Ask, Seek, Knock

This year I have meditated on Matthew 7:7 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” In January, a friend had told me about Debbie Macomber’s book One Perfect Word. It was a great inspiration to me, so I decided to select a word or phrase.  My REACH philosophy is still a guide, but I feel I’m at a turning point in my life. I’m wondering what is next. I feel like something new is ahead. As I look to the future, particularly this summer as I have a few months off from teaching, I am diligently asking, seeking and knocking about various opportunities. My daughter is attending an educational program for six weeks, and it is a valuable, enriching experience in which I participated at her age, but it is a considerable expense. I need to take two more courses to complete my master’s degree which will get me a substantial raise in the fall. I am really interested in a writer’s conference, but that again is an expense.  My son needs to get a job and get his license. My husband still works nights and weekends, which is tough on family life. All these situations are  items that I am bringing to the Lord, awaiting his response, and actively exploring some options and opportunities.  I can’t wait to see how it all turns out!

DULOPA trip

I returned on Sunday from a 10-day, 4-country trip to Europe. I visited Dublin, Wales, London, and Paris. I was able to attend the trip as a chaperone for the high school English department. We had 28 students and 5 chaperones from our school. We were joined by two other small groups as we toured each city. While I was gone, the bombing of the Boston Marathon occurred as well as the explosion in Texas.  I was in London on the steps of St. Paul’s Cathedral shortly after the funeral for Margaret Thatcher.  Wherever I am, it is a comfort to know that the Lord is with me wherever I go, and he’s got the whole world in his hands! I am so grateful to friends and family that helped out while I was away and my husband was home holding down the fort. I loved the trip! Here are some pictures of some the highlights: