Moms of Prodigals

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Comment by Toni on February 23, 2010 at 1:10pm

thanks dale and judy horn for your comment - I feel strongly that my children will see God's failthfulness and love thru my actions. you know the old adage "actions speak louder than words."

Comment by Karen Bonanno on February 12, 2010 at 1:04pm

I think I have always been a "quiet Christian". Actually, I think I'm a quiet person - not loud or opinionated. I do not go around preaching to others and I don't even quote a lot of bible verses. I do know what is in my heart. I do hope my actions reflect the love I have for Christ. I hope others can see God's light in me and maybe want that for themselves. I pray everyday that I am a good example - God's example for my children.

Comment by Toni on February 11, 2010 at 12:27pm

I have three sons - two are Christians and one refuses to even discuss. My middle son is not interested in Christianity - he's 28. Any advise?

Comment by Stephanie L. Wattenbarger on February 10, 2010 at 4:34pm

I have "Praying Prodigals Home" and it is a very good book-also an easy read. Karen-it sure hits home about how you say your boys look at you like a "goody two shoes wanting to make their lives miserable with rules." I think what makes it worse too, is that my daughter and my youngest son think that they are "just fine" with Jesus. Although I know that they do not read their bibles and what they feed their minds with is definitely not of God! Don't get my wrong-I would occasionally subtly ask them, "how would Jesus have you to behave?" But I def tried not to preach to them. Now I do not know what any of them are doing as they do not speak to me at all. My youngest son was confronted with the alcohol and condoms is his room, got mad and moved out. He told me I was "psycho" and haven't seen him since. That was the 2nd week of January. I haven't seen/talked to my daughter since July. I technically still have custody of her, but it's not worth the fight to go get her from her biological father. She would seek to cause me much pain. I like to think that my oldest son has it all together as he is active in church but he says some very cruel things to me. I saw a quote recently, "There is often in people to whom the worst has happened an almost transcendent freedom, for they have faced the worst and survived it."-Carol Pearson Let's all keep lifting each other/children up to our Heavenly Father who loves us/them so much that the very hairs on our head are numbered!

Comment by Karen Bonanno on February 10, 2010 at 3:55pm

I know a few of you have recommended books about prodigals. Thank you. I just recently ordered "Praying Prodigals Home" and "Surviving the Prodigal Years". I haven't read the first one yet, but I am finding much comfort in "Surviving the Prodigal Years". It is an easy read. I am on the chapter -"Where did I go wrong"? That seems to be a sensitive issue for me regarding the prodigal. I have 4 children - 2 boys and 2 girls. The boys are soooo much alike. At this point, I think the way that best describes them is - LOST. They think they know everything about everything, yet they have no direction in life. They look at me as a goody two shoes wanting to make their lives miserable with rules.
I do find comfort knowing God is watching over them, when I can no longer do that. I just don't get how they could have ventured so far from the truth.

Comment by Stephanie L. Wattenbarger on February 8, 2010 at 5:28pm

Thank you Karen! I think sometimes Satan likes to back us into a corner and make us think we're the only ones who feel a certain way. That's why I started this group to encourage each other along the way. There are SO many hurting parents out there, but as a mother with our unique set of feminine qualities/emotions-the love we have toward our children is special. I think of how Jochebed loved Moses so much that she was willing to hide him for 3 months and then give him up and how God's perfect plan worked out because of her obedience. Can you imagine? I read somewhere recently,"Obedience will not last when the motivation is only the removal of our pain, obedience only lasts when the motivation is loving devotion." As my devotion to Christ has grown, my pain has lessened. I'm so glad that we have a heavenly Father who cares for us and as you stated Karen, loves our children SO much more than we do or can. That is unfathomable love! Be blessed!

Comment by Karen Bonanno on February 8, 2010 at 5:03pm

Hi all. Stephanie, I too have been thinking (too much) about when my children were small. I know at the time, I did cherish every minute, but now somehow it feels like that period just slipped through my hands. I want it back!!!! I had control then. I could decide who they could spend time with, or limit what they saw on TV/computers, etc. You're right about the influences in this society that are so strong. I want my children to listen to me - I still want to protect them. I am grateful that I have a loving, heavenly Father that loves my children more than I do. Sometimes, unfortunately I need to be reminded of that because I feel like my love should be enough for them. I too often beat myself up with what I "should of/could of" done for them. I can't think that way very long because then that self-pity keeps me stuck. I am choosing to trust in my Sovereign God.

Comment by Stephanie L. Wattenbarger on February 5, 2010 at 8:50am

Haven't logged on here for awhile...lots of hours at work! First of all, WELCOME Elvia! I hope you can find encouragement here with us your fellow sojourners! You are not alone! I've been thinking back a lot to the times when my kids were little...what a young mother I was! I often beat myself up at the perceived mistakes I made and wonder if it would have made a difference in the choices my kids have made now. Do any of you ever feel that way? Yet I know that I am not perfect, and my kids have always been in church and know right from wrong. There are definitely no "do overs" in life. Unfortunately, the influence of others has weaved it's way into their lives and like a baby bird taking it's maiden voyage out of the nest, they must find their own way with the truth that has been ingrained in them. The Lord laid on my heart Isaiah 49:25-But this is what the Lord says: "Yes, captives will be taken from warriors, and plunder retrieved from the fierce; I will contend with those who contend with you, and your children I will save." Happy Friday friends, be blessed!

Comment by Robin Prater on January 29, 2010 at 2:25pm

I am new here and so excited to find this group!! When we share we find that we are not the only ones going through heartache. It is such a blessing to surround yourself with others lifting you up, and I think this group will be great. I share a lot of my struggles at robinsnest66.blogspot in my blog. It will be wonderful to share with you guys and hear words of wisdom. blessings, Robin

Comment by Stephanie L. Wattenbarger on January 26, 2010 at 9:46pm

Thought for today- "What we think of as bad today may ultimately be good because it changes who we are and makes us more like Jesus." How has your life been changed as you've been on this journey with your prodigal? I have been humbled & emptied out.

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