Harvest Lane Cottage

God spoke to me tonight at a Releasing Kings Conference .  A business conference... imagine that.  I'm just about as far from business and entrepreneurship as anyone I know.  But, I'm not far from God.  He had a message for me in this unlikely for me place. The Revelation : I don't have to know what to write to be a writer. I have to be willing to be used by God... willing to write what He gives me to write... willing to exchange the fear, the worry, the anxiety that someone might not like what I write, the memories of red and green ink all over my papers that I worked so hard at writing in college, the rejection of my youth, my natural focus on me me me. I have to be willing to give, willing to be a channel for God's blessing to flow through.  My source of what to write is God himself and what His Holy Spirit reveals to me.  In His Word, in His presence. All life flows from Him. Flow through me, Lord God. So be it. P.S.  A sweet...

??? The garage is half empty.  Garage sale this weekend.  Why do we accumulate so much stuff? Is it failure to make decisions? Is it fear that we won't have what we need in the future? Questions to ponder as we move on to the next step in conquering stuff. ???

"Don't you love to stay at home of evenings? Don't you love a cushioned seat in a corner, by the fireside, with your slippers on your feet?" ~Oliver Wendell Holmes~ I'm busy this week sorting, culling, and generally going through as much as I can to get ready for a little nesting next week.  I'm going to have a yard sale with my girlfriend, Joyce.  It's going to be hard work; but, it will pay off with a little extra money and a lot of good fellowship.  Then, after I finish cleaning up after myself ~grin~, I'll be ready to finish decorating for this brilliantly beautiful season. Have a terrific week. Laura

"A hundred men may make an encampment, but it takes a woman to make a home." ~A Chinese Proverb~ 

I wish I had a photo of a chair smashed through my computer.  I don't.  I'm not that kind of girl.  My husband says we've spent enough money fixing the old thing (pre-dinosaur model) that we could have bought a new one.  So, I guess a computer goes on my prayer list.  Dare I pray that it will be red? SEND CONTRIBUTIONS TO: Just kidding! You laugh or you cry. I choose to laugh. In God's hands, Laura

A Few Things I Love About Not Going Back to School: 1.  Missing the bus 2.  Missing the socialization 3.  Christ in the "classroom" 4.  The world is our classroom. 5.  Really knowing my children. 6.  My children love to read. 7.  Writing comes naturally to kids who love to read. 8.  Education happens outside typical subjects 9.  Lots and lots of choices... and we make them. 10.  Finding products that make learning fun- even Latin! and my personal Autumn and Winter favorite- Cuddling up on the sofa with cocoa, slippers, and a good read-aloud. Whether your children are going back to school or not, trust in the Lord and pray.  He is able to protect the children whom you have entrusted to Him.  "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." ~Romans~ Please don't think that you're not a good parent if you don't home...

 New keyboard!  Thank you God! It's a cold and rainy day... a perfect day to do a little knitting... and a little reading. The Harvest of Grace by Cindy Woodsmall (ch. 1 excerpt)

I'm not really one to read all the "forwards" people send in e-mails; but, my husband sent this to me.  It seems one of his friends sent it to him.  I do not know who this old saint is or if it was he who wrote the this, but it was just too good not to share.  I have to admit, I thought of Billy Graham as I read it. Enjoy! Laura I watched a church on television in Atlanta honoring one of its senior pastors who had been retired many years. He was 92 at that time and I wondered why the church even bothered to ask the old gentleman to preach at that age. After a warm welcome, introduction of this speaker, and as the applause quieted down, he rose from his high back chair and walked slowly, with great effort and a sliding gait to the podium. Without a note or written paper of any kind he placed both hands on the pulpit to steady himself and then quietly and slowly he began to speak.... "When I was asked to come here today and talk to you, your pastor asked me...

Somebody spilled soda on my keyboard... Don't know who it was... Can't sign in because I have no L key! L aura of Harvest L ane Cottage on B l ogspot.

Karen Tribbett art.com Where thou art, that is home. ~Emily Dickinson ~~~~~ May I suggest? Spread Love ~~~~~

~Emily~ Industrious and full of grace Emily Dedicated to Jesus Christ Worshipper of God Psalmist to the Lord Musician Singer Encourager Sister Daughter Friend Dependable Beautiful Courageous Leader Bold Hopeful Thankful Writer Teen for the Lord Loved Fourteen Emily Happy Birthday Sweetheart! Love, Momma

This is a lightweight rust colored crepe dress.  The top is embroidered with shades of moss green and light tan.  The sweater covers the fact that it is sleeveless.  I don't mind wearing something sleeveless at home; but, not in public.  Once again, it was a gift; and once again, I am wearing my black Mary Jane Crocs.   I'm sorry that I'm not getting these posted on the right days.  I do wear dresses every day; I just don't get things transferred from the camera every day. ~smile~  See what other ladies are wearing by clicking the button below. Laura

Fearlessly Feminine Challenge... a week of wearing dresses and skirts.  I'm afraid it's not so much a challenge for me.  I wear dresses every day.  I thought I'd just share a bit anyway.  I missed Sunday; but, here is Monday for me. The dress is Land's End - a gift from a friend. The shoes are CROCS' Mary Janes in black. Hair in a bun.  That's my summer style. It was in the seventies today.  After temperatures around a hundred last week, I was chilly! Unfortunately, I ruined the dress today by brushing up against some white paint.  Unfortunately, I didn't notice it until it was dry.  : ( Oh well, such is life with a young artist in the house. : )

Labor Day is a day when your mother-in-law, your brother-in-law, your sister-in-law, your niece, and two of your nephews come to visit you.  They watch you closely every time you have a twinge or Braxton Hicks contraction; because,  you were due on August 30th.  All day long you are under the scrutiny   watchful eyes of your family...sixteen eyes to be exact.  Labor Day ends with no labor in sight and is followed by another week and a half of non-labor days.  Finally, two weeks after your due date, the doctor takes pity on you and induces labor.  A certain little miss refuses to come out because it's warmer inside.  This results in a 9/12 rather than 9/11 birthday.  Happy Labor Day! The Art of Homemaking

Matthew 20 and Amy 10. Yes, they're both mine. Yes, they're both my husband's. We've been married 25 years. These are just two good reasons to live and love together forever.

"Seek home for rest, for home is best." ~Thomas Tusser~ Happy Labor Day weekend everyone! ~~~~~ May I suggest... I Believe ~~~~~ 

Emergency Relief  This Is The List Of Items That Our Resource Center Is In Need Of. This List Is Updated Daily As Our Needs Change And Supplies Need To Be Replenished. Vehicles       New or Used in excellent working condition Gift Cards         $25 Gas Cards     Walmart/ Sam's Cards     Target Cards     Sears Cards     Lowe's Cards     JC Penny     Kohl's     Home Depot     Food     Canned Goods     Non Perishable Items          Noodles     Rice     "Hamburger Helper"     Peanut Butter & Jelly     Condiments          Tea & Coffee  ...