The Graduate

"Graduation is only a concept. In real life every day you graduate. Graduation is a process that goes on until the last day of your life. If you can grasp that, you'll make a difference." ~Arie Pencovici

Wow, I can't believe how much you've grown. Did you know I spoke to you when you were in the utero? I was there when your mom screamed her head off giving birth to you while she squeezed my arm off. Never give your arm to a woman in labor! 

Now look, you can fit into your mother's wedding dress! (which, by the way, she intricately & laboriously created for that one special day.)  Although, you're not quite ready just yet for such a huge commitment.  That will come in the future.

In the meantime, go chase your dreams and make them all come true. And make your Mom and Dad proud.

But most importantly, whatever you do...

"...do not forget My teaching,
but keep My commands in your heart,

for they will prolong your life many years
and bring you prosperity.
Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
bind them around your neck,
write them on the tablet of your heart.
Then you will win favor and a good name
in the sight of God and man.
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."
Proverbs 3:1-6

Congratulations, Dezi, 2010 Graduate! Now, GO and make a difference!

BIKE 2 SCHOOL DAY

Life is like riding a bicycle - in order to keep your balance, you must keep moving. ~Albert Einstein

The bicycle is a curious vehicle.  Its passenger is its engine.  ~John Howard

My father used to play with my brother and me in the yard. Mother would come out and say, "You're tearing up the grass." 

"We're not raising grass," Dad would reply. "We're raising boys" ~Harmon Killebrew

All bicycles weigh fifty pounds.  A thirty-pound bicycle needs a twenty-pound lock.  A forty-pound bicycle needs a ten-pound lock.  A fifty-pound bicycle doesn't need a lock.  ~Author Unknown

Conscience is a man's compass. ~Vincent Van Gogh

My mind tells me to give up, but my heart won't let me. ~Unknown (probably a novice uphill biker)

Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride.  ~John F. Kennedy (especially early in the morning with your Dad)

Work and Acquire, thou hast chained the wheel of Chance. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

"You're not tire of me yet, are you?"

"Can you really handle it?"

"Ring your bell if you're hungry."

It's about putting the pedal to the metal and not asking any questions at all and just going for it. ~Brandon Thomas 

My son had a triathlon day.  He biked in the morning, ran several laps for PE, and swam for 2 hours after school. You would think he'd be tired, right?  For the life of me, he was even more revitalized.  Just in time for me! On the contrary, if he doesn't get any physical exertion, he becomes lethargic.  
So, let's go out and play more.  And have loads of fun.
Happy Friday!

7x7: Ruins by the Breakers

"Can ye fathom the ocean, dark and deep, where the mighty waves and the grandeur sweep?" ~Fanny Crosby 

For this is what the LORD says—He who created the heavens, He is God; He who fashioned and made the earth, He founded it; He did not create it to be empty, but formed it to be inhabited--He says: I AM the Lord, there is no other." ~Isaiah 45:18

“Those who dwell among the beauties and mysteries of the earth are never alone or weary of life.” ~Rachel Carson

"Beauty can be found among the thickets,

... above the ruins,

...along the beaten road.

Beauty is everywhere. Just look around. Look in the mirror." —momma of 3

The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for He founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters. —Psalm 42:1-2

REST and be refreshed...

"Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." ~Jesus (Matthew 11:28)

Snow White took a bite.

I will lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety. ~Psalm 4:8

Seoul Airport, Korea - waiting for the tour bus

People who snore always fall asleep first.  ~Author Unknown

Don't wake up Daddy!

People who say they sleep like a baby usually don't have one.  ~Leo J. Burke 

A big nice friend to lean on, Sharka

The best bridge between despair and hope is a good night's sleep.  ~E. Joseph Cossman

After a long day of partying!

Fatigue is the best pillow.  ~Benjamin Franklin

Flight home from Asia to America

But the important thing is to lie down and fall asleep. That little nap means you wake up fresh again and can continue. ~James Levine

Fell asleep in the laundry basket

Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from Him. ~Psalm 62:5

The pool's loud splashes as the swimmers practice can't even wake him up.

No day is so bad it can't be fixed with a nap.  ~Carrie Snow

After long conversations, they finally fell asleep. #sisters

Rest: the sweet sauce of labor. ~Plutarch

Just one of many car rides home

...to whom He said, "This is the resting place, let the weary rest"; and, "This is the place of repose"... ~Isaiah 28:12

Chillaxing

Consciousness:  that annoying time between naps.  ~Author Unknown

BAD IDEA!

The amount of sleep required by the average person is five minutes more.  ~Wilson Mizener

My sweet angel

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. ~Psalm 91:1

Fell asleep after reading and arranging his books

True silence is the rest of the mind; it is to the spirit what sleep is to the body, nourishment and refreshment. ~William Penn 

"Bionicles and me"

Sometimes the most urgent and vital thing you can possibly do is take a complete rest. ~Ashleigh Brilliant 

The house is so nice and quiet when the boys are sound asleep.

The time to relax is when you don't have time for it. ~Sidney J. Harris

Sleep: If I can go without it, I would.  But I need it so I try not to fight it.  I would lose anyway.  Both body & mind require it to function adequately.  I know--I always pay for it the next day if I don't.  So rest and be refreshed.