To Ryan Michael Burke,

We can't believe this day has arrived. It seems only yesterday we brought you home from the hospital and now it's graduation day. Ryan you are an incredible young man and we are so proud of you and all that you have accomplished. We can't wait to see what you do with all that God has given you in your future. Don't miss out on a single blessing; live life fully and seek God always! Enjoy today! (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Love always,
Mom & Dad

Matthew Gilbert,

You are our gift from God and we will always treasure the days that He has given us to have you with us. You bring us humor, challenges, strength, compassion and love. We are proud of your accomplishments. We pray for your faith in God to grow and carry you through the joys and difficulties of the future with His mighty hand leading and guiding you. You have many gifts that He can use as you yield to Him. We are here to encourage and support you in your endeavors and rejoice in this milestone of your life.

With much love, Dad and Mom.
Thank you for all the hard work you are doing, especially this time of year. I am praying for you. Sherry Gilbert.

Erica [Jonsen],

You have been the greatest source of growth for Dad and me. It has been a blessing and an privilege to be your parents. Continue, Honey, as you have started: with compassion, loyalty and long-suffering. Remember to always hold tight to your unique sense of humor and playful mischievousness. You truly are a special person who will succeed in whatever you set out to accomplish. We are very proud of you!

All our love to you-Pillhead,
Mom and Dad

Dearest Geoff[rey Klerekoper],

We've been thinking a lot about you graduating, son, and we must admit that we have mixed feelings ... and tons of precious memories ... you looking up at us with that unbeatable smile from your playpen, or pounding out what you were convinced were songs on the Steinway in the family room ... or hiding under the couch for the hundred and fiftieth time totally convinced that we didn't know where you were or how to find you. You were always surprised when we did. Each day we thrilled to watch you grow and mature, and each day we wished would never end and that you'd stay just like you were. There were baseball games and soccer games, and swatting mosquitoes while we filmed you on BMX biking trails that you had spent hours shoveling in all kinds of weather. Your sense of humor is unique, and your ability to make your mother laugh is legendary.

Every day we've watched you has made us aware of God's presence, and mercy, and grace. We've treasured every moment we've had with you ... even the times when you were the immovable object and we were the irresistible force. We've seen God's creativity in the extraordinary talents, abilities, and in the giftedness He's given you. We've been aware of His love and mercy as you've faced challenges while you've grown.

The future holds mixed feelings for us, too. We thrill with you as we see the opportunities you will undoubtedly have, but we dread the fact it might separate us for any length of time. We know you need to leave and grow, even though we can't imagine not having you more than a room away.

The greatest thing we can give you is the knowledge of our Lord, and your freedom. And with that freedom we look forward to a new relationship ... of being not just parents and son but resources, advisors, and the very best of friends.

No matter what you encounter in this life ... no matter what circumstances you find yourself in ... or where your decisions may take you ... count always on our love. The door to our heart is not something you will ever need to open ... you already own it. You are and will always be a priceless gift from God to us. We love you so very much.

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.—III John 4

Your Dad and Mom

Drew Konzelman

We are thankful for the godly man you are becoming and pray He will use you in mighty ways and as you seek Him first, "He shall direct your path." (Proverb 3:6) We are grateful for the standard of excellence you have set for your four younger brothers and for the friendship you foster with your older sister. We are most pleased when we see you serving and encouraging others, teaching, sharing your wonderful gift of music, and sharing the Gospel message with those who do not yet know the Lord. May the Lord bless you and keep you, May His face shine upon you and give you peace - the only peace worth having! We love you, Drew, and are very proud of you! You are a "World Changer"!!!!

Love, Papa and Mom

Dear Bryn [Larsen],

Your mom and I are so proud of the young man you have grown to be. At this milestone of High School Graduation, we want to send you off on your journey through life with our congratulations, our blessing, and the wisdom of God.

Son, time is such a precious gift from God, make sure to use each minute God gives you to its fullest. I am speaking from the half-century God has given me (that's over 26 million minutes) and the realization of how fast time does go. It seems like such a short time since you were born, but really so much time has passed as I see how you have grown. I know that my life has been measured by each stage of your growth.

Bryn, continue to enjoy the uniqueness God has created in you. You are so talented and gifted; never cease developing and improving the skills, talents, and abilities God has given you. Remember you were made in His image, and you were created to be in relationship with God first- He will be there for you- place your trust and hope there first always.

You have always had a very caring heart; never lose that softness as you travel in life. The way you care for other people and for animals really shows your true character. Do not fall for the hardness of heart the world may say you need to have to deal with situations; your Father in heaven has given you compassion to be shared with others in your life.

Let me give you the best advice no one ever gave to me at your age, (or at least I do not remember hearing it). The Word of God must be your foundation in life. Learn it, meditate on it, live it. I wish I could correct the lack of God's Word in my life, but I am so thankful for the time we today are enjoying living in God's Word and its truths applied to our lives. Let me again share with you some of what King David (you know the kid who slew Goliath and later became King of Israel) instructed his son Solomon (the guy with utmost wisdom in the Bible, who was the son of David and Bathsheba - God used a bad situation here and brought forth good in the reign of Solomon) from his death bed (1 Kings 2:1-12):

1. Go the way of the earth- be strong and be a man
2. Keep the charge of the Lord thy God
   1. To walk in His ways
   2. To keep His statutes
   3. To keep His commandments
   4. To keep His judgments
   5. To keep His testimonies
3. And here is what David told Solomon what would happen if he kept God's charge:
   1. That you will prosper in all you do
   2. That you will prosper wherever you go
   3. That the Lord will continue His word

Bryn, this is a great foundation laid by a father for his son, and for an outgoing king to the new king. Take heed of all of this, and may God continue to bless you all the days of your life. Remember to walk in obedience to Him.

Love,
Dad and Mom.

Dear Chad [Olson or Waag],

The world is where we celebrate our gifts from the Lord. You are one of our most precious gifts. We have watched you grow into a fine young man filled with confidence, courage, creativity, insight and devotion. The joy of the Lord has been your strength. You have nothing to fear in life with the Lord as your guide. Your name means:

• Brave Warrior
• The Lord is my rock and my fortress.
• He is my deliverer.
• I shall not fear evil.
• His Faithful promises are my armor.
• Psalm 91:2

As you stand at this turning point in life, keep your eyes on Him and know that He is bigger than any challenge you will ever face and He loves to answer your prayers. So go to the "River of Life" often and listen. It is easier to hear His voice at the river!

"Wherever you go
GO with ALL of your
heart!"
Anon.

We love you Chad,
Dad and Mom

Dear Joshua [Teeters],

Dad and I are very proud of your accomplishment in finishing school!!! We love you and are excited to see what God has for you in the next few years as you pursue your goal at Devry College in computer tech. Love you!

Tristian [Yost]! Congratulations Graduate 2003!

It was only yesterday...
When you were a preschool graduate who loved running fast and playing with Legos, blocks , little cars, and waterwheels in the sandbox. You also enjoyed pulling toy vehicles around with Dad's ties.
When at 2 you recognized that you loved steak, which you called, "Snake, Mommy, snake please!"
When at 4 you imitated Piccolo Pete firecrackers and stomped out beats in the shower with your feet.
When the fun loving boy with a twinkle in his smile also teased us to tears.
When at 6 you began soccer, loosing untied shoes as you flew to the goal on your tippy toes (later you would become determined and fearless enough to wrestle the ball from a two-foot taller opponent at age 16!).

It was only yesterday...
When at 8, as we continued home schooling, you would ask to learn science and make volcanoes with your sister's Barbie bubble bath, sometime breaking up learning with funny faces and stories.
When at 10, you were making your grand prix car to race and later sanding your Grand Am car to paint blue at 18!
When at 12, you said in a celebratory mood, "Hey, I'm going to take you out for a big dinner and a movie! Mom, don't forget your checkbook!" Then you danced around excitedly, your big hugs throwing us over!
When at 13, you used puppeteering and miming in ministry that allowed you to pursue mission trips to tell others about salvation in Christ.

It was only yesterday...
When at the same time, you learned strength, courage, and perseverance as you committed to your newly-found juvenile diabetes. Teachable and still maintaining your sense of humor, you counted out carbohydrates with plastic food in exercises to learn this new diet.

When in the next few years, as you were closing in on 18, we would find you working hard learning over 900 Bible verses. You enjoyed experimenting with guitars and playing in your ministry band, teaching a homeschool cooperative class, enjoying creative cooking, and your most favorite times, computer networking with family and friends! And of course, you were creating amazing animation.

When lately, you have been preparing to seek a career in graphics arts at Washington Technical College in Kirkland. We are praying for your dream in the fall, with special friend Casey, to begin a two-year degree in computer graphics 3-D game design and animation. We are hoping for the best for both of you!

Now as we look from the boy to the young man, we still see an energetic, fun- loving, yet ever-serious student, remaining sensitive, gentle, thoughtful, and compassionate, with great strength and perseverance.

We as your parents and family are so proud of you, Tristian! Be also encouraged by your faith in the Lord. Our verse for you is Philippians 4:4-9. Our desire and blessing for you is that you will forever find reward in reading your Bible and sharing the Gospel with others. Continue to glorify the Lord, feeling his presence through your music and seeking your future in the will of God.

Tristian, you have played a most precious part in our family of 3 boys and 3 girls: the Brady Bunch, as some have said. Though you will move on, do not forget the love we will always have for you and that we will always be a family. Our many memories and joys together will be cherished, and may there be many more! And as we ask God's blessing and guidance, we believe in you and love you dearly. May you also trust the Lord with your life, knowing He will always be the footprint in the sand when you need Him and can be the provider of all your dreams and future plans.

We love and thank you for bringing such inspiration and joyful fun to all of us!
Dad, Mom, Brandon 20. Brittany 15, Tiffany 13, Candace 11, and Caleb 9.