Happy Birthday Marvin Jr! Welcome to the official status of "teendom".

I don't recall too many birthdays, but I do remember the excitement of that 13th one - where I no longer thought of myself as a kid, yet watching closely the older teens and adults in my life for examples of what to anticipate for the future.

What I especially remember is the involvement I had with my church - singing in the choir, playing hand bells, and eating burgers with the big kids across the steet at Kewpees after practice.

Now, forty years later, I see the value of those early times as God equipping me for the paths of reward and challenge I would face throughout the years ahead. Today, it is that foundation, connection, community and mentorship that I remember, which brings me closer to God each time I am blessed with success or challenged by setback or hardship.

You are facing the most exciting (and often frustrating) years of your life. But being true to your relationships with Jesus, your family, friends and mentors will ultimately keep Gods promise true that "He, who has begun a good work in you, will be faithful to complete it, on the day of Christ Jesus." (Phil 1:6). Of course, there's a lot of good living to do before that day comes. But it's comin'! And when it does - man, what a birthday party that will be!

Grace, Peace and Blessings to you and your wonderful family.

Mark & Jeannie Baringer