Hello friends! It’s been a little while since I’ve shared and I can honestly say it’s good to be back. Life has been busy and full and good and I’m super thankful for everything that’s going on. I thought I’d give a little life update of what the past few months have involved, but I will also save those extra juicy details for others posts at another time – which I’m sure you won’t be disappointed by.

Finishing one job, starting another: The day after my birthday in April, I finished up at a job I was in after working there for over a year. No job is perfect, however, I do believe there comes a point when having something that negative just isn’t worth it anymore. Following my resignation, I had a lovely two months off working (which was so very needed and perfect God timing). I have since started a new job, still working as an occupational therapist, and I can honestly say I love it and the team is so supportive and lovely and I’ve learned so much through being here already.
So that’s a win!

Little holidays and trips away: Shortly after finishing up at my previous job, Chris and I had a lovely week away at North Stradbroke Island, O’Reilly’s, and Cabarita Beach. I’ve already posted some bits and pieces about them, but will share more as they were all such nice places to visit. We also had a week in Brisbane, then another long weekend in Brisbane, a weekend on the Sunshine Coast, and recently a long weekend away at the Gold Coast. Each of these trips has been so refreshing, and the weather has been amazing each time, so thank-You Jesus!

Reading books: Oh my goodness, I love reading! I’ve been reading a real variety of books these past few months, and I mean variety! I’ve read some non-fiction, fiction, books about marriage, some of Roald Dahl’s classics (side note: James and the Giant Peach is one of the funniest books I’ve ever read!), an amazing book by William Wilberforce (one of the greatest humans to ever live), and quite a few others. I’m currently finishing off The BFG by Roald Dahl and will then go on to read Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus by Nabeel Quereshi. If anyone has any good book recommendations, let me know!

Gym workouts: Call me a sook, but I find winter where I live brutal for activities such as Park Run (7am is sometimes -1 degree Celsius which is just too much for me), so the gym has been much more appealing. I’ve also continued doing at home workouts, particularly with MadFit on YouTube – she has great variety amongst her workouts that are all home/apartment friendly. Chris and I have also really enjoyed going for bike rides together and walks in the Bunya Mountains. I’m super thankful to be married to someone who loves the outdoors and keeping active because it is so fun to be doing it together.

Reading my Bible and spending time with Jesus: For me, this isn’t a chore or something I “have” to do – it’s a lifeline, it’s so needed for me personally every single day. I love spending time reading my Bible, listening to worship music, and hanging out with Jesus. God has been teaching me so much lately and I love that in our walk with Him, we are continually learning more about Him, His character, and the wonders of His faithfulness and Love. I’m currently reading through the Gospels, starting in Matthew and reading a chapter per day. Sometimes I linger in a chapter for longer than a day, and grab by study Bible to help me understand the passage more. I’ve also been learning (and this I will probably be learning to do actively for the rest of my life) is to take my concerns to Jesus first, and not as a last resort. I love the words of the hymn What A Friend We Have In Jesus that say:
Oh what peace we often forfeit
Oh what needless pain we bear
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer

Life isn’t perfect, it never will be this side of eternity. But I sure do have a lot to be thankful for.

Jeremiah 29:13 – You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.

Love, Gracie