My youngest sister turned 13 this week.  She’s goofy and beautiful and I am just so glad to have her as my little bitty sis.

I made this painting for her.  

Thirteen is a big year.  (For me it was 17  years ago. Yow!) It was at that age that I first ran to God on my own in a time of trouble.  In that moment I found Him.  I met my faithful Jesus. The Lord my Peace.  What a refuge!   The teenage years are wrought with high emotions, hormones and just figuring stuff out.  So many fears.  Looking back the “troubles” I had then look trivial.  But I am so blessed to have met my Savior then.  That those minor troubles chased me into His arms. I found my Refuge in those early years.  There is no doubt in my mind that it was the mercy of God to draw me to Himself then.  Giving me time to grow firm in faith before I met with true tragedy.  When grief did finally find me, by the grace of God,  my Refuge was home, and nothing could shake me from Him.

This is what I pray for my siblings and for my children. That they will run to Jesus now.  That they will find Him faithful.  And like the wise man, build their house upon the Rock.

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble.  Therefore we will not fear…” -Psalm 46:1-2a