Gone fishin'

No, I haven't really gone fishing (although it's something I do want to try someday) but it seems like a fitting phrase since I've gone AWOL lately with this blog.  (Tsk tsk, I know)

A lot of new things have happened and are happening since now and my last blog post.  One of the big things that's fast approaching is the 10km Run4Fun event next Sunday.  I've always wanted to do a long distance race but for some reason or another, I've never been able to.  Anyway, the decision to run this event is very impulsive in a way, especially seeing as I've never ran, jogged or even walked 10km straight before!  But it's always something I've wanted to do, so in a way it's not so impulsive either.  

I figure if I keep on putting it off, then I'll never do it.  Plus, it's forcing me to get back into running/jogging - something I used to enjoy a lot about a year ago.  I don't know why but there's just something about forcing to push yourself not only physically but mentally.  I completed 7km for the first time yesterday and my body is so sore but it just feels so good to know that I was able to do something that I set my mind to.  I'm also actually using this run to raise money for Compassion, so if you want to show your support head over to www.everydayhero.com.au/grace_gabriel.  I'd more than appreciate it :)

Another new thing that's happened or I should say happening is this new book I'm reading at the moment titled The Mentor Leader.  I don't want to give too much away since I'm only up to chapter 4 but all I can say is WOW.  It's one of those books that definitely speaks to the moment that I'm in now.

Anyways, I'll be sure to keep you posted on my race and the book I'm reading!

Bye for now 

x

Fix You

Yes, I admit it.  I'm a little more than a tiny bit obsessed with this cover of Coldplay's Fix You at the moment.  I also know that I've broken my promise to blog at least once a week (again!) but things have just become super busy all of a sudden.  I actually think it may be time for another holiday. What do you think?

I will try and come back tonight to write a proper post.  Hopefully!

The aftermath

Sunset at Anzac Park, Port Douglas

I know the word 'aftermath' is normally used to describe the consequences of a disastrous event but after a quick search on trusty www.dictionary.com, I soon learned that aftermath also means "a new growth of grass following one or more mowings" and for some reason, that definition perfectly describes my holiday.

Barron Falls, Kurranda

Cape Tribulation

Last week, was a whirlwind of an adventure and every single day was Simply Amazing.  I want to cement and remember every little minute of it - from the tranquil skies in Kurranda to the calming waters in the breathtaking beaches of Port Douglas.  I want to capture the extraordinary corals and sea animals within the Great Barrier Reef, the scenic drives along the windy roads of Regional Cairns and the overwhelming beauty of the towering trees deep in the heart of the Daintree rainforest.

Kauri Pine, Kurranda

Mason's swimming hole, Cape Tribulation

People have asked me what my favourite part of the holiday was but I'm not sure I could just pick one! Every single place we visited was absolutely amazing - and that's no exaggeration.  The weather was just perfect and the ocean was beckoning us to come in and swim - and swim, we did!  I know Mae and I were only gone for 5 days but I've lost count of the number of times we had to wash our hair after a morning/midday/afternoon/early evening swim.

Port Douglas Lookout

Cape Tribulation Lookout

It was so refreshing to take a break from the daily routines of work, ministry, family... life! Every morning (well 3 out of the 5 mornings anyway), Mae and I took our bibles down to the beach and spent half an hour reading and journaling together.  I don't believe it's just a coincidence that our church started reading the bible again afresh at Genesis.  Can you imagine what it was like to read about Creation whilst lying on soft, white sand underneath the warmth of the glowing sun?

Mossman Gorge

Cape Tribulation 

Cairns, Port Douglas and the Daintree Rainforest are definitely places that I will visit again.  I am fast running out of adjectives to describe just how beautiful the places we visited are, so rather than try and describe the places, I will end this post by urging, encouraging, pleading even for everyone to go and see these places for yourself!  Australia really is such a beautiful country, ain't it?