Happy New Year friends! I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and are having a fresh start to 2025. I love the feeling of turning a page into a new year. I know it’s technically one day to the next, but there is something special about new starts. I tend to opt out of New Year’s resolutions, because I figure if we want to start a habit, start now and don’t wait until the new year. However, I do really like making goals for the year and looking ahead. As Proverbs 29:18 says “Where there is no vision, the people perish”. So true. We need things to work towards, things to look forward to, goals to achieve, it’s part of our human nature. Before I get into that though, I want to take a moment to reflect on 2024. A huge year for me and my little family. Here’s some moments that really mattered:

Becoming a mum: 2024 started with the arrival of my darling boy Samuel, and what a joy he is to Chris and I, and so many others. Motherhood is such a gift, and also a huge adjustment. I was told before becoming a mum that nothing can prepare for becoming a parent, and I say that’s true. Nothing can truly prepare you for the sleep deprivation, the frustration, the unknown, the fear that often presents, but also nothing can prepare you for the sweet cuddles, the joy, the fun, and the love that overflows from having a baby.

Travel and trips around: Samuel isn’t one yet, and he has already been on ten flights. I’m so thankful for the lovely trips we went on in 2024 – around Australia to Cairns, Uluru and Cairns, and then overseas to England. With those trips came precious quality time with family, and bonding and making beautiful memories as a little family.

Growth as a person and in my faith: I can look back and say I’m thankful for this area, but it certainly wasn’t the easiest thing to go through. Living away from family was so hard at times, and feeling lonely and isolated was definitely the hardest part of 2024. In those moments and tears, I grew closer to God and knew He was with me. Those moments make me so excited for heaven one day when we will never feel lonely or isolated ever again. I also branched out more and met so many lovely people, and God provided beautiful friendships.

Fun with friends and family: There were definite low moments, but also there was so many precious moments with family and friends. I was able to be a bridesmaid for my lovely friend Melissa, we celebrated marriage and birthdays and the arrival of babies, we toasted to good times and feasted on delicious food surrounded by great company.

Learning new skills and developing habits: I finished 2024 with 23 novels read, multiple new recipes tried and tasted and enjoyed, leaning into old hobbies, and developing daily habits of organisation that really helped me.

Whatever 2025 brings, I trust that God will be with us the whole way. Place each into His hands and you’ll see His hand at work more in your life each day.

Proverbs 3:5-6: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.

Love, Gracie.