My wonderful 15 year old son!!

[Erica]

Good afternoon all!

Ah ... parenting a teen ... makes us want to run doesn't it - even at the best times. But how much more difficult when the influence of your dh is not exactly what you might have in mind.
But that is alright, because I am trying to encourage ds to make his relationship with me (and others) totally his own and not be too influenced by others too much.
I sure do find myself apologizing to ds often lately as I learn to parent him in the way that God intended. As I sort through who is who between myself, dh and ds. Please pray for this relationship between my son and I, but more importantly that I will be a Godly example to ds. I am blessed in many ways as I have a son that likes to hang out with me, we do things together and he's always home except when he works. So I have plenty of opportunity to share the Word with him and pray as well. I do pray that ds will gain a hunger for this on his own ... how might I encourage this ... pray, leave bible verses on cue cards in the house, refer to the bible when he is asking for advice, ... other suggestions? He has a compassionate heart and wants to do well - he is a good boy and I love him dearly.
I have just purchased a book called "How to Really Parent Your Teen". I'm looking forward to reading it and seeing what Godly information I can gain from it. Any other suggested reads would be appreciated.

Thank you for the love, support and your prayers for ds! I know that the Lord has wonderful plans for this young man and I am totally thrilled to see these unfold!
God bless you all!
Love in Christ,
Erica

[Bondservant]

This is hard for me too, Erica. I teach Sunday school for the high school kids. Right now I have my step-son and usually 2-3 other teenagers around 16. They all love the Lord, but honestly I think the love they have now is the love we have given them. I really believe there will come a day soon where they will actually choose because of events in their lives. They have to find their fire with God, we can't give them that.

But, we can 1) Pray, 2) Lead, 3) let them see Christ in us, 4) Pray, 5) Pray... oh wait a minute. I keep saying that huh?

Prayer is our most effective weapon. We can let them see our fire, we can teach and preach and lead, but we can't force them to love God or follow Him. When they see us practice what we preach, they are more willing to see it as relevant and real for their lives. Good luck though. I usually get deadpan looks as I teach and then later on realize they were actually listening. Don't give up. Love him fiercly and pray without ceasing.

I have joined a Moms-In-Touch Prayer group. They have a website where you can get on and find other moms in your area to pray with for your kids. Awesome ministry and my prayer partner and I have already seen results.

Much prayers for you and your family,
Love,
Melissa

[Erica]

Thank you so much Melissa for your encouragement. I really need that and appreciate it so much to know that I am not only one :) We sure can start to think this quickly can't we. I think that I need to keep reaching out and pray, pray, pray as you say! I just want my son to know that I do love him and that I am not a crazed lunatic like I am concerned my dh can have looking like sometimes. It's terrible the confusion that our relationship can cause him and I pray that our Lord will make ds's son path straight and not too effected by the past and pains of our marriage ... you know :)

God bless and thank you once again ... I wil look into that online prayer site!

Love in Christ,
Erica