To Dotsie:

Yes, I've been a Christian since age 12. My grandmother and mother were devout Christians. I still make mine go to church, too, but not every Sunday. Sometimes, I just dread the fight. And it's true about the prayer. I feel like that's all I can do. That's funny about what happens between the time he's a child and old. But truthfully, you worry about their choices.

Cathi:

Yes, you have a good point. You can personally say that you went through those same doubts, and then give reasons why you believe. I'd like to hear more about how you are dealing with your daughter concerning this. Have you basically backed off, and let her come to you?

Smilinize:

Your post was very reassuring to me. I guess the Lord understands these questions more than we realize and gives them time to work them out. Sometimes I forget how merciful he is. It is very comforting to hear about your daughters and the work they are doing for the Lord now.

Chris:

Thank you for sharing that you have similar problems. This really helps. I will pray for your children, too. My sons are like your older one. They don't like organized religion or church. It comforts me that they will still pray each evening with me. My younger one bucks it some, but his brother gets after him.

I'm sorry about your daughter feeling so guilty over imagined sins. That is a heavy load to bear. She probably has some misconceptions about God and his love. I used to do that myself when I was younger. It was a hard thing to fight. She's probably a very sensitive person.

Dianne:

I have to be truthful. I listen for awhile and then get angry. We get into arguments. They feel like I'm forcing my beliefs on them, and I probably am without realizing it. I'm afraid I react a little like your dad did. My son, too, started exploring these beliefs when he went to college and had a very worldly philosophy teacher that he admired. Thank you for your honest advice.

DJ:

You're right. We must decide our beliefs for ourselves, and know why we believe!

Thanks everyone for all your advice. It really was very helpful!