My Turning The Tables Fantasy

I would never do this to anyone in real life. It just wouldn't be nice. But, in recent weeks, I have had the misfortune to be around people who think it's okay to give me flack about the fact that we homeschool our kids.

If you've ever homeschooled, you know what I"m talking about. The questions and comments like "Don't they want to make friends?" "What about socialization?" "I couldn't stand being with my kids all day." "How can you teach high school courses?" "Are you STILL homeschooling?" and on and on it goes.

Just once, just ONE time, I would LOVE to be able to walk up to a person whose kids are in traditional school and say "Oh, you're kids can ONLY make friends at school? What a shame!" Or, "Oh, my, how difficult it must be for your children, since they only know age-segregated, artificial socialization! I don't know how you cope with that!" Or, "Oh, you don't enjoy being around your children? How very sad!" Or, "Oh, you mean you DON'T learn along WITH your children?!! Really?! Imagine that!" Or, "Oh, your children are STILL in school? Aren't you going to homeschool this year?"

I won't ever do it. But it surely would be fun!! LOL
Vicki

Masterpiece in Progress

The young man was a hometown hero. He had a passion for the game of baseball, and was blessed with athletic talent to go along with it. In high school, he was the "wonder boy"~an amazing athlete, destined for the Big Leagues. His family, his coaches, and indeed his whole hometown celebrated when the young man was chosen in the first round of the 1999 Major League Baseball Draft.

But, the young man had a secret that no one knew. By 2001, his promising career had fizzled, and he had dropped out of baseball all together. Why? The stronghold of drug and alcohol addiction had squeezed everything else out of his life.

By 2003, the young man had given rehab a try, more than once. He even met a girl, and got married. But there was something important missing from those rehab programs, and they didn't "take". In 2004, his wife left him. The couple did not divorce, but the young man was forbidden to see his wife, step daugther, and his own young daughter until he could "get his act together."

Then, in 2005, an amazing and wonderful thing happened. The young man finally found that "missing piece"~he met the Lord, and accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. He has been clean and sober since that day, has re-united with his wife and children.

Fast forward to July 14, 2008. The young man's baseball career is not only back on track, but flourishing. He is a full fledged memeber of a Major League Baseball team. He's having a GREAT season, and has been chosen by the fans to represent his team in the All Star Game. He has also accepted an invitation to participate in the 2008 Home Run Derby, a home run hitting contest that raises money for charity.

The young man is Josh Hamilton, rookie outfielder for the Texas Rangers. Last night, he set a new Home Run Derby record by hitting 28 home runs in the first round of the Home Run Derby. He will have the honor of being a starter for the American League All Star team, and has a good shot at being the 2008 Rookie of the Year.

When asked by a reporter if he had any parting thoughts after last night's derby, Josh replied, "I just want to thank my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for making it possible for me to even be here tonight. I am amzed at the work that God has done, and is doing, in my life, and I hope that I have brought some honor and glory to Him tonight."

How much easier my own life would be if I simply lived in light of the realization that I am a work in progress. God is the ulimate artist, so I can rest assured that when He is done, His work will be a Masterpeice.

My job is to bring honor and glory to Him from down here on His potter's wheel.

Dont give up. Don't throw up your hands and quit. You are a work of art. You are being molded and formed into His Masterpiece. Praise His Holy Name!

Vicki