GOD & I think it's fantastic that your parents are praying for you, with you.. you are a very fortunate gal!
I am GLAD that you have much to do, a full life, that is good.
Maybe try multitasking God into your schedule. Pray while you do other things.. that way you don't feel that you are giving up but adding to..
Remember don't strive for perfection, strive for LOVE, GOD IS LOVE, & glad you are doing better! Never hesitate asking for prayer on these types of forums. There are MANY that LOVE to pray for people.. never forget that.
HUGS to you & your precious family.

Thank you so much. I just feel like giving you a huge hug right now. God bless. Have a great day! Love, Naomi.

Dear Lord: I pray that you would lift this young person up and comfort them. Pleae help them to hear your voice and to be comforted by your voice. Thank you for all the posts that king'skid has made in the past on this site. We know you hear our prayers. Help Naomi to keep praying and reaching to You for help. Bless her and guide her Lord.

In Jesus' name I pray,
Amen