Stressing raising good kids

As a parent I think we all stress about raising good kids. I have heard many times that people don't like to be around undisciplined children. I have found that to be true with myself. I am bad when it comes to judging others children, because I was so hard on my own and still am. I expect nothing but the best from my kids ( I kind of feel bad for them). I do feel that sometimes I am too hard on them. In our house there is one way and it's my way. I am  not so sure that is the right approach.
But for what it's worth my kids adore me. And I adore them. I have to say I am impressed that my 17 year old still listens to me. Even though we find ourselves fighting he still in the end listens. Every time he gets pulled over, or gets in trouble for curfew, the cops always say what a great kid he is and how polite he is.
I have to agree!! That kid is very respectful, polite and loving, he sure knows how to tug at my heart strings.
This last year has been a roller coaster with him. We found out he had been into some not so good stuff. It broke my heart, and still does to know his struggles. I think the thing that has been the hardest is that he has No belief in God or the Devil. He thinks that everything good that happens is because of his dad and I, or himself, and everything bad is his doing.
I know we weren't the best examples of going to church, but we have always believed in God and the Devil. We have had some good talks and he knows that as long as he lives in our house he will go to church and do church things. He will participate in Family night, prayer and scriptures. He doesn't fight it. I have challenged him to pray every day and ask Heavenly Father to help him believe in him. But he says he hasn't gotten an answer. I ask him if he is putting his whole heart into it and he says no. He is just going through the motions.
As a mom it kills me!! To see my sweet little brown eyed blonde haired boy struggling and going down this road. Me being me I want to force him I want it my way. But a friend told me the other day she struggled with one of her sons. She was kind of the same way. You just want to beat them. But she left it up to God. It did take years, and lots of patients. And God did it his way with little nudges. That made my day.
In the end it is in God's hands. He is the only one who knows what little Josh needs. All I need to do is my best to let him know that I love him and that I am here for him. I can be the best example so when he does question things he can see how I have lived my life. But God knows what is going to help him to turn around. I just need to pray for him.
I am so grateful for my friend and her great advice.I am grateful for good kids and a loving spouse who supports me and my crazy ways. Grateful that I have had to struggle with my son, and grateful for the relationship that I have with all my kids.