Thinkersloft

Happy 23rd Anniversary!

Posted by Dad

Nate is on his way to a whirlwind tour of Europe.  Today Berlin, then Dresden, Prague, Budapest, Vienna, Salzburg, Munich and Heidelberg.  Lord willing, he will be back in America August 16th!  Exciting agenda.  We pray for journey mercies from the Lord.

Thankful that the Lord is everywhere

Papa

Posted by Dad

It feels like my job search has been going on forever. As the summer's end is quickly approaching I am still without a job. I'm being patient with Anne Arundel County where new teachers begin August 10th (4 weeks from now). I am actively seeking a position and praying everything turns out for the best (and soon). AACo has been in a hiring freeze since the day after my inhouse screening in May. (I have done everything asked of me so far, the next steps are for schools to have openings, to go on interviews and land a job.) Getting a job is way easier said than done; as most of you know. I am getting certified to teach in PA for K-6. My degree's concentration is in social studies. I am hoping to use those qualifications to land a 6th grade social studies job. I never really considered middle school into May and pretty much am willing to expand my horizons so I have a job. Monday, July 6th I was given the number to the elementary level HR person of AACo who told me she is 2-3 weeks behind in knowing any openings. So when the two weeks is up I will be calling her back. Reality is that I doubt I will be an elementary school teacher this fall. My main contact in the HR dept is Larry who is in charge of middle schools. I last talked to him Thursday where he told me the 4 openings on the vacancy lists. I then called the schools shortly after but all the principals were busy and the schools are not open Friday. Therefore I am hoping to hear back from those schools Monday (today). Larry did say to not be surprised if the schools have already fulled those openings. He also told me July 15 is the last day for teachers to resign. Therefore I will be calling him on the 15th to see what other opening there may be.

I am hoping and praying that this week is when something will happen regarding a job. I have been patient and am trusting God will show me the way. I am asking you to please pray for me this week. Thank you! :]

Posted by Vicki

It feels like my job search has been going on forever. As the summer's end is quickly approaching I am still without a job. I'm being patient with Anne Arundel County where new teachers begin August 10th (4 weeks from now). I am actively seeking a position and praying everything turns out for the best (and soon). AACo has been in a hiring freeze since the day after my inhouse screening in May. (I have done everything asked of me so far, the next steps are for schools to have openings, to go on interviews and land a job.) Getting a job is way easier said than done; as most of you know. I am getting certified to teach in PA for K-6. My degree's concentration is in social studies. I am hoping to use those qualifications to land a 6th grade social studies job. I never really considered middle school into May and pretty much am willing to expand my horizons so I have a job. Monday, July 6th I was given the number to the elementary level HR person of AACo who told me she is 2-3 weeks behind in knowing any openings. So when the two weeks is up I will be calling her back. Reality is that I doubt I will be an elementary school teacher this fall. My main contact in the HR dept is Larry who is in charge of middle schools. I last talked to him Thursday where he told me the 4 openings on the vacancy lists. I then called the schools shortly after but all the principals were busy and the schools are not open Friday. Therefore I am hoping to hear back from those schools Monday (today). Larry did say to not be surprised if the schools have already fulled those openings. He also told me July 15 is the last day for teachers to resign. Therefore I will be calling him on the 15th to see what other opening there may be.

I am hoping and praying that this week is when something will happen regarding a job. I have been patient and am trusting God will show me the way. I am asking you to please pray for me this week. Thank you! :]

Posted by Vicki

My sister and her four kids home caught fire on Saturday. No one was home. Significant damage to several rooms, to include water and smoke damage. Most of their stuff is gone. 

Here is a link to the story.

http://www.wwlp.com/dpp/news/local/wwlp_local_neighbor_spots_apartment_fire_200906271445

Posted by Norm

The Northeast HS Class of 2009 now advance into further formal education or the workforce, diplomas in hand.  Number 6 of almost 300 was our own Nate.  He is on his way to Drexel to major in Math courtesy of Navy ROTC

WAYTOGO, NATEDOGG!  WE ARE PROUD OF YOU

Mam & Papa

Posted by Dad

Let us not forget the Sacrifices of those whom have given it all for our freedom.

Posted by Norm

Sunday was a major day in the life of Vicki and Nate.  They were Confirmed!  While all of us are Christians, not all of us know what it is to be Confirmed, with a capital C.  I will try to explain.  All churches hold that Faith and Baptism go together. Obviously, Babies that are Baptized can not have saving faith or repentance.  Therefore, their Believing parents makes a Confession of Faith for them.  Their Baptism is based on that Confession.  It is expected that the Baptized child will be raised in the Church and brought up as a Christian.  The Parents, God Parents and the entire Church make promises to do that very thing.  Hopefully, the day will arrive when the Baptized child is able and ready to confess the Baptismal Faith as his or her own.  This is done during a Worship Service.  On that day, the grown children confirm that the Faith confessed at their Infant Baptism on their behalf  is now truly their own. Hearing that confirmation, the Church, in the person of a Bishop, thanks God and prays He will fill the Confirmand with His Spirit and the grace to live henceforth for Christ.  The confirmed Believer is now considered a full-fledged disciple of Christ (a soldier of Christ)  And for all practical purposes, the confirmed Believer is also now recognized as a member of the Denomination.  This is the practice for all Denominations which Baptize infants. Confirmation is the way Baptized infants become Methodists or Presbyterians or Lutherans, etc  It is not the same thing as becoming a Christian or becoming a member of a particular local  parish or church.  

Vicki and Nate are now members of the Reformed Episcopal Church.  This is an Anglican Denomination whose first members left the Episcopal Church some 135 years ago because the latter had ceased being, in their eyes, truly evangelical.  

A Personal Note: To me, the moment I was confirmed is the moment when I left my Baptist Heritage and became an Episcopalian.  It was a major, dramatic, life changing moment for which I have paid a great price.   

Posted by Dad

http://www.military.com/news/article/navy-lets-sailors-take-break-from-service.html?ESRC=navy-a.nl

I just read this article and had to share. I am sure the "Old Salty Sailors" before my time must of thought my Naval Service time period was not as difficult as theirs, but come on lets get real people.  What every happened to the phrase "Steel Ships and Iron Men"? What about the Honor, Courage, and Commitment? Now it will be "Time Out, I need a break".

I certainly agree, that quality of life is a positive motivator for our service members and their families but this to me is just plain entertaining. You got to be kidding me.

Posted by Norm

CONGRATULATIONS, Vicki

One of the most important professions is teaching (that would have been my other career choice).  It is a great way to serve God, youth and our Nation.  Vicki has responded to the call and now embarks upon this vocation.  We are so thankful and proud.  May our Lord richly bless you with all the grace you will need, Vicki (including a "job" for next Fall).  You have used your time and talents well these 4 years.  We expect a wonderful career ahead of you, as you serve the greatest Teacher of all.  We love you

Mama and Papa OO

Posted by Dad