I worry so much about my sister. i see her every day getting caught up in things in this world that don't matter. the makeup, the phone convo's about what so-and-so said, the meaningless stuff is very prevelent in her life right now. I remember being in that similar situation. And i also remember VERY VIVIDLY what it did to me. when I see her falling into the same thing i did, my heart just breaks. I think it just has to be a part of growing up. But i still don't want her to have to go through all that b.s. so lately i've been trying to "push" (in a very gentle way) her into her faith more. We had a couple hour long conversation in her bedroom where i told her she should think about desciding who she TRUELY is. I explained some very basic truths of what Jesus Christ did for her, and it really seemed to hit home. I knew when the tears started to roll i was finally gettin through to her. I've really got on her lately about how much tv she watches. all this mtv is doing is poluting her mind. so when i see her watchin it, or somethin that she doesn't need to see, i go and change the channel or get on her about not playin her piano yet or just something to get her away from the tv. I've also been tryin to get her to read her bible. she says she doesn't understand. i told her to ask questions, "thats how you learn."
I recieved a forward of a prayer someone wrote back in May, so i printed it and have read it nearly every morning since. For the longest time i have wanted to form it into my own personal prayer. I finally found the inspiration to do it. Below is an altered version of the original. I figured it'd be something she can have when i leave for college in augest that will remind her of me, but more importantly, keep her on track when i'm not here to pester her. if anyone has any suggestions for how to fire my sister up about her faith, i'm very open to suggestions. we're catholic, so if any of you catholics have any "catholic oriented" tricks, those are welcome too. I'm much more focused on developing her as a CHRISTian first, and a catholic later though. so please, i'll take anything. Feel free to copy paste the prayer and use it yourself, re-arrange it however you like. it has been a spectacular way to start each day. If you do print yourself a copy, please leave a comment, even if it's just, "I printed a copy of the prayer." Thank you much. Have a great day, God bless:)

Dan and Jill’s Morning Prayer

Good Morning Lord!

I want to thank you for this day. Thank you for allowing me to be able to see and hear this morning. I’m so blessed because you are a forgiving God and an understanding God. You have done so much for me, and continue to bless me. PLEASE forgive me this day for everything I will do, say, or think that won't be pleasing to you.

Please keep me safe from all dangers and harm. Help me to start this day with a new attitude and plenty of gratitude. Let me make the best of each and every day to clear my mind so that I can hear from you. Please broaden my mind that I can accept all things you want me to.

Let me not whine and whimper over things I have no control over. Let me continue to see sin through God’s eyes and acknowledge it as evil. And when I sin, let me repent and understand my wrongdoing and receive the forgiveness of God.

And when this world closes in on me, let me remember Jesus example…to slip away and find a quiet place to pray. I know it’s the best response when I’m pushed beyond my limits. I know that when I can’t pray, you listen to my heart. Continue to use me to do your will.

God, I know you can change people. Continue to bless me that I may be a blessing to others. Keep me strong that I may help the weak. Keep me uplifted that I may have words of encouragement for others. I pray for those who are lost and can’t find their way. I pray for those who are misjudged and misunderstood. I pray for those who don’t know you intimately. I pray for those who don’t believe. But I thank you that I BELIEVE.

I pray for all my Christian brothers and sisters, and for each and every member of their families. I pray for peace, love, and joy in their homes and in our world. Please help everyone’s needs be met.

Thank you one last time for all you’ve given me; My family, friends, my talents, and my life. I know I can do nothing to deserve all the blessings you’ve given me. Thank you for letting ME be YOUR daughter. Please help me to be a witness to you throughout this day. Please let your will be done always and forever in my life.

Lord God, I love you, and I need you. Come into my heart, please.

In Jesus’ beautiful, glorious name, Amen.