Irony

At school these past few weeks, we have been getting ready for the holidays. One day, we met with our advisory groups to make decorations for our school. We were told we could only use the colors blue, white, and neutral colors on the banners, and the phrase "Peace on Earth". They gave us some drawings we could use as models on the posters. One of the other restrictions, was that we couldn't put any religious symbols on the decorations. The ironic part of this project was that the permitted drawings were a dove, candle, star, and the earth. Those aren't religious at all, are they? I leaned over to one of my Christian friends and said, "How are these not religious?" My friend and I started laughing at the irony of the whole thing. The truth is that no one can escape from God and you can't take the Christ out of Christmas. Even if you can't say "Merry Christmas" (and have to say "Happy Holidays") or can't draw "religious symbols" on posters, God still reveals himself through other things...even at a secular school or anywhere else God isn't welcome.

In the Bible, the magi who were following a star weren't looking for Jesus. They were astronomers and all they cared about was the star. The magi were not believers. They were not even Jewish. Think about that for a second. When I learned this, I was stunned for the rest of the day. I had thought that the wise men were looking for Jesus and they believed he was the Messiah...but they actually were not looking for Jesus. When they saw the baby Jesus lying in the manger, they fell on their knees and worshiped Him and gave Him gifts. Even though they were atheists essentially, they were awestruck by Jesus, the newborn king. To me, that is pretty powerful. This history draws a parallel to what happened at my school. My school tries to "ban" religious symbols but whether you realize or even accept it, Jesus is imminent during Christmastime. Everywhere you go, whether or not you're looking for Him, He is there. You cannot evade God...everyone will eventually face Him sometime. Even if you can't draw religious symbols on posters or say "Merry Christmas," God reveals Himself in amazing ways like He did to the magi. Some people will acknowledge it (like the magi) and others will not accept it (like secular schools) but in the end, God is present to everyone during the holiday season.

2008 in Review: Fall continued...

Jim and I get to go out once in awhile now that the kids are staying home alone. This was a fun outdoor wedding overlooking the Pacific. Use your imagination....











Jim continues to thrive in his high profile job as Executive Director of Surfrider Foundation. I bought three frames and hung his smiling face from the various publications in which he's been featured recently. He commanded me to remove from the family room wall immediately. Not his style, but we are proud of him!

















He also keeps a low profile at home, especially after the international travel which continues to punctuate our year.

Like Allie, Reid is at a new school. He's made an awesome transition riding the bus and doing homework diligently. He posed with his awesome case manager at back to school night.













I had hoped by now to have outgrown Halloween but instead Allie actually wore her costume to school for the first time. I guess the Cinderella story is timeless. Jim took this early morning shot with one of his many iphone apps.

2008 in Review: Fall

This September Allie started at a new private high school in our area, Pacific Ridge. She is loving the increased challenge across the board. Their hallmarks are academic excellence, ethical responsibility, and global engagement. Her faith is growing in new ways (despite leaving the Christian school) as are her soccer skills, dramatic reading, Harkness discussion ability and writing proficiency.















Which do you prefer, the spiffy new uniform or the Jack Johnson tour t-shirt and earbuds?
















We spent a weekend up in the mountains with Benny.

Andrea and her mom celebrated their November birthdays at Lake Austin Spa. We did not wear towels the entire time--just when paparazzi approached. When I received the following photos on my phone, I figured Jim must have everything under control at home.

Our year is sprinkled with musical events, like this San Diego Youth Symphony concert in October.


Allie is there in the white blouse, second to last row! See her with the flute?

Reid performed at the San Diego Walk Now for Autism event with his band, The Kingsmen, as well as with the In Harmony Band, Kibbles Rockin' Clubhouse and as a soloist. He can't get enough time in front of an audience so says yes to everyone who asks.

Including the music director at our church! We are grateful for his encouragement and interest in the band. He made it possible for them to record a CD in the sanctuary (above, Reid must have goofed) and play as guests during Advent at all three services. He recognizes the unique message these guys deliver especially in a church setting. Check them out on www.myspace.com/kingsmensandiego

2008 in Review: Allie's Spring

Allie went to Washington DC with her 8th grade class from Santa Fe Christian Middle School. Here she is with her best pals. She is the one in the navy pea coat. Friends are what she misses most about the school.
























Allie loves her flute, plays it morning, noon and night. Guffaw! Well, this morning she did anyway. Her 8th Grade Graduation was more ceremonial than either Jim or I remembered from our public schools. A meaningful conclusion to her 3 years at SFC.


A graduation party followed afterwards. She is in the red v-neck. There was a good boy/girl ratio at this school, for the boys!



Almost the day after graduation, Allie left on a backpacking trip to Yellowstone National Park and the Grand Tetons led by two of her teachers. She is on the far right. These girls are bonded for life after their experiences and some inclement weather!