So, the other day I go to 7 Peaks, a local water park, with my Sister and her 3 boys. We had a lot of fun. The boys where having a blast and Alisa and I were too, but there were a few things that I realized that day and I thought I would share them with you.

1. A jam packed wave pool can only be described with two words, "Mosh Pit." I kid you not I was bumping into people with every wave that passed by! I was going up and down, bumping and rubbing against people I didn't know! It was just like a concert! Luckily, I had an inner-tube and was at least able to stay afloat. The people beside me where not so lucky and while the waves where going had to hold on to my tube and yelled to me, "I'm sorry! I just need to catch my breath!" ... Yeah, wasn't that fun.
2. All water parks in the world need to invest in plastic or rubber walkways because my feet where burning up!
3. I can't wait to have kids.

    I am very excited to have kids of my own one day. I have been around children for most of my life and I love them. I know just how difficult they can be and how loving as well. I feel like I have been blessed to be able to already have gone through some of the things a new parent has with my nieces and nephews. By no means am I saying that I am a pro or that I will not face challenges because, believe me, I know I will! I am just very happy that the Lord has prepared me so much as it is.
    As I was watching my nephews play in the water I could not help but smile and think of what it will be like to have children with my beautiful wife. I know it will be hard and there will be things we will both have to work out, but I also know that the blessings that will come from it are much greater. I'm excited. :)
    Hannah and I also had our second Independence day as well. We didn't do much. (Especially with all the wild-fires that are going on around us.) All we did was light some sparklers and one fountain. I love fountains. They are my Favorite. :)

What does it mean to dream? When I say "Dream" do you think of the inconsistent and sometimes strange images and thoughts you see when you are asleep in your bed? Or do your thoughts turn to the aspirations and fantasies of your heart and what you wish to accomplish? Today I speak of the latter.

We all have dreams and aspirations; of thoughts and desires for a better future of happiness. This is something we all share, but the true wonder of it all is that each and every individual has a completely separate dream than you. Every person you share a passing glance at is on there way to fulfilling their dream. And yes, I mean fulfilling.

There are those of us who have sought out and tried their hardest to obtain their dream only to be met with disaster and heartache. I dare say that every one of us have experienced this to some degree, and we must understand that that is part of the journey. But I do not write this to focus on the bad times.


I wish to reference a film that I find uplifting, passionate, and beautiful. It is an anime called Whisper of the Heart by Hayao Miyazaki. This is an absolutely beautiful story of a child's realization of life and searching out her dreams. there are several amazing lessons to be learned in this film including the message in the Quote "When the afternoon currents mix we can even touch the stars without fear." What a beautiful sentiment. We must remember that our dreams are what fuel us. It is our wishing for a better future that prepares us for the rough patches that are destined to come. We all have a purpose and we must realize that this purpose may not be to be something rich and powerful. It may just be to live a full life with the one you love.

In Whisper of the Heart the young girl Shizuku finds herself slacking off in her studies and always wants to read her stories of fantasy and write her own. She is constantly being ridiculed by her sister and feels the pressure for her to do as she is suppose to. Upon meeting with Seiji, a boy she starts to fall in love with, she realizes that he is already on his way to achieving his dreams and she feels very inadequate; using the phrase "I am just not good enough" often. (which I have caught myself saying as well.) It is obvious that he loves her back, but she is not convinced and is determined to follow her dream and write a story while he is away.

She ends up finishing her story and even shrugs off her schooling even more because she realizes that not everyone has to follow the same guidelines. Unfortunately for her she finds out that her story is no master piece and still needs a lot of work. It isn't until her 'Fall' that she realizes she needs more schooling in order for her to be better at what she wants to do.

Upon Seiji's return she finds out that he is completely ready and willing to help her or even carry her through her struggles if he has to. In one scene Seiji is riding up a steep hill on a bike with Shizuku on the back. When she asks him if she should get off he says "No, I decided I was going to ride up this steep hill carrying you with me."

At which point she reply's "Who said you could decide that? I don't want to be a burden for you. If I'm going with you, I'm going to help you." Then she jumps off the bike and helps push him up.

What a delightful analogy! This is exactly how we should view our relationship with those around us, and especially our spouses! It doesn't matter if it is the man or the woman riding the bike or pushing it up the hill, all that matters is that you are pushing and trying together!

Let us all remember that we are not meant or should face our trials alone. And in the process of achieving our dreams we will face many hard and powerful trials. So with the help of the one you love you can literally achieve anything.