Caelen

Dear Caelen,

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Happy 25th Birthday today. Looking at you for me is in some ways like looking into a mirror. Your sensitivity and responsiveness to spiritual things, artistic bent and perfectionist soul are characteristics we share. We have so many common interests and I enjoy watching you develop your skills, discussing art, scripture (skateboarding) or gardening or maybe heading off to an art museum with you at the drop of a hat. I would tell you what has brought me such comfort in my life as one perfectionist to another ..... Jesus loves sinners .... the blood is on the doorpost ..... there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Forgive as you have been forgiven.

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The exact meaning of your name is unclear. Caelen is Celtic and derived from Colin which is a French derivative of Nicholas. I understand that it means a young hound, bloodhound or a youth. Seth was the replacement child of Adam & Eve after the martyrdom of Abel. He was the father of a race of godly men and women. But I chose your name for beauty sake and as a nod to our Scotch Irish ancestry. It suits you. I could just have easily named you Patrick or Padraic. I have always loved St. Patrick. Proof that a Presbyterian can be a mystic but he was also a man with a sensitive conscience who felt a deep gratitude and indebtedness to his Savior. Like Patrick you have the soul of an evangelist and a love for the common man. You rub shoulders easily with the down and out ... lost sheep. You despise arrogance and pride all though to your personal aggravation you find these things in your own heart.

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You are a hard working man ... and this from the teenager voted by his peers as the most likely to be absent on a Monday! Your father and I are proud of you, Samantha and your soon to be family. God has you in the palm of his hand, You have been responsible with a little and he will entrust you with more. Ask and it will be given to you. Seek and you shall find, Knock and the door will be opened unto you for your heavenly Father delights to give the Spirit to those who ask him. Be patient and he will give you the desires of your heart. God bless you and your family.