A Thrifty Week at Harvest Lane Cottage #88

Welcome to another thrifty week at Harvest Lane Cottage. I am glad you've found me! Each week I share my thrifty and frugal projects, ways of saving money, and my blessings from God. 

I am so glad you dropped in for a visit today—or tonight!

♥♥♥

Hey Y'all! 

  Thanksgiving is a sweet memory now. It was a beautiful day here in Missouri with my husband and my children. We've lost many of our leaves, but we have one brilliant gold tree just outside the window. In fact, you can see it from both our dining and living room windows. It's just glorious and makes me thankful. I love Autumn colors, and I think God had that tree planted just for me. He does that kind of thing for his girls... you do know that right?

  Remember the last line of last week's thrifty post? "I can't wait to see what God's got in store!" Well it was over the top amazing!

   .

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♥♥♥

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Here's my thrifty week:

~ I invested in another cubic foot of real estate. We took a box to the DAV. It's next door to the Red Racks thrift store where I bought my coat last week.

~ I earned more Swagbucks that I'm saving up to buy some nifty gift cards for my girls. I need only a few more to able to get both cards I want. Gotta keep Mrs. Kringle's secrets, you know? You can still sign up and earn gift cards from places like Starbucks, Amazon, PayPal, Bath and Body, Bass Pro, Olive Garden, Kohls, and Home Depot. There are lots of choices in various denominations. Maybe you'll find something for you. ~smile~ 

I once got a Starbucks card just for me. I used it for hot tea, and it lasted me a long time. It was so nice to know I could spoil myself just a bit without blowing the budget. Please check it out using by clicking to learn and earn more. (Yep, it's a link that will help me earn more SB too. It doesn't cost you a penny.)

~ A friend's husband brought a box of food for our Thanksgiving dinner plus a little extra. Wow! I didn't even have my turkey yet. What a big blessing! Thank you friends!

~ A friend arranged for a new-to-us refrigerator to be delivered on Monday! Wow! Praise God! We'd been limping along for several months with one that wasn't keeping things as cold as they needed to be. In fact, in the summer, we kept anything that had to be cold in the freezer—and it didn't freeze! There are not words for how much I appreciate this. Thank you Jesus! Thank you my friend!

~ Are you sitting down? You know how I have to drive my daughter to school in the next town? Some friends at church gave us a car! Emily will be able to look for a job now that she has transportation. Praise to God the Father and Jesus His Son!

I had no idea what a week it was going to be. God is full of surprises! And all I was thinking about was how to get a turkey in time to thaw it for Thanksgiving. God is definitely all about the BIG picture. I'm so glad He enjoys doing exceedingly abundantly above all we can think or ask. Sometimes He makes me feel like one of His spoiled kids. ~smile~

I was especially encouraged by all this, because I find that my Christmas budget is going to be very small this year. I am going to rely on creativity, the money in my PayPal accounts that I've made from selling thing on Etsy and Ebay, and the check I made for working as a poll judge a couple weeks ago. I know God will show me how to make it stretch. He always does.

If you're interested, I'll be adding more to my Etsy and Ebay shops this week.

Well, that's my thrifty week. 
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What are you doing in your home this week?

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A peek into my life...

♥

ღLauraღ

...doing what I can with what I've got

where I am on a short shoestring budget!


Swagbucks link has now been corrected, but you can click here if it didn't work for you. Thank you for your kindness.

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You might enjoy reading...

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Christmas 2016— Is This Your Year to Stop?

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Homemaking Party
Christian Blogger Link Up
No Rules Weekend Blog Party 
Art of Homemaking
Modest Mondays
 Peaches and Salt 

Christmas 2016— Is This Your Year to Stop?

Is this your year?

The year that you will...

• stop giving meaningless gifts and be freed to enjoy giving from your heart?

• stop feeling obligated to give and be freed to enjoy giving?

• stop trying to keep up with friends or family who have more and be freed to enjoy giving on a reasonable, budget friendly level?

• stop rushing to every activity and party and be freed to enjoy a few select activities that your family enjoys?

• stop going and stay home and enjoy your children, husband, and friends?

• stop focusing on stuff and enjoy focusing on the reason—a baby who grew up to be a man who gave his life to give you direct access to God the father, to give you eternal life, and to give you access to peace, hope, and trust through the Holy Spirit.

Make it your year!

This is your life.

Enjoy it!

Blessings,

Laura
Refocusing my Priorities





Mommy Mondays

A Thrifty Week at Harvest Lane Cottage #87

Welcome to another thrifty week at Harvest Lane Cottage. I am glad you've found me! Each week I share my thrifty and frugal projects, ways of saving money, and my blessings from God. 

I am so glad you dropped in for a visit today—or tonight!

♥♥♥

Hey Y'all! 

Can you believe we are less than a week from Thanksgiving? It totally snuck up on me. I know, it comes the same time each year, but I've been distracted by the election and confused by the trees that are only now reaching the height of their brilliant fall glory... a month late! Well, once I felt a nip in the air and golden leaves met me as I took my little dog out this week, I felt a refreshing joy and an excitement about the weeks to come. I can't wait to see what God's got in store!

   .

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♥♥♥

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Here's my thrifty week:

~ I bought four pounds of butter for $2.49 each. I saw a lower price later, but I still felt I'd gotten a good deal.

~ I used up the last little bits of bars of homemade soap. "Waste not want not!"*

~ I bought six 10 oz bags of Birdseye frozen corn for $.64 each.

~ I invested in one cubic foot of real estate. 

~ I earned Swagbucks that I'm saving up to buy some nifty gift cards for my family. I'd tell you the totally awesome place, but then a certain someone might see it on my blog! Gotta keep Mrs. Kringle's secrets, you know? There's still time for you to sign up and earn gift cards from places like Starbucks, Amazon, PayPal, Bath and Body, Bass Pro, Olive Garden, Kohls, and Home Depot. There are lots of choices. Please check it out using by clicking on the picture below to learn and earn more. (Yep, it's a link that will help me earn more SB too. It doesn't cost you a penny.)

~ My big thrill of a purchase was like getting a Christmas gift from God. A new thrift store opened in a nearby city yesterday. Since I was in the neighborhood today, I dropped in. Guess what? I found a nice fluffy warm coat in just my size! It's a medium purple (one of my favorite colors), and I think it might have down in it. Even if it doesn't it's super warm and three quarters length—perfect for dresses—has a removable hood (I don't like them.), and it was $13.49!!! Oh God lead me to that deal for sure! Shopping for a coat was on my bucket list, but the prices I found were way out of my range, so I had pretty well given up. BUT GOD! Thank you LORD!

My husband's paycheck is late since the boss is out of town, but when I get my grocery money, I'll be hitting the sales big time! Gotta make the list and check it twice. Thanksgiving will be here before you know it!

Well, that's my thrifty week. 
~~~~~

What are you doing in your home this week?

~~~~~

A peek into my life...

He's my favorite!

♥

ღLauraღ

...doing what I can with what I've got

where I am on a short shoestring budget!

~~~~~

You might enjoy reading...

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Something to Think About...
Christmas

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*Ben Franklin



Art of Homemaking  No Rules  Peaches and Salt

Trust, Pray, Repent

Isaiah 40:31KJV

"But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."

Fear not!  Things are in a bit of turmoil in our country right now, but God! No matter what happens, you and your family are safe in God's hands. If our nation decides that they want to pursue a destructive path, they will. God has given each of us free will. We can pray that God will intervene, and I believe he did Election Tuesday. More Evangelicals voted than have in decades. Holy Spirit is speaking to his people.

We must trust God no matter what. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. I'm praying for a great awakening in the nation, a revival in the church, and true repentance among believers. 

You know the verse that says, "If my people, who are called by my name... I will heal their land." When it's quoted, it's usually without the "and turn from their wicked ways". Most Christians are too much like the world. Well, maybe all Christians are. 

We must ask Holy Spirit to show us where we need to turn from our wicked ways... even if they are wrong ways of thinking or bad habits. We must take our Christianity seriously.

Just a thought...

Laura

Mommy Monday

Praying for a Third Great Awakening

I am praying for a third Great Awakening among Jesus' people and those who call themselves by His name, but do not yet have a true relationship with Him. 

It starts with us—searching our own hearts, seeking His face and not just His hand, and repenting as He reveals the need. Join me? 

Laura 

Wednesday- 
Homestead Blog Hop Christian Blogger Link Up Raising Homemakers - A Wise Woman Builds Her Home  


Share your Cup

A Thrifty Week at Harvest Lane Cottage #86

Welcome to another thrifty week at Harvest Lane Cottage. I am honored by your visit.  Each week I share my thrifty and frugal projects, ways of saving money, and my blessings from God. 

I am so glad you dropped in for a visit today—or tonight!

♥♥♥

Hello! May God give you peace and tranquility in your heart whether your candidates won or lost. Please pray for our leaders on all levels. May God bless America, and may we turn to Him with our whole hearts.

   .

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♥♥♥

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Here's my thrifty week:

Not much to report this week...

~ I bought pumpkins on sale for $1.99 and $.99 a couple days after Halloween. We don't link carving pumpkins with Halloween. We just have fun and enjoy the seeds.

~ $25.32 saved by using Price Matcherz to find price matches to use at Walmart and cherry picking the deals.

• American Beauty pasta (I bought 15 packages at $.49 each—enough to last for months.)
• Land o' Lakes butter $2.49 
• Pillsbury cake mixes at $.49 (for pumpkin or cherry dump cakes) 
• I also bought three Marie Callender chicken pot pies (a family favorite splurge) for $1.78 each plus I stacked it with a $1.00 use it now coupon! 

These are just a few of the bargains. Look at the Price Matcherz site to see what's available in your area. It's a free service that makes saving money easier.

~ We watched a free Redbox movie using a code my husband received by signing up for their text messages.

~ We also had a large family over for soup and dessert Friday night. My friend offered to bring chili, and I accepted. That's old-fashioned pot luck thrift.

Well, that's my thrifty week. 
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What are you doing in your home this week?

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A peek into my life...

Photo taken a few months ago when
we went out for half price appetizers.

♥

ღLauraღ

...doing what I can with what I've got

where I am on a short shoestring budget!

~~~~~

You might enjoy reading...

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Thanksgiving 2015

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Mommy Monday  Living Proverbs 31  Art of Homemaking
Wednesday- Homestead Blog Hop Christian Blogger Link Up Raising Homemakers - A Wise Woman Builds Her Home  

Salvation Does Not Come from a President or a Party

I humbly thank GOD 

for HIS MERCY AND GRACE.

Stand still 

and see the salvation 

of the LORD.

Salvation does not come 

from a president or a party.

Salvation comes only

from God the Father

through Jesus Christ.

Holy Spirit does the work

of speaking truth to us

if we will listen,

of teaching us 

if we will be teachable,

of comforting us,

if we will accept comfort.

Thank you for doing your 

part in the voting booth,

in getting out the vote,

and in praying.

This is just the beginning.

We must continue to pray

for peace in our country,

for prudence and wisdom for our leaders.

Let's not be weary of doing good.

God bless us every one,

and God bless America!

All praise be to God the Father, Holy Spirit, 

and Jesus the Son for this victory for America and Americans. 

Thank you God for your MERCY.

Thank you for giving America another chance.

God we want to be one nation under God again.

We honor you and ask your guidance and mercy to our leaders.

Amen.

You might also enjoy...

• God's Perfect Timing
• Sometimes Life Isn't Very Happy
• Saving Money With Jars... Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

PLEASE VOTE AND PRAY FOR OUR COUNTRY!

 

Please get out and vote!

This is the most important election in our lifetime.

As for me and my house,

we will serve the Lord

as proud deplorables.*

We believe, support, and live by

the Bible, 

the Constitution,

the Bill of Rights, 

and the Right to Life.

We will vote Republican

to protect life, liberty, and the

pursuit of happiness.

We will vote Republican 

to protect our religious freedom.

We will vote Republican 

to stop socialism.

We will vote Republican 

to see conservative, honest,

Constitution respecting

Supreme Court Justices.

We will vote Republican 

to protect America and

make it great again. 

Do your Christian duty.

Vote values. 

Not planning to vote?

Click here.

May God bless America.

*Hillary Clinton publicly, verbally attacked hard working, moral, American people.

Autumn Blessings to You!

Attention ladies...

It's a beautiful Autumn day outside...
sunshine, rain, wind, snow, cold, or heat, it's all beautiful Novembery weather. Don't miss it!

~smile~

Remember, whatever you're going through, you're going through it. You're going to make it. Lean into God and His promises. Read his word and know that it's his letter directly to you.

Hope you have a lovely week!

Blessings,

Laura




Homemaking Party

A Thrifty Week at Harvest Lane Cottage #85

Welcome to another thrifty week at Harvest Lane Cottage. I am honored by your visit.  Each week I share my thrifty and frugal projects, ways of saving money, and my blessings from God. 

I am so glad you dropped in for a visit today—or tonight!

♥♥♥

Hello! 

   We've been really busy with Autumn life including bonfires, church activities, campaigning, writing, reading, hot tea sipping, decorating and a little baking. 

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♥♥♥

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Here's my thrifty week:

• A friend gave me another blouse she no longer needed. 

• Since we've been campaigning a lot at Republican Headquarters. They provided meals if we were working at mealtime. 

• Fifty cent corndogs for all at Sonic on Reformation Day. Yep, I know they thought they were celebrating Halloween. ~smile~

• Update on the wedding gift I gave last month (a very big bottle of Dawn dish soap and half a dozen handmade tribbles): I received a sweet handwritten card yesterday from the bride saying they were her favorite gift because they were handmade, practical, and she needed them. Success! She'll be a frugal wife yet!

• We ate ribs that my dad gave us during our long period of unemployment at the beginning of the year. God has blessed us with so much chicken this fall, I'm going to have to thaw, cook, debone, and refreeze it to make room should my son shoot a deer this season. I'd better get on that soon!

• My daughter used both sides of the paper when she made her copies for the girls' Bible study she's leading.

• I sewed more tissue holder gifts. 

• I mended my son's flashlight holder.

• A big bag of peanuts in the shell for snacking for just $1.99.

Well, that's my thrifty week. 
~~~~~

What are you doing in your home this week?

~~~~~

A peek into my life...

♥

ღLauraღ

...doing what I can with what I've got

where I am on a short shoestring budget!


~~~~~

You might enjoy reading...
~~~~~
40 Ways to Use it Up, Wear It Out, Make it Do or Do Without

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Home and Garden  Share Your Cup  Mom's the Word - Good Morning Monday Mommy Moments  Amaze Me Monday - Living Proverbs 31
The Art of Homemaking    Modest Mondays  Homemaking Party Growing in Grace

My Daybook ~ November 3, 2016

Join us at The Simple Woman!

Dear Ladies, 

Hello! 
  Welcome to November the month of thanks, friendship, and anticipation. I hope you are finding things to be thankful for even if you find yourself in a hard time or under pressure. 

I know there is a lot of anxiety about the election. The waiting will be over before we know it. The course for America's future will be set. Will we choose leaders to honor our Constitution and freedom, or will we stray farther from the Founding Fathers' and God's design for our country? Time will tell. Please pray for our country, for peace regardless of the outcome. We want to continue to be one nation under God. We must love one another and be kind even if we don't agree. PLEASE VOTE!

Thanks for dropping by! May God grant you the desires of your heart as you delight in Him.
God bless you!
Laura
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For Today... November 3rd, 2016

Outside my window... I see a Novembery gray sky. We are just seeing a bit of color in Southwest Missouri, but leaves are already falling from the trees. I think that the strange temperatures may rob us of a beautiful display of rich colors.

I am thinking... about the election... like most everyone else.  Please listen to this most patriotic of songs as you continue to read.

God Bless America, First Radio performance, 
Armistice Day November 10, 1938, Kate Smith

I am thankful... that God puts leaders in their place. Romans 13:1. He knows the outcome of this election. I am praying that God will be merciful, that he will wake up his people, and they will vote.

I am wearing... a blueberry blue striped t-shirt and my denim skirt. Bare feet. Pale pink toenail polish.

I am creating... nothing at the moment, though I plan to make my list and check it twice very soon. The cooler weather has me in the mood to feather my nest and begin Christmas Kringling. By the way, kringling has my own definition. I once looked it up and it meant something different. To me, it's all that goes into making Christmas and gifts behind the scenes.

I am going... to a nearby town to take my daughter's sneakers to her. She's going to be literature dropping at American Government Camp, and she left them in the van.

I am wondering... who will win. What America will look like after November 8th.

I am reading... I'm reading The Cottage by Michael Phillips along with snatch reading from other books on my Fall Reading List.

I am hoping... to do some cleaning, some more fall decorating, some record keeping and planning, and some sewing this week. 

A favorite quote for today... 

"What we forget is that following God makes us different—from unbelievers, but also from one another. God has created each of us uniquely and for a specific purpose. And in that purpose we can dare to accomplish what he asks of us." 

—Judith Couchman Daring to Be Different

A peek into one of my days...  Three bonfires so far this fall!

One of my favorite things... S'mores with melty centers

From the Board Room... I've got lots of Fall inspiration on Pinterest.

A Favorite Link...  "Expect Changes" from Living from Glory to Glory

♥♥♥♥♥
Have a wonderful week!

Laura

Happy at Home

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Home Happiness Depends on the Wife

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Homemaking Party Growing in Grace

Thoughts on Voting 2016 ~ I LOVE MY COUNTRY

Since I will be working as an election judge this year, I voted by absentee ballot early. There are more than a few folks who don't feel they want to vote this year given our choices for president.

Here's the thing.
I don't like Trump. I don't like Clinton.
BUT I LOVE MY COUNTRY.

I feel a moral obligation to vote. Where does that leave me as a Christian?

In order for my vote to actually count, I must vote for one or the other.

• One, Mrs. Clinton, has clearly shown herself to be a proponent for everything that I find to be against God's laws. Her disregard for human life, for justice, for national security, and the Second Amendment among other things, are alarming. I cannot vote for her. We won't even discuss her lying, her disregard for the Constitution, and possible criminal actions.

• On the other hand, Mr. Trump, while not a model citizen, has pledged to support the Constitution, the Second Amendment, Pro-Life, national security, etc. I don't expect he would be a perfect president. BUT I have a deeper concern.

The most important issue of this election, to me, is The Supreme Court.

Who is going to appoint judges who will uphold the Constitution and Bill of Rights in a manner consistent with the Founders' original intent?

• I am absolutely certain that Hillary Clinton will not be that person.

• I believe that Trump will appoint conservative judges who will do their best to uphold the Constitution. That is major for our country. The Constitution is the glue that holds us all together. It's what will protect our children, our grandchildren and future generations until the Lord returns—IF WE DON'T LET THE JUDGES LEGISLATE FROM THE BENCH!

One final issue—President Obama has made Executive Orders that bypass Congress. I believe that, following his example, Mrs. Clinton would do the same.

I do not believe that Mr. Trump would do that—unless there were a reason that fit in with the original intent of that privilege.

Well, that's how I see it. I want to commend my readers on being very kind and open about this. Mr. Trump has prayed the prayer for salvation. Whether he was serious or not will show itself in time. This I do know. I thank God Christ can change us. I am not who I was. Thank you God!

We all must pray, and please vote.
Laura

Still undecided? Click here.