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Friday, April 28, 2017

Looking for a Thrifty Week?

Hello!

If you're looking for A Thrifty Week at Harvest Lane Cottage, please come back next week. I had some difficult circumstances this week that kept me from doing much of anything around the house. Hopefully, I'll be back to normal next week.

It's been a week of blessing though. If one pays attention, there's always a blessing hidden even in the hard times. I may share about it later, I'm just not ready to talk yet.

I did get to do some neat things this week.

Monday night my husband and I went to my current favorite restaurant— Chik-Fil-A courtesy of one of my dear readers. Thanks so much Sandi. It was a treat! I got #1—a Chik-Fil-A Sandwich, cottage fries, and a lemonade. Yummy!


Tuesday a good friend invited me to go along with her to take our daughters and another of their friends to... drumroll please... Pioneer Woman's Mercantile in Pawhuska, Oklahoma. It was a long drive, a bit over two hours, but it went as quickly as our tongues. It had been awhile since we'd had a visit. ~smile~ The countryside is gorgeous in Northeast Oklahoma. We arrived just in time to stand in a long line outside. Fortunately, there was shade—at least at first—and a nice breeze. I wouldn't like to be there in the summer heat. We waited in line a couple hours, then enjoyed a nice lunch in the Mercantile. It is definitely a destination. Don't go unless you have plenty of time. We had a great time. Thanks JuLinda!

Amy, Jazmyne-the birthday girl, and Hannah

Wednesday I had some tests done. Not fun, but it's a blessing that I now have insurance so I could do it. Thank you God!

Thursday night I enjoyed a banquet with my daughter's Koinonia Christian club at a local college. Emily was one of the students selected to speak about her experience this year with the club. Thank you Emily!




Well, it was a busy week filled with activity and new experiences—and as long as I am here, I guess a new experience would be exciting. ~grin~

It's been a week filled to the brim with prayer, praise, worship, Bible, and sharing the love of Christ with others.

Blessings to you all, I should be back next week with thrifty week 100!

Enjoy now!

Trusting in God,
Laura
♥~♥~♥
"LORD, it is nothing for You to help, whether with many or with those who have no power; help us, O LORD our God, for we rest on YOU, and in Your name we go against this multitude.
O LORD​, You are our God; do not let man prevail against You!" 
2 Chronicles 14:11

♥~♥~♥
​"...and the children of Judah prevailed, because they relied on the LORD God of their fathers." 
2 Chronicles 3:18b
♥~♥~♥




Written by Laura Lane at 30 comments:
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Monday, April 24, 2017

Happy Homemaker Monday ~ April 24, 2017


As I write... Monday Morning

 The weather.... The sky is bright and sunny. "Blue skies shining on me nothing but blue skies do I see." It's chilly outside, but I haven't looked at the temperature. The trees are sporting bigger leaves, some are even full grown leaves by now. It's nice to look out in the yard and see shade again.

 Right now I am... writing a little post to you before I head to town to return some videos and go to a doctor appointment. Thank you Jesus that I can get medical care!

Thinking... I trust God, no matter what my eyes see, what my ears hear, or what my body feels.

 A quote to share...
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“Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift of God, which is why we call it the present.” 
Bil Keane
♥♥♥♥♥ 

 On my reading pile...  

 Favorite blog post last week... Making Money Last from Mrs. White
Something fun to share... Shoes to Swoon Over

Blog hopping... 
On the menu for this week.... You're just gonna have to come back if you want to know!
  • Monday night...  
  • Tuesday night...  
  • Wednesday lunch...  
  • Thursday night...  
  • Friday night...   Date night
  • Saturday night... Emily will cook. I'm not sure what yet.
On my to do list... Y'all know I've got to pay bills, buy groceries and face Mount Washmore (laundry).
  • Doctor appointment Monday.
  • Visit the Pioneer Woman's store in Oklahoma
  • Get a basket of flowers to enjoy outside the door
In the workbasket... I am not sure what I'll work on this week. I finished most of my mending last week. I have a pair of jeans to hem and my daughter's skirt to mend.

 Looking forward to this week... A good report from the doctor by the power of the Blood of Jesus.

Looking around the house... I want to do some more decluttering this week.
From the camera...


Devotional...  6 Keys to Defeat Despair
On my prayer list...
  • Peace of Jerusalem and Israel
  • Calmness in my spirit 
  • Healing in my body
  • Peace for my children and husband
  • Wisdom for President Trump
Father God, I pray that each reader will recognize Holy Spirit speaking to her or him today. Help each find peace and joy in your holy word and in trusting in You, your son Jesus the Christ, and the Holy Spirit. I pray that you will bring them and their unsaved loved ones to salvation in Jesus. I ask in Jesus' Name. Amen.

Thanks for dropping by!
Please say hello.
Laura


Joining with Sandra at Happy Homemaker Monday.

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Related Posts:


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Note: This was the first post I found after finding the lump on the evening of Saturday, April 22nd.
Written by Laura Lane at 21 comments:

Saturday, April 22, 2017

A Thrifty Week at Harvest Lane Cottage #99

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. 

A Thrifty Week at Harvest Lane Cottage

I am so glad you dropped in for a visit today—or tonight!
Do say hello!
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♥♥♥
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Dear Reader,

     It's still raining here in Southwest Missouri. We have flash flood warnings and a little bit of water in our basement. I'm praying that God will regulate the rain to give us "only what is sufficient" for us. ~smile~ The more I listen to and read the Bible, the more the phrases are in my head. (Prov. 25:16)

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♥♥♥
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A Verse for You
"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness."  
2 Timothy 3:16
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♥♥♥
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Here's my thrifty week!
Strawberry Pecan Salad from Longhorn Restaurant


  • My husband and I went out for dinner at Longhorn Restaurant. We ordered each ordered a big strawberry pecan dinner salad and an onion blossom to share. With tip, our total came to $25—just the amount of my gift certificate from Swagbucks (referral link). 
  • Amy found a jacket she needed for her costume for the co-op program for just $3!
  • We looked through the supplies on hand and found that we had everything we needed to make Amy's long skirt for her costume. Yay God!
  • I sewed Amy's skirt for her costume.
  • I repaired a pair of jeans and a pair of capris while I was waiting for Amy to iron her fabric.
  • I tried a new to me survey company called Opinion Outpost. My friend told me that she's made about $100 in the last several weeks. I decided to try it. The company's surveys pay from $.50 to $1.50. I've made $5.50 in the last couple days. I get kicked out of many of their surveys just like with Swagbucks. I am nobody's target market, and I know it. ~smile~ I just keep trying until I run out of time. Here's my referral link if you want to try it out. You get $.50 just for filling out the info about yourself. I'm going to cash my points in for PayPal money. They also have some gift cards.
  • We attended the kids' homeschool co-op program. We bid on some things in the silent auction. We didn't win anything, because we didn't get carried away. So we saved money.
  • I got a beautiful card in the mail from a reader. There was a gift card for my favorite place to meet up with friends for lemonade. Chik-Fil-A! Thank you so much Sandi! What a blessing! Sandi also sent me a bag of beautiful cotton yarn to make dishcloths with. Thank you!
Well, that's my thrifty week. 
What are you doing in your home this week?
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♥♥♥
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"True Christianity finds all of its doctrines in the Bible;
true Christianity does not deny any part of the Bible;
true Christianity does not add anything to the Bible.
For many centuries the Bible has been the most available
book on the earth.  It has no hidden purpose. 
It cannot be destroyed."

p 58

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♥♥♥
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ღLauraღ
...doing what I can with what I've got
where I am on a short shoestring budget!

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♥♥♥
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 Related Posts
  • A Thrifty Week at Harvest Lane Cottage #8
  • A Thrifty Week at Harvest Lane Cottage #9
  • A Thrifty Week at Harvest Lane Cottage #10
  • Frugal Self-Rising Flour
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Written by Laura Lane at 30 comments:
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Thursday, April 20, 2017

On This Lovely Day at The Cottage


On this lovely day.... It's raining buckets!

 A little Bible...  I'm reading and listening through the book of Acts.  I keep track of where I'm at with the chronological reading plan checklist on You Version.  I'm ahead of schedule.

 A little running...  I've got to run into town to the thrift shop. Amy needs a top to go with her Molly Pitcher costume for the co-op program tomorrow evening. Vacuuming the van, filling water bottles, Aldi and Walmart. All short trips, but they add up. 

A little cooking...  chicken and dumplings

 A little reading...  I'm reading American Patriots by Rick Santorum.

 A little teaching time... Helping my daughter with whatever she needs.

 A little computer time...  E-mail, surveys, linking a few posts to blog parties, reading a few blogs, and a little writing.

 A lot of sewing... I sewed a skirt for my Amy and mended a pair of slacks and a pair of jeans.

 A lot of meetings... one for my husband and one for two of my three children. 

 A few minutes of relaxation, no doubt with a book, then a little sleeping.

 Laura
Living and loving this life a little at a time.

Written by Laura Lane at 18 comments:
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Monday, April 17, 2017

Happy Homemaker Monday ~ April 17, 2017


As I write ... Sunday Night and Monday Morning

 The weather....  Sunday night... I've been listening to thunderstorms in the distance. I just saw lightening flash in the distance. By the radar, it looks like there are storms all around us—mostly to the south. Hopefully, they will bypass us. Monday morning... The air is fresh and clean, the sky is overcast, and the birds are rejoicing!

 Right now I am... thinking about what a wonderful Easter Day it has been. Church this morning with all my children, an impromptu invitation to a single lady at church to join us for dinner, ham, sweet potato casserole, sweet corn, raw carrots, and little crescent rolls. Yum! Supper was popcorn followed by lemon bars for dessert.

Thinking... We watched Do You Believe? Sunday night. Excellent film! It's a must-see. 

 A quote to share...
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"God acts at just the right time."

Judith Couchman
♥♥♥♥♥ 

 On my reading pile...  

 Favorite blog post last week... 


Something fun to share... 
Rambling Thoughts About a Beachball

Blog hopping... 
On the menu for this week.... 
  • Monday night...  Burritos with homemade refried beans
  • Tuesday night...  Something with chicken I think. ~wink~
  • Wednesday lunch...  Salad
  • Thursday night...  Lentil or white bean soup
  • Friday night...   Date night
  • Saturday night... Emily will cook. I'm not sure what yet.
On my to do list... Just going to write a things from my Spring Bucket List this time. Y'all know I've got to buy groceries and face Mount Washmore (laundry).
  • Cut some lilacs to bring in the house. Our bushes did very poorly this year. The fragrance is still heavenly.
  • Work on painting the bathroom.
  • Get a basket of flowers to enjoy outside the door
In the workbasket... I'm still making scrubby sponges. When I run out of acrylic yarn, I'll switch to another project. A dear reader sent me an Easter surprise package filled with lots of cotton yarn. It's so exciting to get packages in the mail, isn't it? Thank you Karla!

 Looking forward to this week... The kids have a spring program Friday with their homeschool co-op. Why We Homeschool

Looking around the house... Ants. I've got to call the exterminator! They invaded over the weekend. 
From the camera...

We celebrated Easter at church.

On my prayer list...
  • Peace of Jerusalem and Israel
  • Peace in my home and in me
  • Wisdom for President Trump
  • North Korea craziness
  • Ellen Kuentzel, healing from Bacterial Meningitis, brain injury, fever (See update at end.)
  • Kirsten, Cheryl's niece who is 26 weeks along and has a blood clot in her lungs, trouble breathing, and heart trouble. (See update at end.)
Father God, I pray that each reader will hear Holy Spirit speaking to her or him today. Help each find peace by trusting in you, your son Jesus the Christ, and the Holy Spirit. I pray that you will bring them and their unsaved loved ones to salvation in Jesus. I ask in Jesus' Name. Amen.

Thanks for dropping by!
Please say hello.
Laura


Joining with Sandra at Happy Homemaker Monday.

Most recent update on Kirsten Chery'ls niece.
Most recent update on Ellen Kuentzel 4/3: 
Ellen has steadily gotten better. Immediately after surgery her left side was mostly paralysed, and now she has most of her motor control, and they are doing occupational and physical therapy, helping her stand again and use her arms and legs.
April 12th they will take her off of antibiotics, and at that point most likely she will be transferred to Carthage health and wellness center, like she was last time. After that we plan on getting her plenty of therapy until she can stand and walk on her own, which will be close to six months.
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Related Posts:


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Monday
Mommy Moments  Amaze Me Monday - Living Proverbs 31 -  The Art of Homemaking    Modest Mondays - Flour Me with Love
Thursday 
 Home and Garden Thursday -  Share Your Cup Thursday  No Rules
Written by Laura Lane at 38 comments:
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Saturday, April 15, 2017

Spring Reading List 2017


If you've been reading my blog long, you know I love to read. Since I'm a bit scatterbrained sometimes, Lowell don't say a word, I like to make reading lists. Now this list may seem a bit long since we're halfway through Spring, but I have already been reading some of the books.

Do you find it hard to make time to read? Don't fret. Snatch those small moments sprinkled here and there during the week. Snatch reading is key for ladies who have young children or work outside the home. Don't be without a book! For years my children would hear me tell them, as we were leaving the house, "Bring a book!" Still need suggestions? Try 5 Ways to Find Time to Read.

I hope this list inspires you to make a list of your own. Peruse your own shelves or stacks, the library, or read some of my book reviews. 

Happy reading!
Laura
Happy with my nose
in a book or a Kindle!

The Holy Bible King James Version
I read from John through Revelation.
Finished May 15
Listening on Bible Gateway and checking boxes on the
 Canonical reading plan from You Version really helped me.

A Bride Most Begrudging
a tale about a woman kidnapped
and sold as a tobacco bride
I really enjoyed this one. It's clean.
Rosemary for Rememberance
Sunny Jeffers
Quite enjoyable. It's clean.
The Good Book
I'm reading this. 
Never Give Up
Read my review.

The Excellent Wife
I'm reading this.
I'm afraid I won't get this one finished.

American Patriots
Read my review.

When No One Was Looking
Read my Review

The Joy of Letting Go
I enjoyed this. Read my review.

God Loves Mommy & Me
Read my review.

Lessons at Blackberry Inn  
I don't think I'm going to make it to this one.
and lastly,
a slim little volume written in 1931 titled 
The Home and Christian Living
by Percy R. Hayward ad Myrtle H. Hayward
I found that much of the advice in this little book mirrors that of today. 








Monday
Mommy Moments  Amaze Me Monday - Living Proverbs 31 -  The Art of Homemaking    Modest Mondays - Flour Me with Love
Thursday 
 Home and Garden Thursday -  Share Your Cup Thursday  No Rules
Anything Goes

Written by Laura Lane at 14 comments:
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Friday, April 14, 2017

A Thrifty Week at Harvest Lane Cottage #98

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. 

A Thrifty Week at Harvest Lane Cottage

I am so glad you dropped in for a visit today—or tonight!
Do say hello!
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♥♥♥
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Dear Reader,
  It's been a mix of thriftiness and blessings this past couple of weeks. I was didn't get this up last Friday as usual, so I decided to combine two weeks. I really appreciate the grace y'all give me to just be myself and do the best I can. 

 You know, that's really key. Doing the best we can with the resources we have. We each live a different life. No two of us will ever do things just the same. Even identical twins live different lives because of the different experiences, people, and places that are in their lives.

Don't try to be just like a blogger that you admire, or another mom that you admire, or the pastor's wife, or your best friend, or your mother, or anyone else. You are unique. Your circumstances are unique. The people in your life are unique. No one else has your husband or your children or your boss or your roommate or your _____. This is why it's so important to pray and ask Holy Spirit to guide you and teach you. He loves you enough to give you personal attention. God's not too busy for you. Jesus died for you.

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♥♥♥
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“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened." Matthew 7:7-8 NIV
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"This is what the Lord says:
“Stand at the crossroads and look;
ask for the ancient paths,

ask where the good way is, and walk in it,
and you will find rest for your souls. 

Jeremiah 6:16a
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♥♥♥
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Here's my thrifty week x 2!
  • We went out for dinner to use a $25 gift card I earned from Swagbucks. The manager gave us our steak dinner for free since they made two mistakes with our order! We weren't even upset. He just blessed us! Thank you LORD! We'll have another evening out with that gift card. ~grin~ Double blessings! That's my referral link if you're interested.
  • Meanwhile, my two youngest attended our homeschool co-op's spring banquet. Amy found a new dress at a thrift store in St. Louis. Michael found a new pair of slacks at a discount store. Total clothing purchases $16. At the last minute, Amy decided to wear a different dress, but that's okay. Her new dress will work nicely for church. 
  • I bought a can of soup for dinner. I wanted to make grilled cheese with it. After pricing cheese, I decided to buy some discounted dinner rolls. As I was walking to the checkout, I decided to put them back and use the bread I had at home. So, I saved the price of the cheese and the rolls by making do with what I had.
  • I inventoried all the food in the house. We are very low on canned goods. I don't use many unless they are canned tomato products or beans. I do like to have some canned veggies on hand just in case. I have lots of chicken in the freezer, a couple pork roasts, some venison, and a box of riblets my dad gave us. I'm low on dry goods, too, but I'm trying to get by with buying as little as possible so that I'll have money for the special foods we'll eat this weekend.
  • We're going to eat the spiral sliced ham I bought on sale for half price a few weeks ago for Easter dinner. 
  • I also did some surveys that brought my total Swagbucks up over 2200. That's my goal each month. I missed it last month because of traveling. The first $25 gift card you order each month is just 2200. There are a few exceptions like Mastercard. I haven't decided yet what I want to order. I have until the end of the month to request it.
  • I hunted down some new cheap recipes so that I can stretch my food money this next week to include a few holiday foods.

Well, that's my thrifty week. 

 What are you doing in your home this week?
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♥♥♥
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“Trusting God is simply believing that He loves you, He’s good, He has the power to help you, He wants to help you, and He will help you.” 
~Joyce Meyer~

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♥♥♥
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ღLauraღ
...doing what I can with what I've got
where I am on a short shoestring budget!

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♥♥♥
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Written by Laura Lane at 19 comments:
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