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seven2hold
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| Posted: Sept 12 2007 at 12:26pm | IP Logged
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I have a teen who is always very forthcoming and open with me. Recently she has been struggling because she feels herself moving away from God, but doesn't really feel bad about it. Sometimes she wonders if he exists. I tell her this is natural. This is her way of making her faith her own, independent of Daddy & me.
We've read "Prove It! God" together. I pray with her. I picked up another book at the Catholic Shop with short meditations on God with scripture geared toward kids.
I should add she is also pulling away from me. She used to be my "yes, mom" girl. Now she "forgets" what I've asked her to do. She is always apologetic, except now there is a "but" at the end of the apology. I am not complaining. She is a wonderful girl. I absolutely love her! I am just watching the teen changes coming on and the struggle she is having. I want to guide her through this.
Additionaly, she has always been a little mother to her siblings. Now the little ones tell her they like her younger sister better than her.  She loved being the favored of them and she is hurt. She has always enjoyed caring for them. I remind her that she really would rather read a good book than play make believe with the little ones and that 12 year old dd still likes to "play" with the little ones.
When I tell her that I love her with my whole heart but that God loves her so much more than I ever could, she cries. She asks me not to say that. She doesn't want Him to love her more than me.
Any good book recommendations?
Prayers, please.
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Kathy
Wife to John
Mother to DD(91), DD(93), DD(95), DS(98), DD(00), DS(01), DS(03), DD(05), and DS(07)
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seven2hold
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| Posted: Sept 12 2007 at 6:01pm | IP Logged
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This afternoon dd told me she feels much closer to God. She prayed last night and surrendered all her expectations, hopes, dreams and fears to him. She told God she trusts that if things don't go acording to her plan she will trust in Him.  YAY!
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Kathy
Wife to John
Mother to DD(91), DD(93), DD(95), DS(98), DD(00), DS(01), DS(03), DD(05), and DS(07)
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kingvozzo
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| Posted: Sept 12 2007 at 6:37pm | IP Logged
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This is wonderful, Kathy. And wonderful that your dd feels close enough to share these things with you. I will pray for her.
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Noreen
Wife to Ed
Mom to 4 great kids and 10 sweet ones in Our Lady's arms
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guitarnan
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| Posted: Sept 12 2007 at 7:24pm | IP Logged
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Me, too, Kathy. It is so important for our teens to really feel our love...that's how they realize in a more mature way that God truly loves them. And...for our children called to the single life, this is always going to be their way of identifying with God's love.
(We hear a lot about how, when you have children, you finally "get" the God the Father thing...but many of us don't have children, and have to "get" the parental love concept from our own parents.)
Sounds like you are a really loving, caring mom. I'm praying for you both!
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Nancy in MD. Mom of ds (24) & dd (18); 31-year Navy wife, move coordinator and keeper of home fires. Writer and dance mom.
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Macmom
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Sometimes (often!?!) it doesn't take a book.
It just takes spending time together.
Though a book is easier! :-)
Peace,
Macmom
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Catholic family life works on the same principle as a washing machine- clothes get clean by agitation.
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Barb.b
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| Posted: Sept 13 2007 at 1:17pm | IP Logged
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I haven't had time to read all posts here. But one thing that pops into my head is that most of the Saints have had such feelings at sometime in their life. It is an interesting thing to discuss with teen. I think they can see that they can be devoted Catholics and not feel close to Him or also have questions and even doubts. The recent talk of Mother Theresa also fits here.
Barb
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4Real Forums : Mothering and Family Life
Topic: Prayers and book suggestions, please.
