Wayward Daughter

[BurningforJesus]

I need prayer for my daughter's situation. I have a just 16 year old daughter, Emma. When she was 12 was filled with Holy Ghost and Baptised in Jesus name. But then she went to High school. Since then we have been battling with bad friendship choices, bad school grades and bad attitudes at home and away.
I have tried to set limits for her but they get shifted all the time. It came to the crunch the other week and we said we would like these limits kept otherwise you are disrupting our family and you have to make the choice if you want to be part of the family or move out. The limits were reasonable. No smoking in house or outside, no drugs, no more stealing from us, go to school and don't lie to us. I don't find them unreasonable. It is what an employer would expect of her.
Any way she did some ofthese things and has now decided to move out. We don't want her to go but it is her choice. In fact I am very upset about it.
I have been praying about this problem for years but unless you have both parents standing side by side it is a hard one. One sets limits the other moves them around. So now it has come to this. So I need you prayers for the Lord to give me wisdom to say the right things and to love my daughter back home and into the Lords arms too. I know the Lords hand is bigger than mine and He will deal with her in His way and His time. Yet is still hard to watch a child go down this wrong path. I am hanging onto the scriptures He has given me over the years for my children.
I know there will be victory in the end. I just need His strength to get to that 'end':)
Thank you.
Burning.

[tufluv]

BURNING:
WOW! That is a tough one! Sounds like you tried to apply some ToughLove, and it worked! By setting an ultimatum for her.
Unfortuneately, given the laws by which we must live here in this physical realm, I think her age 16, she can not just 'move out', you will be in big trouble with CPS., state governing agencies, if she is found out on the streets.
NOW, even if she found a place to live with say another family, or friends if anything went wrong, she got into any trouble, or be found out after curfew, they (law) would still come looking for you! You may already know this, sorry if I'm overstepping.
Yet, as for her attitudes, I can only pray for you and her, its unfortuneately something she may just have to go through, for she is sinning against GOD! Noone can escape GOD's wrath, we must all reap what we sow. we parents have to standby and watch, and feel their pain.
GOD will deal with her, sooner or later. I have to face the same thing with my sons, they are technically adults already, although still living with me, by this I mean their choices in friends. Fellowship with the world is against what GOD considers best for us, James 4:4, but reality is, there are more of those type friends available then there are 'Apostolics"! Seriously.
Young people so want to 'fit in' with their immediate circle of friends, especially in school.
I know its frustrating to think that someone having the HOLYGHOST should know better, that they somehow should be convicted to not associate with those of the darkness, but evidently many Apostolic youth are weak in that area, being easily pulled in.
PLUS, its just plain ole "more fun!!" to go along with them, than being a boring, stick-in-the-mud Christian, dontcha know? [teens point of view].
Young folks today face so so much peer pressure, especially in schools, I say that 'tongue in cheek' for I myself fell to peer pressure and that was back in the '70's!! :eek: [the "hippie- if it feels good do it", days, lol]. A former "good girl" I was, and then gradually decided to do as my friends did, whom I loved so much., and they were kind to me, unlike my home situation.

Yet in your daughters case, she has HAD an experience, a relationship with GOD, unlike myself at that age. She has an 'edge' over the world!! That is what I am always reminding my boys, that they are so so lucky to know the truth, already, and can better discern. That being true, IF they choose to still continue to dabble with the world, the Bible is replete with examples, scriptures to tell and show them what can be the fruit of such decisions.
WE can't force them to behave., but with your child being still a minor, you are legally responsible for her for another year or two.
I wish you all the best, feel free to email me sometime, its listed on my profile. I will pray for her much, could you later mention at least her first name? or PM it to me!
I have to add this: even WITH both parents standing firm on rules, a teen bent on rebelliousness may still also remain firm in his/her convictions, and insist on 'their' way.

[Marie]

Burning
I'm sorry to hear about your situation. I will pray for your daughter and for you and your family. It is hard to let go of the reins. Especially when they are so young. Just keep on showing her the love of Jesus and praying. I have a son who will be 26 this year. He recieved the Holy Ghost and was Baptised when he was 9 or 10 . He has lived away from God for several years. But, be encouraged! I just keep praying for him and loving him. He called me recently and said how much he appreciated the things I taught him. He said that he used to think that I was so mean. (typical teen!) But he now realizes that I may have been strict but it was good for him! I nearly fell off my chair! God gave me a promise many years ago that Marc would live for God. I am still holding onto that promise!

Keep holding onto those scriptures and God's promises! It is hard to watch our kids go through the tough times. We always want to make things right for them, but we can't, only God can. It may take time and she may have to go through some pretty tough things, but don't give up. Remember: Joy cometh in the morning!
Marie

[Marie]

tufluv
The laws where you live must be vastly different from here! Our kids can leave home at 13 and we have no say in the matter. They can go to Social Services (welfare) and they will support them! It's crazy!

[Mitzy_4God]

Lord have mercy! Are you the mother or the father? At 16, your daughter is at risk for all sorts of diabolical things. Diseases, unwanted pregnancy, and/or being killed from drugs or raped to name a few. In your state, are there any boot camps around to intervene in assisting in her behavior problems, and where is your Pastor or the church in all of this? Where is her father? When you say us, do you mean you and your spouse?

You shouldn't have given her an alternative to leaving your household in the mentality or frame of mind that she is in. She shouldn't have a choice as a minor as to where she lives. You pay the bills and provide for her, right? So, how does she get a choice in whether she stays or leaves. She's a minor! She doesn't know how to make Godly choices less more life choices on how to live right now. You all shouldn't have given her a choice to leave. What did you accomplish? Except for hurting yourself even more. Now, you have to worry about how and where she is living. Never, never give up on your kids by basically throwing them out to the devil.

All of it is a test of your faith. Find her, go to your Pastor, and get some counseling and some type of intervention programs. She's not hopeless because she got parents, and the Lord will intervene in bring home all lost sheeps.

The devil is on the prowl and he starts with the household of the Saints. I'm sure it's difficult for you and hurtful, but nothing that you can't handle. With God all things are possible. The blessings in the end and the testimony will be better than what you're enduring now.

Praying always for children all over the world, including yours. :)

[searching]

Some of you probably don't realize is that BurningforJesus doesn't live in the US, she is in Australia, I believe.

Me...

[ddc101]

Sis.Burning,
Its the evil communicatioins that are corrupting her good manners.Could you homeschool her?The extra time spent on
things like sewing,crafts,art,music,bonding etc are so needed
at a time like this.There are several correspondance academys
available.She is young and impressionable and full of hormones
that make her think she is ready to leave the nest.Remember
God put those hormones there for a purpose.Just as he does with young men.This is a time that if you nag it will drive her off.
I would highly suggest the book...Love Languages for Children.
You may purchase it through Pentecostal Publishing House.I also believe crossings book club has them for a good deal.
Your daughter wants to be independant.God means for you to
steer her in love.Setting limits is good.She needs to abide by the limits and lose privilages.Is it legal for her to be on her own in
your region?Consider getting some material and have her take tests to see what her future interests are....college etc.
She needs the guidance.When you are sixteen its very awkward.
Think back to when you were and how you felt.But always keep in
mind that you are her mom not her friend.lv sis.c

[BurningforJesus]

My daughter's name is Emma. I am her Mum. I have an unsaved husband who I find a bit difficult when raising children. His ideas and mine do not come in line with the bible. For the past eleven years I have opossition every which way I turn. I am very well aware of the dangers she is getting into...
At this present time I don't feel so great about how I have raised my children so I thank you all for the prayers and thoughts you had but I don;t think I can handle another post like Mitzys today so I will stop this thread for me. Maybe I will take up your invite to email you Sister TuvLuv. Thank you again for your prayers.

[tufluv]

Thats fine, BURNING, this is a delicate subject, I have 3 sons, only GOD has blessed me enough to prevent any major catastrophes with at least the two still home so far, they are both adult age now, yet our children can remain our 'babies' in heart no matter how old they get. lol
Mothers never go out of style! GOD never stops giving us the grace to handle any problem(s) that come our way in family matters, and beyond. HE is THE answer. So, I shall continue prayer for you :angel: and I'd be delighted to continue communications with you any time! ;)

[ddc101]

I pray for Emma and her Mum and her dad.Jesus please do a miricle in that situation.You Lord can do all things.You are able to
do exceedingly and abundantly above all that we ask or even think according to the power that worketh in us.
Jesus sis.Burning is at a trialsome place in this situation.Please
Lord go before her and behind her and on each side to strengthen her.Give her Godly wisdom that astounds the wisdom
of the world.Make her into your chosen vessel today.You are the potter we are the clay.Give her emotional support through her
husband on these issues.I bind any and all disunity and stife and division that wants to come against this home in the Name of
Jesus Christ and I call it done.Lord make Emma into what you
would have her to be for you.Put walls of protection about her
and draw her to your house.I bind all rebellion and witchcraft and claim apostolic authority in the Name of Jesus.I cancel the assignment of the enemy and break every generational curse off of Emma.I bind the enemy of her soul and the spirit that speaks thoughts that are directly against the word of God from entering her mind.I speak to the imp who is at work planting these thoughts and command you to leave her alone.In the Name of Jesus.I bind together with Sister Burning.I speak new life,abundant life and a soul harvest into Emmas spirit.I loose the power of the Holy Ghost to do a great work in her life.Lord let
such an annointing rest upon Emma that people remark about the change and the difference.I rebuke the spirit of depression
from Sis.Burning in the name of Jesus Christ.Lord make her feet like hinds place and wrap your wings of protection about her.
Give her the words to speak life to her family.I seal this prayer in
Jesus Name....lv Sis.c

[BurningforJesus]

Wow, Sister Cooper, Thank you soooo much. I felt that prayer when I read it. I have goose bumps.
I am looking forward to when she returns to our home and even more when she returns to her heavenly Fathers home too!!!! Praise the Lord. The victory is ours!!! There is healing in Jesus name, there is Power in Jesus name and there is VICTORY in Jesus name. Halleluyah!!!!Glory to the Lord of Lord and King of Kings. In Jesus name I claim this victory and rejoice in what the Lord is going to do, is going to do, and has done!!!!
Today there is joy in the morning after the mourning in the evening. His mercys are new every morning and great, I say great is His Faithfulness.
This will certainly get me closer to Him and maybe an opening for my husband to do the same. My Lord and Saviour is in the buisness of miracles!!! Praise the Lord!!!

God bless you heaps.
Your sister in Christ.
Burning.

(I have an PM or email to send you but your box is full.!

[ddc101]

Now you're sending up faith.No matter what the situation and what ever negative thing comes before your face grab ahold of the Word of God and praise him for it.lv sis.c

[Mitzy_4God]

BurningforJesus, I apologize if I seem too harsh on you as a parent. I didn't mean to. I remember when I was younger, this behavior from your daughter was one of the reasons I didn't want to be a parent. It's scares me to have to let a child go off into the world. I can only empathize on what you may be going through, and I know it's can't be easy for you. Really, it truly troubled me to read your story.

Just remember that no matter what God will take care of her and you through it all. Scriptures tells us that we are never tested beyond our strength. Although we feel like we can't handle tough situations, we can handle all things through Christ Jesus!

Sometimes the best patents in the whole world, who gives everything to their children, and their children turn around and give them so much trouble, wonder where did they go wrong. Sometimes it's not you, THE PARENT, but the world we live in. This world has so many demons waiting to take over kids in the attempts of destroying the family. Parents everyday are in a battle against principalities and rulers in high places that are against their children, which is the work of the devil. We have to support parents more in our society.

IT TAKES A VILLAGE TO RAISE CHILDREN.......find some support groups in the churches and other free support from agencies who can help you win this battle for you, your daughter, and family.

I will be praying for you and your entire family. Sometimes it's best not to say anything to your daughter that may push her further away, and just fast and pray. I will do some research to suggest places you can go for help.

[ddc101]

Sister Mitzy that was so beautiful and so true.lv sis.c

[Sandy]

Wow. This is an extremely sad situation. We will be in prayer for your daughter and entire family sister. My heart goes out to you, knowing that your decision has to be a very hard one to make.

But will also be praying for your husbands salvation too. As often it seems that when the one God has chosen to be the head of the house does not do so under the Lord, problems do arise that might not exist at all if He would take his rightful place under God in the home. And of course, those that are not serving the Lord to begin with cannot. And by what you have said, he has not helped to stop what has been going on because he is in the world yet.

[Mitzy_4God]

BurningforJesus, here are some resources that I found online in your area: http://www.kidshelp.com.au/ and I found this site to offer a lot of assistance for teens and parents. It also give a list of helpful resources and agencies who can help you for free.

Also check out this site: http://www.teenhelp.org/


Most importantly, contact Jesus first, and he will direct your path and directions to take in rescuing your daughter. Your daughter is very important to me. Please keep me updated on how things are going with you. I really want to help and know.

I want to share this true story with you that my sister just told me about one of her college professor's daughter. The story is a lot similar to yours. The professor's daughter was rebellious and doing things that were out of character for her. Staying out late, using drugs, and not going to school. Finally, her mother gave up and resulted to researching places her daughter could live if she wanted to live without rules. She packed her daughter's clothes and gave her the list of places to live for free (agencies offered by the state). Her daugher left home at 16. She didn't see her daugher for 4 years. She learned after 4 long years of not seeing or communicating with her daughter that she had finished high school and joined the military. One day her daughter came home while on leave from the military and apologized for everything she had done to her mother. She was grateful for what her mother had done in letting her lose to make her choices. The mother was afraid her daughter would resent her for throwing her out, but she loved her mother for enforcing tough love. All stories may not turn out like this one, but this is a story for you in hoping and having faith that God will work it out in the end for the good for you and your daughter.

[BurningforJesus]

Thank you Sis Mitzy. Your first post on the first page of this thread nearly knocked me out but it didn't last long as I know you were worried about the situation. It is always hard to convey that real feeling you have when writing on here but I have felt all your prayers and know I am not alone. Many people have been through it and are still going through it. I am looking to Jesus and praying and fasting for the out come to be in God's will.
The past week Emma hasn't got intouch with us but Pete went into her part time work yesterday and saw her. The things she was hoping to happen are one by one falling at her place. Accommodation with friends in a flat not going to happen her living with the firend at the moment not a great situation and soon she will hear that she will probably not get the government help she so desperately wants as we the parents have to sign a form to say she is no longer welcome in our home. We will not sign that one. She is not very happy, Pete was saying. I feel for my girl but she is in the Lords hands though she doesn't know it, and what a place to be!!!
The Lord has given me a great peace about this and I am waiting now on the Lord's next move.
He is great and mighty to be praised and I will continue to do just that. He is my help and fortress in times of trouble and happiness. My strength in times of weariness, and He gives me strength as I worship Him.
Yes I beleive that through this my husband will get closer to the Lord. The Lord doesn't do these things without something good coming out of it. Not just for me but for the whole family.
Thank you for those websites, I will go look at them soon.
Thank you all for your prayers and I can feel them and yes I will come here again and let you know the praise reports when they come about.
Praise the Lord!!!
Burning.
"As for me and my house we will serve the Lord".

[Sandy]

Sister Burning,

I didn't have a lot of time the other day to share this with you. But my daughter had the same problem with her second daughter. She had 7 children, 6 girls and one boy, having no problems with all of them except this one. At least so far anyway, as she does still have one in home school. And yes, she home schooled all of them too. So that is no guarantee that they will not ever stray away. But I do believe it helps none the less. Because they are not faced with all of the peer pressure that children are faced with often in public school. Once this one turned 17, and began to work outside the home part time, she began to rebel, this happening several years ago. So they chose to do the same thing you are doing. One reason was their concern over Tabby influencing the younger children, as she was the second child. During that time she faced some pretty perious times too. At one point had almost all of her clothes stolen by a room mate, having to buy all new ones when she could. But today she is married and serving the Lord. Although she still has a long way to go yet, because itsometimes takes a little time to get the world out of you. And she is needing to quit smoking, trying, but not yet suceeding. But she is on her way back anyway praise the Lord.

To be honest, I was not sure they were doing the right thing. But now I believe they probably did, because none of the others have fallen away. And no matter what, often children do have an influence on other children, depending on the child of course. As the oldest daughter was preaching Jesus to the other kids when she was very young, being involved in bringing in entire families. But she was the type that could have gone to public school and never be influenced by others whatsoever. But not all children are like that.

Have to go for now, but did want to share this with you none the less.

And will be praying she doesn't have to go through a lot before she does return. But I do believe she will return, because the Word promises this to those that have trained their children up in the way they should go. So just stand on that promise sister, as we stand with you on it.

[BurningforJesus]

Praise the Lord!!! Emma said when she visited last night that she wants to come home to stay. This was a very emotional girl and I just gave her big hus when she was crying. Every thing wasn't turning out as she expected,. We still have a ways to go but that is expected. I wanta praise the Lord and thank him for answering our prayers. I know things aren't sorted yet as we still need to talk things through but this is a start and and I am all for new starts.
Thank you for your prayers and we can breath a little sigh of relief but there is still a lot of work there to do so I am going to continue to fast and prayer through this til I see her not only coming back into my arms but into the Lords arms where she belongs. Also pray that I can be submissive and let my husband take the lead and let this situation turn thiongs around for him too. Praise the Name of Jesus!!!!!
Sister Sandy, thanks for that last post. Most encouraging. Yes home schooling is the best,but I have said before, unless you have the support of your husband when he is living here, then it would be pretty hard to do. Better go, now and get on with some more cleaning. God bless you all heaps.
Burning.

[Mitzy_4God]

BurningforJesus, all I can say is, "Thank you Jesus!" Emma returning home is a start. God will direct her path, and He will not make it easy for her to leave the nest just yet. When it is time for her to leave, it will be the appropriate time and a peaceful departure. I will continue to pray for you, her, and your family. To God be the Glory! Maybe you should tell her that she's got people all over the world wanting the best out of life for her. We really do care and love her because she belongs to one of the Saints. We are fighting for her through prayer and fasting. Those who are in Christ are special people. Saints of God are powerful people through God we can overcome and conquer all things.

I've been through a lot, just this year alone. Without God and salvation, I would have lost it (my mind), but God said, no not my baby. God kept me through it all, and He is continuing to bless and keep me safe in His arms. I know God is doing the same for you and your daughter because He loves us. Please keep me in your prayer too. God is tearing down strong hold, but of course, as you can see we are still on the battle field, until we have total victory. In Jesus Name!

[Sandy]

Just had to come up and check if anything had happened before going to bed, and praise the Lord, it was good news to hear that at least she has returned home.

Will keep praying for all. As you say, this isn't the time to stop.

[Marie]

That is wonderful news! Praise the Lord! I asked the Lord to give you peace in this, knowing that He has everything under control. I was laying in bed last night thinking (my mind refuses to quit even though my body is exausted!haha) and praying about all the things happening, in my life, my church, my neighbors and all your lives. So much happening! Then I began to think about Jesus, He is so wonderful and precious! I have always known that Jesus does not exist in time and that He sees all things, from the beginning to the end. But last night it was like a comforting blanket wrapped around me! To know that He is already there taking care of things before we even know what is ahead! What a comfort! Now when I think of all these things and all the things our children are facing while growing up, I can actually see in my minds eye, a picture Jesus watching over everything and reaching down to take care of things. Or lifting someone into His arms to comfort them! Oh My Jesus! You are so loving and careful with your children!
Haha that probably sounds strange! I wanted to share some of this wonderful comforted feeling with you, but it is hard to decribe! :) :banana:

[ddc101]

Hi Sister Burning,
I see your victory has been manifested in the flesh.Keep warring in the Spirit.Nows the time to nail in the spiritual nails in satans coffin.HE is fighting a losing battle over Emma because she has a
praying mom.lv sis.c

[Marie]

Good Morning Sister!:) (Guess that would be "Good Evening") LOL
We're still praying for you family.:)
Have a great day!

[ddc101]

Sister Burning how about an update on Emma.How is she? lv sis.c

[BurningforJesus]

Sister Burning how about an update on Emma.How is she? lv sis.c


Hi there, I only just saw this thread now. I don't know how I missed it as I look at the prayer request threads forst.
Praise the Lord. Emma has been home all this time. She decided not to go back to school last year. She was working three part time jobs. We had given her a deadline to go back to school and she chose not to so we cut off her allowance, so she found out that money had to be spent wisely and priorities made. She had to learn the hard way. It was not easy to watch her. She even started going second hand shopping with me. :)
We still had the guidelines for her to keep to, and I am happy to say she has done a great job. She rings us to let us know if she is late, or plans change. She helps around my home and loves cooking meals when she is able too.
She decided to go back to school this year. We have made her pay her own way with just a bit of help from us but the bulk of payment for the fees comes from her. This is the third week back at school and she is loving it. She is into ceramics and arts and design and has choosen those courses and drama, which she loves. She is also doing English and Math. She enjoys them.
We have the usual tension in the house with a typical teenager, if you can actually get one like that as each is made uniquely by our Lord and saviour.
She is not into the things she was in.
She thanks me every now and again for being tough on her and letting her find out on her own. She has twice been beaten up but because of a praying Mum, was spared too much injury. She also acknowledges that the Lord had His hand on her both times. The injuries went amazingly fast. Thank you Lord Jesus!!!! It is sickening when these things happen but although a beating is bad enough, it could've been much worse for my girl.
She still is not back in the House of the Lord, but, (I love the buts):) she actually has a soft heart and has compassion for her hurting friends. Especially one friend who she has asked for me to deliver bread to each Sunday, when we have free bread given to us to give to the needy. She came to me with that idea:)
Today I did a silly thing and tried to push ice down the neck of a glass bottle. It didn't fit so I hit it harder, with the palm of my hand. Mmmmm, the glass broke as I was pushing down, and I thought I would see the glass through the other side of my hand. I didn't. What has that got to do with Emma, you say? I told her about it and then took the band aid of and she didn't believe the lack of injury. I said something like "isn't the Lord good? And she said yes. :):)
There are a lot of things the Lord is doing for her and I have pointed these things out to her as blessing from the Lord and she has not pushed Him away.
She also sees the youth from the Church a lot and she is really friendly with them and I beleive she's going to be back soon!!! They are really nice young people. All just pretty normal young people with their own issues to deal with. Emma I think tried to fit them into a box and when they made mistakes she couldn't deal with it.
So keep on praying for her coz I know yet another meiracl is just around the corner!!!!:banana:
As you can imagine, I have not been able to write all the great things the Lord is doing in her life and I rejoice she is still here and not 'out there'. Though she is still not doing the right things, which makes her Mama cringe a lot and bite her tongue, though lately I have been telling her that when she is in my home she will not do this or that. I haven't had to do that much as she knows me pretty well and what is right, so it is a nice atmosphere with my children in my home at the moment. :)
This is a long post. I want to rejoice in the Lord and give Him all the Glory for he deserves it all. :banana:

Burning

[Marie]

This is wonderful news Sister! God is so good! Praise the Lord for answered prayers! :banana: I'll be watching for the next miricle in Emma's life!:) God bless you and your family.

[tufluv]

This is wonderful news Sister! God is so good! Praise the Lord for answered prayers! :banana: I'll be watching for the next miricle in Emma's life!:) God bless you and your family.
MARIE!!
Are you back for good now??? Sure have missed ya!! How are ya, email me if you can.

I believe that Emma is working her way back home (both earthly and spiritual), I have been praying for her still..and I know that our GOD is an "ontime GOD", HE is faithful, merciful, loving, and hears our prayers! :bow:
I know HE loves Emma so much, has HIS hand upon her, and all will be well.

[Seventyx7]

Sister Burning,

I know that you are excited about Emma, so am I. With a prodical son, I know how just the smallest little step toward God just makes us soooo excited. I pray the road back to the Fathers house won't take her long. My prayers are with her and her family. Keep us posted. By the way, how's the hand?