Discrimination 101

Ok, so let me get this straight: we have paid for 100% of our sons' education over the last twelve years. We have not accepted one penny from anybody (not that anybody has offered) to pay for all of our books, supplies and software. The states of Louisiana and Georgia have collectively saved well over $200,000 over these twelve years of our home education. Now that we have a college ready student, he is not eligible for any state sponsored scholarship funds until he has completed 30 college credit hours. Basically, the states and the teachers' unions want to discredit home schoolers any way they can and make it as challenging as possible for our students to obtain funds that are readily available to public schooled students. I wish I could see the logic in this, however, I only feel violated and discriminated against. Where's the ACLU on this subject? Why it perfectly acceptable to discriminate against a block of society that outscored and outperformed all other blocks of educated children? Home schoolers out score public school kids in almost every subject. Whatever. Like always, we will man-up, play by the rules and HOPE scholarship funds will be available for us in a couple of years.

Blog Fog

I have been experiencing major blog fog. Especially now. I have contemplated blogging about a whole host of topics over the last few weeks, ranging from leftist hypocrisy to spring time gardening. I have had many opinions I would have loved to voice or recipes to share, but the nasty tornadoes have simply made me realize there is nothing truly worth blogging about in a catastrophe. There is a time to put your opinions on a shelf and come together with those in need and be as helpful as you are able. And the single most important part of it all that we are trying to teach our sons, is it's not about you. You should not go around boasting of how much money you gave or how many hours you put in on a job. It is about giving glory to God for equipping you to do His work. My mom was the best role model I had for this, and I am thankful to give her the credit for my desire to teach the guys the same important values. Matthew chapter 6 gives very clear advice on this subject. Live it in front of your children, don't simply preach it. Read these scriptures with your children.

So many people have lost their homes, their businesses and some have lost their lives. Our little town of Ringgold is a shambles. But having lived in Louisiana with bookend hurricanes Andrew and Katrina, I know we will rebuild and we will be stronger. Our character will be tested at times and our patience will be lost at times, but we must always return to our roots of faith, hope and love.

There are so many lovely and perfect Bible verses to help in times such as these. I like the Psalms during trials and then always end up in the Gospel when I have come out of the fire. All trials do lead to the Gospel, the Good News of Jesus Christ. But if you find you are still trying to come to terms with this, the Psalms were written for such a time as this.

Please continue to pray for Ringgold. There has never been anything catastrophic like this around here before and they are in deep shock. This is my favorite place I have ever lived and it hurts to see Ringgold suffering.