Here we go!

We are three quarters of the way to Singapore as I write this....it's taking a long time to get across Australia...such a vast country! But the good thing is we are finally on our way!

Last night I must admit I had a few 'wobbles'....well about 4am to be exact. I woke with a sharp pain in my neck and shoulder - something that had been troubling me for the last couple of weeks. Some friends had been praying for me in regard to this and I had really felt it easing, so when it came back with a vengeance I was a little alarmed and my peace threatened to go out the window. What if this pain is something serious, what if it gets worse while I'm away, what will happen if I get sick, who will look after me, maybe I should have gone to the doctor.....blah, blah, blah.

So I had to take myself in check, give myself a good talking to and then pray - lots! I found some anti inflammatory gel in my first aid kit (which every good traveller should have they tell me) applied some of that and went back to bed. As I lay down I felt the Lord's peace in a very real way and instead of lying there awake I just went back to sleep!

Just before 7am a text came in. Good timing as I had planned to get up at 7! It was from an old friend wishing me well and encouraging me to 'go for it'. But the most exciting thing was the scripture he included - Nehemiah 8:10B Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!

I was so encouraged as that was the second time this week I had been given that verse. The interesting thing is though, I had never before taken notice of the 'Do not sorrow' bit, and this week that just hit me between the eyes!

Actually over the last 18 months a lot of people have quoted that verse to me but just the joy of the Lord is your strength bit, and to be honest I have not received it well, in fact it often left me frustrated. The last thing I felt was joy. But anyway, I have had a lightbulb moment with that verse this week - twice - and it's all good!

So back to this morning - when I woke I realised I felt quite good and I was going to be OK! I think that had a lot more to do with the prayer than the anti inflammatory. I know we have an enemy out there who wants to rob us of joy, of anything good, and well.....just life!

So thank you Lord, you are true to your Word.

So now we are getting close to arriving in Singapore. I have met most of our tour group and am feeling a lot more relaxed. I am reminded of a wall hanging a family friend had hanging in their house when I was a kid - 'there are no strangers here, just friends we haven't met yet'

That's a good thing for me to remember as I go on this holiday with a bunch of strangers - ha!

When my son Heath asked me yesterday  if I was excited about my trip I said, no not actually excited, a little apprehensive actually. His response to me was "sort it out Mum". Kids eh?

Well now I've watched 3 movies, enjoyed a nice meal, had a chat with some new friends, written this blog, about to have a read......I think I'm sorting it out quite nicely!!

Till next time.......