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.