We are off on an (almost) bush camping holiday! Two weeks at an unpowered, secluded, picturesque campsite by the sea that just so happens to be attached to a very swish resort- style camping ground with the works, including a kids club! The best of both worlds. To make it a bit more authentic we are going offline.

Due to a couple of deadlines I am extending my offline period to a month. Apart from  my 10 minute challenge in Proverbs on Mondays, which I’ll post in the third and fourth week I’ll be offline for 4 weeks. Lots of prayers for all those who I know would normally be reading every day. I hope you have a wonderful month. God bless and encourage you.

Do you like my daughter’s art work? She says to tell you she does art with Jackie Brown at Mona Vale Art School http://mvartschool.com.au so that Jackie will get more people. Bless her 9-year-old heart. Jackie really is amazing.  So I do hope she gets more people from this.

I just want to encourage and remind you of the beautiful friend we have in Jesus. I have been singing the hymn of the same name this week. An oldie but such a goodie. I am going to include the lyrics below to bless you. There is healing power in these words. sing and be blessed.

1. What a friend we have in Jesus,
   All our sins and griefs to bear!
   What a privilege to carry
   Everything to God in prayer!
   Oh, what peace we often forfeit,
   Oh, what needless pain we bear,
   All because we do not carry
   Everything to God in prayer!
2. Have we trials and temptations?
   Is there trouble anywhere?
   We should never be discouraged—
   Take it to the Lord in prayer.
   Can we find a friend so faithful,
   Who will all our sorrows share?
   Jesus knows our every weakness;
   Take it to the Lord in prayer.
3. Are we weak and heavy-laden,
   Cumbered with a load of care?
   Precious Savior, still our refuge—
   Take it to the Lord in prayer.
   Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
   Take it to the Lord in prayer!
   In His arms He’ll take and shield thee,
   Thou wilt find a solace there.
4. Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised
   Thou wilt all our burdens bear;
   May we ever, Lord, be bringing
   All to Thee in earnest prayer.
   Soon in glory bright, unclouded,
   There will be no need for prayer—
   Rapture, praise, and endless worship
   Will be our sweet portion there.

copyright 1855 Joseph M Scriven

Be encouraged, be blessed, see you back here at the end of October.

Lots of love,

L