"Life is lived forward, but understood backward. It is not until we are down the road and we stand on the mountain looking back through the valley that we can appreciate the terrain God has allowed us to scale.” Jill Savage

Thursday, August 30, 2012

Thursday Thoughts

(Thank you Carmen/sis).

"I have always thought the actions of men the best interpreters of their thoughts." ~ John Locke


Thursday's post can be easy or hard for me to write - it's usually something that's on my mind and something relevant.  I have so many things going on in my head today!

The most important thing is my grandson - and his 6th grade middle school.  Many of you have been coming here for awhile and know over the summer we tried 4 or 5 Christian schools for my grandson.  Now the reason we didn't pick the one closest to us - was that when my daughter went to a Christian school we went there and didn't like it.  I think back then they still paddled and it was not accredited.

We searched all schools up to ten miles away.  One after another said no he did not fit. (Their loss by the way).  We decided to try this one less than a mile from home just as a fluke.  We didn't even waste the money to apply at first we needed to check some things out first - and tell them about the grandson's spelling and writing - right up front.  Ask they about accreditation and  punishment.

The principal was different.  No punishment other then checks which he would get at a public middle school, and it is accredited now.  We talked about his issues - he looked at the grandson's grades and  said he felt he could do the work and they would work on the writing and spelling.

Well all summer the grandson complained and my stomach was upset and I was kind of tied up in knots.

We went to open house and had dinner - grandson still did not like it.

The Saturday before school started the 6th grade had a pool party - aha - he starts to like it.

Week one he tells me to give him a week to decide.

Last week - week two - he starts to own the school as his.  He loves and is proud of the uniform.  Loves the kids and the teachers.  Has gone to his first football game.  Has two lockers.  Changes classes.  Has two checks - for not bringing the right materials to class - and is happy as a clam.

Now I am worried why it is going so well.  You can't win - right?  The one thing he does have - is homework.  He must have 3 hours a night and remember he does have ADHD.  But he is doing it and he wants to do it.  CAN YOU BELIEVE THIS?  It is a great school and he is learning so much.

Okay the original thought I was starting to say is - I wanted to thank everyone who prayed for us and prayed for the right school.  God knew what he was doing?  Why did I worry.  Why can't I trust better?

 Anyway I thank you for praying and I thank God for answering your prayers.

Okay question.  When I copy a photo to put on my blog - sometimes a link pops up (when I right click) - and no matter how hard I try - when I go to try to copy it - it disappears.  How in the world can I give them credit for it?  Do you know what I am saying?


I thought last weeks Thursday's Thoughts were so good.  Basically it was about not following the crowd - becoming your own person - living more in the now.

I saw kind of a trend.  I think the older the person was who commented - the more they understood - and I remember being in my 30's or 40's and I knew about it, but I didn't know it from living it.

I think it is sort of a time of passage.  I'm going to be 60 next birthday - and I know that isn't old - and I know hopefully I won't be dying - but I know this too - everyone is going to die from something and I have less years to go then what I have spent!

I didn't waste my years when I was struggling and learning things.  But I did waste some of my time  and at times I wish I had back.

So what I have learned from all this is - TIME IS PRECIOUS - you have to do your normal living things I know that - but if you can take little chances - do something new to experience - not stay mad - learn to love - I think my last 20 years (?) will be much better then the early ones.  I'm looking forward to growing old.  It feels safer now.  I feel I know myself better now.  I don't let people walk all over me like I used too - at least I am getting better.  I say no more often to others and yes more to myself.

And I know this - God is good no matter what happens in my life. \
Everything is okay even when it is not okay.

Okay done with thinking - my brain is tired!









THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:

 "Joy and hope are never separate. I have never met a hopeful person who was depressed or a joyful person who had lost hope...It is important to become aware that at every moment of our life we have the opportunity to choose joy. It is in the choice that our true freedom lies, and that freedom is, in the final analysis, the freedom to love.”    Henri Nouwen - Catholic Priest 1932-1996

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42 comments:

Shelly said...

What a great post! Loved the news about your grandson and his school. It's going to be a great year~

MadSnapper said...

this is really great news about GS and the new school. so happy for him and you. the older we become the more wisdom we have, but younger people don't want to hear it, they have to become wise on their own. of course now i am getting so old i can't remember the wisdom i learned to share it if they wanted to hear it.

Kathy ... aka Nana said...

I'm SO glad that your grandson is settling in and liking his new school. How absolutely awesome! And I do that, too ... fret and worry and then realize at the end that God was in control and knew what He was doing ... and ask myself why can't I trust Him better/more?

I'll be 62 on my next birthday and I know that the time that I have left is a drop in the bucket compared to the time that I've already spent ... time IS precious and not to be wasted, but to be savored and enjoyed. Thanks for the reminder.

Jill said...

You have moved me on so many levels this morning. *gulp* Thanks be to heaven for the job your grandson is doing and that the school seems to be doing theirs. Yes, God knew what he was doing, as always but your family is also very lucky to have you to hold them up, support them and LOVE them! Try to breath, pray and enjoy these hard earned moments, my friend.

Liz Mays said...

It makes me so happy for your grandson and all of you that his transition to this new school is working out so well! Yay!

Remington said...

I am happy for your grandson! Your post is so true....enjoy your life!

Parsley said...

Glad for your Grandson. It's so hard to find that perfect fit...that's why we homeschool. We don't have Christian Schools near.

I'm mostly known as 'MA' said...

How great that everything is going so well. I hope your grandson keeps on being so positive about this school. A lot depends on the teachers, but if he has a good attitude, he'll succeed. It's so much easier when they enjoy it. Hope your Thursday is a great one!

Granny Annie said...

You are certainly an example that "Joy and hope are never separate..."

Anonymous said...

Albert sure had some great quotes didn't he? So glad the grand is enjoying his school...what a relief.

Lois Christensen said...

Love your posts on Thursdays! Glad your grandson is enjoying his new school. My girl was always a horrible speller. ALWAYS. We would work for hours on her spelling lists for her to come home with terrible grades and of course that would affect her overall grade. I once told her teacher how many hours we would spend on her spelling tests and the teacher couldn't believe it. My son on the hand rarely studied and go 100's on almost all his spelling tests. Never could figure this out. Have a question for you, did you work outside of the home at all? I seem to struggle with this decision the most. Enjoy your day!

Gina said...

I'm so glad your grandson is enjoying his new school. It is so difficult for kids, even adults, to have to change & readjust. I hope he continues to do well!

Jeanie said...

It is great that your grandson has adjusted so well to his new middle school. Those changes are hard for any kid. My oldest granddaughter (also ADHD) was the new kid last year in 4th grade and, of course, I worried about her. After the first week it was all good and I will have to remind myself of that when she starts middle school next year.

Beth said...

I am so glad your grandson likes his new school and I hope the liking continues.

We all grow old, but some of us never grow up. LOL!

TexWisGirl said...

really glad for your grandson. :)

barbara l. hale said...

I'm happy for your grandson. It's so good when a kid feels comfortable in his or her environment. Hey, I'm turning 60 for my next birthday. There are some days when I feel 80 and some when I feel 40. I guess that's life.

Anonymous said...

My children all three went to a Christian school. My hubby also went on the school board right away so then he gets to not just go to the school with me for school meeting. We called it back then. Home and school meetings to meet the teachers and talk to the teachers. How the children are doing. Instead he took the step up to know them personality of the teachers . See what books they are teaching the children and how much help they get when they need it. Is there help if the child needs it after school or in the mornings before school starts available. He felt it is the teachers right to be doing that.To teach those hours and more . Not the parents. All those questions he got answers for. The children are the future. If you child is not getting the homework you think he should be. Perhaps the teacher is not giving the help he needs from the so called dedicated teachers. Also it may be the teachers are going home early or your child has his homework left at school. That happens. So pray about it and if you feel it is necessary to make an appointment to see the principal or teacher. It is the beginning of the term. So best to see. You dont want later to be told by a phone call your Grandson did not do his home work. This can work both ways. So get it all straighten out. Get the peace of mind. As my friends Grandchildren were not bringing the home work home. He kept saying he did it at school. Then came the phone call. Mrs so and so your son is not handing in his projects.They are a week over due. They were shocked the Moms.
===============

I am 70 and I feel I have learned to be wiser and not have people walk all over me. At one time I would be a doer to everyone that aksed a favour fro me. Not anymore. I always say now. I will get back to you on that. I do not make a quck answer.

My life is as important as the people who always want me to do for them. I am sure you have realized that many times for yourself.

Also I have learned sometimes when you do for others. The family of them will step back and you become a servant more to them. They the family have the life of pleasure once you step in and be a doer. My one friend told me. She was doing everything and the daughters were out doing manacures, skin care for themselves and really they were not doing anything for the Mom.. My friend was the care giver and her own family was in dier of her need. while she was being a doer for the wrong reasons.

We have to really ask the Lord guidence whom we are called to do things for. If we have peace in helps then it is of the Lord. If we have not peace and keep complaining then it is us that went before the Lord. So for sure . Take care of you. Pray for all things. That is a growth we have when we get older in the Lord. The Lord gives us to be wiser. To be lead of him and not we who go first.

jack69 said...

Aw shucks, this is a great entry. You had me going with the story of the school. BUT in the end, GREAT, I am glad he 'owns' the school as his very own.
Funny, yes, in life we sometimes live waiting for the other shoe to drop, I have a son near 50, and I still wait for the other shoe to drop!!!!

Love the quotes today, gives me some hope and something to think on. I love Albert Einstein's mind.

Have a great day, we are waiting for our sons to arrive. They stopped in Connecticut for the night.
Oh and about prayer, more than most folks know, we will need prayer on the hike. Not a physical thing but a spiritual thing with the son. Having Fred and Gordon along, (experience as missionaries) I am praying will help.

Love you!!!

Susan said...

Hi Sandie....

Lots of good thoughts in your post today.

First of all, I'm so happy GS likes his new school and is adjusting. I wish they wouldn't give so much homework, though.

We are only young once and must have fun, too. Staying in school all day should be enough, but what do I know?

I also think it's imperative to LIVE IN THE MOMENT. Make each moment count and enjoy it as much as possible.

Life goes by so quickly. We must savor each sweet second.

Take care and have a super Thursday. Susan

Unknown said...

I am really pleased to hear about GS progress. Knowing for a fact that it can be difficult for a child with ADHD, my daughter has it as well. And we had our hard moments at times. But today she is doing very well working as a chef and she is very determined and driven. And yes, I think we do worry to much sometimes...I am a living proof of that...I use to worry about anything in the past. But these days I am more relaxed...
Great post again :)
Enjoy your day!
Hugs,
Eva

Debby@Just Breathe said...

It is absolutely a wonderful blessing that everything is working out for your grandson at his new school. I am so happy for both of you.

Miss Debbie said...

Great news about your grandson and school. It makes such a difference when they are happy in their school. After all, they spend most of their day there. Wonderful for him to see at a young age that God cares for him and every detail of his life and that He answers prayer. God's plans for us are good! :-)

Grandma Bonnie said...

I am so happy school is going good for your grandson. Half the battle is over if they like school the other half is homework which seem to get longer every year.

Ann said...

So glad to hear GS loves the school. Now stop worrying and trust that things will all turn out. :)

Dee said...

Happy news about your grandson...when you put God into the picture it is amazing what can happen.:) I will be 64 in a few months...and I feel more peaceful and comfortable with myself than ever before. I do use a little more oil of olay than before LOL but I find the ageing process interesting.

Nonnie said...

I'm really happy to hear your good news about your grandson. That is a relief and happy feeling for all of you.

So many good things you shared today. I think about time wasted in the past, and so sorry that I didn't realize how precious time is until I was in my 30's. Being 60 isn't bad and it's good to have a good attitude about it. I am now edging closer to 65 and wondering how that happened. Enjoying life and trying to be a good steward of time that I do have left.

Marie said...

Love the Einstein's quote! I believe everyone has gifts, strengths and weaknesses. I'm so very happy for you and your grandson!
I'm forty-three and it seems like only yesterday I was twenty-seven and bringing home my baby boy. Time flies by and I do try to enjoy each day and not wish time away. I've always been somewhat independent (moved out of my parents home when I was seventeen and been on my own since), not into cliques. I've always, for the most part followed my heart. This is the most difficult part of raising my son, teaching him to let go of negativity and supporting him in his leadership and showing him how to steer clear of people that want to bring you down...follow his heart. Pray, pray and pray, anytime of day, anywhere. :) TRUST

Blondee said...

When you find a photo you like, if you cannot find a link to ask permission to use it...use the photo and give credit by saying the site name where it came from, or 'photobucket', 'internet', etc. If it came from another blog, link their URL by cutting and pasting if need be. Some sites have an email addy for you to ask permission, others say you cannot use pics no matter what.

I am SO, SO, SO glad for you and for grandson. He's found his niche and it's incredible. It brought tears to my eyes to read that he loves his teacher, uniform, etc....you know how close this is to my heart with my own girl's needs...I am glad he is doing well. :)

Linda @ A La Carte said...

Sandie I have learned so much about the power of prayer from you. I see God's hand in everything and praying for so many others had changed me. So glad school is working out and that you are feeling better about your next 20 years. I say we just enjoy it all! Hugs, Linda

Louvregirl said...

Hey CC!
In regard to the following on my blog:

"Did you write this? I am so glad that you asked me to read it.

I understand it at such a divine level - it means the world to me.

I am going to save it. If I decide to write a post on it - may I if I give you credit?"
----------------------------
Thanks! I'm so glad you did like it (I thought that you might :-) ) and yes, I did write it. You may use it anytime to provoke discussion (or whatever) just give me credit, alright (my name after the poem.)

I am in a writer's poetry group here but have been so busy with my life, family and all I haven't been writing nearly as much.

It is about the 'blind' times in life when you don't see (as well as you'd like, perhaps) over the hill. But one must trust.

Love ya CC and thank you so much for your kind words. This mean a lot. :-)

louvregirl, Karen

Hey!

Along the same lines (as on your post!)

"I beg you…to have patience with everything unsolved within your heart and try to love the questions themselves as if they were locked rooms or books written in a very foreign language, don’t search for the answers, which could not be given to you now, because you would not be able to live them, and the point is, to live everything, live the questions now, perhaps then, someday in the future, you will gradually, without even noticing it, live your way into the answer." (Rainer Maria Rilke)

andy said...

What a great post! !!!!

Rob-bear said...

I hope the news from school is good. A bit worried about 3 hours of homework and ADHD. Or is it the ADHD that turns half an hour's homework into three hours?

Tweedles -- that's me said...

I think your GS is off to a great start!
love
tweedles

Angela said...

Praise God for answering all of our prayers about your grandson! I'm thrilled that he is doing so well! That is a God wink that he is in the right school!

60 is the new 40 today so don't worry about your birthday making you old! I don't know why but older people don't look as old to me as they did when I was a kid. I hope it isn't because I'm getting old too! lol

TARYTERRE said...

I hope your grandson will continue being happy with his new school. THREE hours of homework seems like alot but if he's not complaining and neither are you. take care.

Catherine said...

That is such a terrific little quote! Wishing you a beautiful weekend. Wishing you a wonderful September!
xo Catherine

Anonymous said...

I'm glad that your grandson is doing well in his new school-and even better, that he's enjoying it. Hopefully things will continue to go well there.

Betty W said...

I'm so glad you found a great school for your grandson. I can only imagine how tense you must have felt, that first week of school. Wishing him a great school year!

Marianne (Mare) Baker Ball said...

So glad your grandson is finding his place! PTL! And you are so wise to be reflective about approaching 60. It takes us a lifetime to know for sure that God is in control, and we will be OK, no matter what. If only we could get it sooner! I just turned 56 and am thinking about some of the same things.

SquirrelQueen said...

I love the quote at the top of your post!

That is so wonderful about your grandson. Enjoying school creates a good learning environment. It sounds like he is going to do really well this year.

The next time you run into the problem with the photos. Click on the photo then go to the top of the page under Edit and click on copy. That might work.

Coloring Outside the Lines said...

You know I am so happy for all of you. I can't imagine all the stress and worry- and how hard it is to just let God and let go.
It's good to hear he is enjoying and claiming the school as his own- that is a GOOD sign!

Dolores said...

Praising and thanking God for answered prayers for your precious grandson!!!