Little advice

[aj830]

I want some advice please. I’m in high school and received my Confirmation about two years ago but did not think much of it. After reading and thinking I’ve realized how amazing everything is and just have really tried to become more involved in my faith. The only problem is I’m religious on weekends and then when school starts I can’t stop everything I do. I curse, lie, make dirty jokes, and poke fun at people. It’s almost like being so oblivious to everything for so long has made it habit. My friends, who I believe are good people at heart, influence me and I don’t want to completley alienate them from my life so I can act good and change. I know there is someone who has to have experienced this on this board or if you have advice please tell me.

Thanks

 

[threej_lc]

I suggest 2 tips.

1. Pray. Pick up a daily prayer schedule. Whether daily rosary, daily mass, eucharistic adoration, or what have you. Bring yourself before the Lord daily. Come to know him intimately.
2. Don’t try to change over night. Pick one thing at a time that you dislike about how you act, and work on it. Once you’ve been able to bring it to Christian levels, add something else.

Step 2 doesn’t work without step one. We can’t bring ourselves to Christ without first knowing him personally.

If, along the way, you find your friends are too strong of a hindrance to overcome, don’t be afraid to distance yourself from them. There is valor in choosing to be loyal to those who care for you, and try to set a good example in their midst. However, if you are unable to set that good example, and instead continually fall into their habbits, then we must do what we most out of our love for Christ.

My prayers go with you.
Josh

 

[Knight4God]

Becoming more like Christ, putting to death the desires of the flesh is a process. So don’t feel depressed or defeated that you didn’t change overnight into the picture of perfection. The grace of God will work in your life as a believer when you grow in relationship with him. This is done through common worship (Eucharist!) and fellowship with other believers, being encouraged and held accountable. Through regularly reading and meditating on the scriptures and daily prayer and reliance on God’s grace to perfect you.

As for friends, I always found that many had more respect for me and not less due to my moral convictions. If you handle them with grace it shouldn’t alienate them. The example to follow is Jesus who never sacrificed his convictions and yet associated himself with all members of society. Sometimes I did get made fun of for certain convictions, but most will not, and you never know, you may be the one God uses as salt and light to bring your friends to his Son!

 

[Michael038]

The best advice I can tell you is to be yourself. It sounds to me like you have a deep faith for our Lord. The way you live your life will set a good example for your friends. Try to go to a youth conference. There should be some information on your diocese website. I would also reccommend talking to your Priest or Deacon at your Parish. If your friends are really your friends they will like you for who you are. I will pray for you!
God Bless!
M

 

[AquinasXVI]

AJ830:

Bishop Fulton Sheen once said that the confessional is the most opposite thing from the world. When we face the world we want to put our best foot forward. But in the confessional we need to put our worst foot in first.

Frequent confession (once a month or even 2x a month) to the same priest is a good help. For one, you know that he knows what sins are recurring. This might help your motivation to watch yourself better when out with the crew. Secondly but not secondary, being humble enough to admit and confess sins regularly will help you get stronger with Grace. Find a good orthodox priest. Pray that God find you a good confessor and spiritual adviser.

Lastly, keep reading good books. Find a good catholic bookstore and read the classics.

Keep up the good fight.

in XT.

 

[m134e5]

(once a month or even 2x a month)

or more…some go every week- and I know of some who even go every day- whatever it takes to get closer to God.

 

[Church_Militant]

How bad do you want to follow Our Lord buddy?
The Holy Spirit is dealing with you about the way you live and behave.
Check this out!
Matthew 25:31-46

31 And when the Son of man shall come in his majesty, and all the angels with him, then shall he sit upon the seat of his majesty. 32 And all nations shall be gathered together before him, and he shall separate them one from another, as the shepherd separateth the sheep from the goats: 33 And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on his left. 34 Then shall the king say to them that shall be on his right hand: Come, ye blessed of my Father, possess you the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. 35 For I was hungry, and you gave me to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave me to drink; I was a stranger, and you took me in:

36 Naked, and you covered me: sick, and you visited me: I was in prison, and you came to me. 37 Then shall the just answer him, saying: Lord, when did we see thee hungry, and fed thee; thirsty, and gave thee drink? 38 And when did we see thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and covered thee? 39 Or when did we see thee sick or in prison, and came to thee? 40 And the king answering, shall say to them: Amen I say to you, as long as you did it to one of these my least brethren, you did it to me.

41 Then he shall say to them also that shall be on his left hand: Depart from me, you cursed, into everlasting fire which was prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry, and you gave me not to eat: I was thirsty, and you gave me not to drink. 43 I was a stranger, and you took me not in: naked, and you covered me not: sick and in prison, and you did not visit me. 44 Then they also shall answer him, saying: Lord, when did we see thee hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister to thee? 45 Then he shall answer them, saying: Amen I say to you, as long as you did it not to one of these least, neither did you do it to me.

46 And these shall go into everlasting punishment: but the just, into life everlasting.

Just take up your cross daily and follow Him. The choice is all up to you, but…if God is dealing with you about your life…it’s not an accident…He’s calling you to follow Him and that’s no joke.

Stop and think about it my friend…ya get these “friends” that ya don’t wanna alienate who are making it harder for you to do what ya know God wants you to do…

Ya get these people in your life for only a while, but because you don’t repent and change the way you live you choose to get sent to hell … forever?

New good Catholic friends are out there and God will “hook you up” with them, but it’s your choice.

It’s not “rocket science” my friend…
Pax tecum,

 

[Santa_Cruz]

For me it’s praying the rosary daily, the Memorare prayer daily, and Hail Mary’s through out the day.

I am like you, and I finely had to come to grips that I was either for God or againts God.

I chosed God and I dedicated myself to God thru Mary Our Beloved Mother. The Lady of the Rosary will watch your back if you let her.

I understand High School and the need to feel cool and fit in. We have all been there or are there now. But you know what, there are kids at school just like you, looking for kids just like you,

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intersession, was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother; to thee I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful; O Mother Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answere me.

God Bless You.

 

[Montie_Claunch]

I know what you mean, I have a problem with sarcasim and odd humor (which I won’t go into) but, along with what these people have said, I would suggest one of two things. Either become one of those monks that take a vow of scilence and that will solve the problem or if you are like me and are not quite ready for that kind of life you could do what I did. I found a way to put a negative stigma to whatever I was trying to stop , I had a freind hit me on the shoulder each time I screwed up (it really starts to hurt after a while and one would {hopefully} want it to stop) and pick up a nickname or something in which eavrybody would demand that of you (I had already been doned with “Monk”). It worked with me so it might work for you.