[__ Prayer __] my dad, Jesus, church

[Christ_empowered]

Please pray that I can find a good church. My dad rarely goes, but when he does...its to this mega church place that is building campuses all over the state. They're taking over SC, I swear to you.

I'm trying to spend more time with my dad. We go for rides through the country side every weekend and talk while he also looks out for birds (he's into bird watching now, lol). Its weird...you know, almost 7 years ago, I was so desperate and stupid and...just, too far gone...and I attacked my dad. I mean, think about that for a minute. After several months in 23 hour lockdown at the local jail, I went off to Teen Challenge. I don't even have an arrest record now, which is crazy. I realize now that I can't defend my behavior. I mean, I was physically un-well, had been through a lot, blah blah blah...fairly standard story for many people in prisons, psychoprisons, and state mental hospitals (where they still use those...which isn't in SC, lol).

My dad's gradually been warming up to me, since I somehow managed to get saved 2 1/2 years ago. I had to move back in with them because my neighborhood "had a problem" with me. Can't say I blame them..."uppity mental patients" make people even angrier than your typical "mental patient." I don't know if its worse in the south, or if people are just more vocal about it. Also, its hard, around here, to get unwanted, unpopular people in the community sent off the state mental hospital...we're on the "recovery model," blah blah blah...basically, when people around here can't control me, they freak out, especially the men and the "professionals" who treated me back in the day. Ugh. At least I'm not female...

Anyway, my dad...he's great. He bought a new smoker, and he's been smoking stuff like mad. Turkey the other day, chicken today...both delicious. He does things to encourage me to be more productive, while also being considerate and understanding where I'm at. Keep in mind...I was more or less a vegetable until fairly recently (this just in: drugs are bad, mkay?). Now, Jesus has been so good to me...I'm physically healthy and I"m smart enough to do college online, do well, and even get good--sometimes very good--feedback on my written assignments.

My dad's been through a lot, a lot of it because of me, and now...I dunno. He wants me to move forward, I can tell. I want to move forward, in my better moments (and I"m having more of those). Jesus has made and is making (and I pray will make) all this and more possible, simply because...well, He is Love.

Yup yup. So, please pray for my dad (in general) and for my family, that we can get closer together and truly and completely put all the bad stuff behind us and go forward. What's strange...my parents are more forgiving of me than I ever thought possible. Thanks.

 

[AirDancer]

It's so encouraging to learn your Dad is in your corner, supporting and promoting the present and the future for you, Christ_empowered. Good parents really do want the best for their children, regardless of the ages of their children.

Even without having the history that you have with your Dad, there are some parents who have rejected their adult children due to past problems.

Prayers continue for you & your family

 

[Jesus' Follower]

I pray that God shows you the church which is good for you.
It's great to see the bond you and your father have.
I also extend my prayers to your family.

 

[jack K]

Hi CE

I'm really glad you doing well, yesterday is yesterday... Sometimes we to busy looking over our shoulder and looking at the past that it really stops us from moving forward. Just always try to focus on your future and dreams you have for yourself. You capable of anything, you only need to look at the past and see the man you are today. So if anything you keeping yourself back. Sometimes I write down things what I would like to achieve with my life, my strengths and dreams I have for myself. Then I write down how can I go about achieving it, yes there will be stumbles along the way but you must just focus on your end goal. Try to always keep yourself with a positive mindset, think of all the things you grateful for and which you lucky to have - a supportive family, you empowering yourself by studying, you not the guy you were, etc.
Also pray for strength for when things don't go your way like when your neighbors act like 10 year old calling you names.

I'm really glad you are building a great relationship with your dad, just remember it's the little things in life that count.

All the best.

 

[Christ_empowered]

hey jack k...you're right and also...good to see you back on the forums.