Yes Spektater, Moving forward is the right direction to go in. With God's help we move forward one step at a time. God bless you.

Spektater, I read your profile and it seems you are in the same situation as me....my son who is now 23 thought I was the greatest mom ever and he was my best friend...and about 2 years after my divorce from his Dad....I am now just a burden to him.....and someone he wishes was dead or at least far far away from him...so I can relate to your story about your sons.....it happened to my son at age 21....he just turned 23 now....and the past 2 years have been one nightmare after another......my heart goes out to you ......since you are new to this.....our young are selfish even though they were not raised that way......this must be the sign of end times....I just can't believe it happened to this son of mine.....he was always so devoted to me and loved me so much.....but he is dating and going to marry a girl that I think is bad for him and that is where the trouble began...he chose her over me.....and she is horrible .....it is very very sad

Philippians is a wonderful place to go and read how to live out our lives in a positive mindset vs a negative one. I love this verse also in Philippians...chapter 4 verses 4-8:
(NIV)
4. Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again; Rejoice!
5. Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
6. Do not be anxious about anything but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your requests to God.
7. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8. Finally brothers (and sisters), whatever is
true, whatever is
noble, whatever is
right, whatever is
pure, whatever is
lovely, whatever is
admirable,- if anything is
excellent or
praiseworthy
think about such things."
These are good scripture verses to start off this new year of 2014, especially those of us who suffer from estranged family relationships....
Thanks for sharing your verse Spektater...the entire book of Philippians has a lot to offer us.

By the way..your profile photo of that puppy....so cute! Now that's a positive influence on our minds!

Happy New Year to everyone here.
Maddie

Spektater, thank you for the positive reminder taken from Philippians. Thanks also to Lindajoan, Musicalmom, and Maddie also for the wonderful reminders from Philippians. Musicalmom, reading about the patience of Job may also provide reassurance. After 10 years of siege where my ex and family did everything possible to drive a wedge between me and my girls, it has finally ended. Two of my girls never left me but felt tremendously pressured, but at the end of 2013, praise God, there was a breakthrough. I, of course, welcome my oldest daughter and her son back with open arms. But with my mother and family, I am still working through the process of forgiving without being blindly naive. These are the challenges of life, but my way is the way of the Lord as God shows it to me. Peace be unto you, my friends. --EJ

With God's Word we will stay positive and look at the blessings this year. Will we fall down? Yes! But with His strength we will get up.

EJ, Praise God for the restored relationships He has brought. God bless you and your family.

It is so hard to put away the things of the past. "Vengeance is mine sayeth the Lord." Jesus tells us to "turn the other cheek." Although we forgive, we also need to protect ourselves from future hurt and disappointment. I have found that you just can't assume that the offenders have "learned their lesson," and will not betray you in the future - even though they are family. It can be very difficult walking that fine line. My wish for all is that you will enjoy the best possible relationships with your family members while protecting yourselves from future pain and disappointment. --EJ