Me and My Family

Dear Big Sis,

It is awesome you want to be part of your sisters' lives, and are concerned enough about your relationship with them to ask for help and prayer. As you already know, long distant relationships are difficult to maintain, but not impossible. (With God all things are possible! Matthew 19:26) Here are some practical things you can do to be part of your sisters' lives:

1. Pray for them and about your relationship. God gave you those sisters for a reason, and I know He wants to bless your relationship. Isn't it mind boggling to think that God can see you and your sisters right now, this very moment? That makes them seem closer. Ask God to take care of them. Keep their pictures near your bed and around your house so they feel closer as you pray for them.

2. Send pictures. Send them pictures of you doing various things. Do you play sports? Send pictures of that. Do you like to read? Send pictures of you reading your favorite books. Do you have to wash dishes? Send pictures of that. You might even put together a photo album called "A Day in the Life of ______" (Fill in your name.) Ask your dad to do the same for your sisters to send to you.

3. Did you have a favorite story or book as a child? Buy a cheap copy, record yourself reading it, and send both to your sisters.

4. Write letters. The one year old won't be able to read them now, (You didn't mention the age of your other sister.)but get in the habit of doing it. And sometimes send something to each of them separately, which will make your correspondances even more special.

5. Depending on how old your other sister is, you both might consider setting up blogs where you can post pictures and news of your lives. (Make sure you get your parents' permission first!) I know that MYSPACE is a very popular site, but I don't recommend it. MYSPACE has waaaay too many bad ads and non-Christian chatter. There are plenty of places your parents can research. (Always be careful with how much personal information you give when you're on the internet.)The main thing is to keep in touch often. You may not have the same relationship you would have had living together, but it can be meaningful and rewarding to all of you if you work at it.Let me pray for you...

Dear Jesus,
Thank you for a big sister who wants to be close to her siblings. Please show her ways she can keep in touch with them. Put it in her sisters' hearts to want to be close to their big sister. Please bless their relationships, may they be strong, meaningful, and blessed by You.
In Your name I pray, Amen.