A NEW FRONTIER

Grab your cowboy hat and mosey on down to the old corral in the little town of Scottsdale. It’s time to celebrate Jakes 24th birthday with all his closest friends and family. Thanks to our hosts, Scott and Jen Backes, for the use of their beautiful home, we set up a country western themed birthday party fit for any cowboy and cowgirl west of Arizona. There were glow in the dark games, dancing, bonfires with s’mores, shooting ( those there would know what this means!) barbecue pulled pork sandwiches, and of course Reeses peanut butter cup chocolate cupcakes. Their were friends from childhood, college at GCU, community outreaches, church, mens bible study, and work who all joined together to celebrate Jakes big day. As Jake shared “ this was the best birthday ever, hands down”. Why? Because everyone that matters to him was there ( and here I thought it was the birthday cake?!) Yes Jake had expanded his life here in Arizona with some of the most amazing people and they were all there. It was also clear to me that Jake was now a young man, moving on to new frontiers. But Kev had known this for awhile, which is why one thing had not been at the party…Jakes present from him. In a quiet moment Kev gave Jake a new compass, engraved with his heartfelt sentiments for his son. It was a gift that would always remind him, that as he moves on to new horizons, he can never be lost as long as he has God and his compass. Both will lead him on the right path. As God has promised us all in Proverbs 3:5-6 “ Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight”. So Jake, continue to move on to new frontiers and know that you are loved and prayed for by many that have been forever changed because you were and continue to be a part of our lives. Love, mom and dad.