Better Daughters, Stronger Sisters.

With this being the last week in September, and therefore the last week that I'm really focusing on changing how you view other women, I think it's kind of a big deal to mention one group of women in particular that almost everyone can improve their relationship with: 

the women in your family.

I am such a big fan of the family and the strengthening and unconditional support they provide!  And while I realize that not everyone has an ideal situation here to deal with, the reality is that nothing in life is ideal and you have to work with what you've got and move forward with it.

I lost my mother to cancer about 3 1/2 years ago, and in the time since my Dad has remarried I have come to know and love his new wife so incredibly much!  As you can imagine, this was not an easy situation for anyone to deal with, but thankfully the Lord put a new, amazing woman in our lives and she has been nothing but kind and loving since the day we met.

Her stout support for me has been so incredibly appreciated, especially during times where I'm not even sure if I can do what I'm thinking of doing!  

Just to give you an idea of how awesome she really is, here's a little story for ya.  I was a having a rough day earlier this week and in knowing that she would do it in an instant, I just sent a quick little text to her asking her to say a prayer for me that my heart would be still and my spirit would be strong in helping me get through the situation and be who I want to be.  

Here was her response:

"Yes, Stephanie, I had already prayed for you this morning, and will continue.  Of course!  Your spirit is and will be strong!!  And that dear heart, I pray that peace will was over it.  I know who you are Stephanie and why Heavenly Father saved your strong, valiant spirit to be here on earth now.  Whatever it is, you WILL come through!  Now I just have to calm my pounding heart over worrying about what is happening.  I love you.

Now, I promise I'm not trying to toot my own horn here by including her response, but isn't she just awesome?!  

I just think of what life would be like without having the sweet women in my family in my life and it makes my heart sink.  And while we're so incredibly far apart from one another (Utah, KY and Boston) it's so crucial to do anything in your power to keep that line of communication open and continually strengthen your relationship so you can give them as much support and love as possible in life. 

So as a few extra TBDs for ya, try out a few of the ways below in order to strengthen those relationship with the women in your family.   I know it's a huge source of joy and comfort in my life and it can be in yours, too! :)

1. Write your Mom a note today and tell her THANK YOU for giving you life, among other things.

2. Call your sister(s) today and talk for at least 20 minutes, even if you have nothing in particular to talk about.  See what's going on in her life.  CARE ABOUT THE DETAILS.

3. Ask your mom about what her life was like when she was your age.  What was she doing?  Was she in love?  What did she see in her future?

4. Having a fight with one of your sisters?  Put yourself in her shoes and try to understand her perspective first.  Then help her understand yours.

5. Having boy trouble?  Instead of keeping it in, try talking to your sister about it.  If it's not boys, what do you not talk to them about?  Share a part of your life with them that you normally wouldn't.  

6. You and your sister aren't the same.  Embrace your differences and try doing something their way instead of yours!

7. Have a clothing trade with your sisters!  (I used to do this all the time growing up, but they always got mad about it then... probably because I never told them we were trading! :) )

8. Introduce your girlfriends to your Mom today.  How well does she know your best friends?

9. Call your grandmother today.  If she's no longer with us, say a prayer thanking God for her and the legacy she left for you.

10. Gather pictures together of the girls in your family together.  If you don't have any, get together and take some!  Then make a collage and give it to everyone who's a part of it.  Pictures are worth more than a thousand words. :)