Monday, June 26, 2017

Happy Homemaker Monday ~ June 26, 2017


As I write ... Sunday Night

The weather....  The air is fresh and clean, the sky is overcast, and the fire was so inviting earlier this evening when my husband invited me for an impromptu dinner by the fire on the patio.

Right now I am... relaxing just a bit before bedtime. 

Thinking... I'm beginning to feel better. Just how much can I get done this week without wearing myself out? 

A quote to share...
♥♥♥♥♥

"You see, darlin', the roots on a willow tree run deep, clear under the ground to the source of water. That's what keeps it alive even when everything around it is drying out. Faith works the same way. It runs way down deep through our souls to the source—to God—and keeps us going when things get hard." 

♥♥♥♥♥ 

On my reading pile...  
  • Believing Prayer 
    by Andrew Murray
    I am reading this in my Kindle.

  • The Enchanted Barn
    by Grace Livingston Hill
    Also in my Kindle

Favorite blog post last week... Steady by Rebecca of Rebecca's Hearth and Home. I have the rare privilege of being friends with Rebecca in person as well as on-line. She's returning to blogging after taking a break. Welcome back Rebecca!

Something fun to share... 
A Fun Family Tradition...A Little Early for Us ~ This is one of my older posts that I really like. 

Blog hopping... 

On the menu for this week.... I'm not currently responsible for meals. That's one of the things the family has taken over for me. Since nothing is on the menu for this week yet, and I know we have salmon, I'm making an executive decision. ~smile~
  • Monday night... Salmon patties and veggies
  • Tuesday night... To be announced
  • Wednesday lunch... To be announced
  • Thursday night... To be announced
  • Friday night...   Date night
  • Saturday night... Ham and Swiss Sliders... Lowell promised!

On my to do list... 
  • Pay medical bills
  • Finish school records
  • Buy yarn to knit a new hat. I will crochet flowers to adorn it. I might use this pattern or this one.

In the workbasket... I don't have anything in the works yet, but I'll start the hat if I get to Hobby Lobby to buy yarn. I have a gift card from my birthday last year. Here are pictures of the two flower styles. Which do you think would look better on a hat?  




Looking forward to this week... Feeling like myself after a couple weeks of feeling chemo sick. I thank the Good Lord that it was better this time than the first, but I'm really looking forward to a better week.

Looking around the house... It's messier than I like. BUT, I've got to use my strength wisely and delegate, delegate, delegate!

From the camera...
I found this photo of my daughter Emily and me back when I had hair!
Devotional...  

On my prayer list...
  • Peace of Jerusalem and Israel
  • Kristen, Cheryl's niece who will be delivering her baby soon and has a blood clot in her lungs, trouble breathing, and heart trouble. It is very important that they change her medications at the right time before her C-section on July 5th. See updates on Cheryl Smith's blog
  • Cancer will die the death in my body. My heart, brain, organs, and healthy cells will be protected. I will live and not die and declare the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Psalm 118:17
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.
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Related Posts:


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Thursday 
Share Your Cup Thursday   

Fabulous Party

Saturday, June 24, 2017

A Thrifty Week at Harvest Lane Cottage #105

Welcome to another thrifty week at Harvest Lane Cottage. I'm so 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!
~~~~~
♥♥♥
~~~~~

Dear Reader,

  Hello ladies! Summer is in full swing now. Our little garden that my husband planted in five gallon buckets is growing beautifully! It's so much easier for him than weeding, too. Can't wait for my first summery bite of fresh homegrown tomato! 

  I want to remind you that summertime is the perfect time to watch sales to prepare for gift giving. You can purchase fruit to make jams and jellies, take advantage of the Fourth of July clearance sales, watch for new and next to new items at garage sales—all with thoughts toward Christmas and other gift giving occasions. Think ahead mama! Even with the tiniest of budgets, you can make things nice for your family if you start early.

This week's miracle:   I received the explanation of benefits from our medical insurer for the first chemo treatment. One treatment was $45,000! Thank you God, the bill was paid with write-offs and by the insurance company, because our co-insurance and deductible were already met. Thank you Jesus! If you remember, we didn't have medical insurance until March 1st, I found the lump on April 22nd, and began the chemotherapy on May 23rd. 

God's ways are higher than our ways!

I didn't feel well, so I really didn't do much for the last week or so. I thank you all so much for praying for me. I've had an easier time after chemo this time. 

  There are going to be times in our lives when we are not able to do as much, but if we do our best when we are able, we will have habits that will carry us through hard times. 
~~~~~
♥♥♥
~~~~~

 

A Verse for You

"And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:19
 
I think Philippians 4 is one of my absolute favorite chapters. 
 ~~~~~
♥♥♥
~~~~~
Here's my thrifty week!

  • Gifts and surprises! Thank you Judy and Susan!
  • I'm reading a free Kindle book by Grace Livingston Hill. It is called The Enchanted BarnSo far I love it!
  • I was notified that I've been accepted to receive a free review copy of The Legacy. It's the final book in the Secrets of the Shetlands series. I loved the first two books. 
  • A whole box of books from my friend Sarah! Thank you!
  • Yard sale score. My husband took me saling and asked what I was looking for. I told him only taper candles. I just love tapers! Guess what? That's the one thing that we found! So I can enjoy a flickering flame anytime!
  • My friend brought us a delicious meatloaf dinner. Thank you Kathy!
  • I stayed home a lot, therefore I used less gas. 
  • I watched Is Genesis History? on DVD. It was awesome. Watch for a review soon. It was free for review. 
That's my thrifty week.

What are you doing in your home this week?
~~~~~
♥♥♥
~~~~~

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

~~~~~
♥♥♥
~~~~~

HEY GIRLS!
I am totally serious about saving your change for Christmas.
You will be amazed at how much you can save up if you start now.
Just do it!

It's time to start saving your pennies
and your nickles and your rocks for Christmas!

~~~~~
♥♥♥
~~~~~

Monday, June 19, 2017

My Summer Reading List 2017 Harvest Lane Cottage


Summertime and the living is easy... or not. Is it not strange how we look forward to summer when things slow down, then we look forward to fall when things slow down, then we look forward to winter when things slow down?

Well whether you find yourself in a slow season or a busy season, it's always the season to enjoy a good book. Read to learn, to relax, to visit a far off land, to enjoy with a book club, or to read aloud with your family to go on an adventure.

I've a bit of time to read this summer, but I find that I'm wanting something light. I've got some faith builders on the list, but I'll be looking for some fiction to round out the list. Now don't judge me! I love Christmas books all year round, and I found the one on my list on my library's sale shelf. I start looking forward to Christmas in July. You should, too!

I'm looking forward to adding to my list from a box of books I hear is coming my way from a dear friend. How exciting is that? So I'll be back here to add a few new books soon.


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

Believing Prayer 
by Andrew Murray
Finished!
Engaging Father Christmas
by Robin Jones Gunn
So good I finished before I published!
Hey, I love Christmas books.
Why wait? 

I Saw the Angel in the Marble
by Chris & Ellyn Davis
Finished!
Bible Faith Study Course
by Kenneth E. Hagin
I am reading this.

Lessons at Blackberry Inn 
by Karen Andreola
Finished. Loved it!

Where Willows Grow
by Kim Vogel Sawyer
Finished!

The Enchanted Barn
by Grace Livingston Hill
in my Kindle
Finished! Loved this one!

The Widow of Larkspur Inn
by Lawana Blackwell
in my Kindle
I enjoyed this a great deal.

Rhythms
by The Better Mom Writers
in my Kindle
Finished.
The Gift of a Legacy
Finished.
The Icecutter's Daughter
Finished.


OH! A dear reader reminded me...

I'm reading the Book of Proverbs right now,
then I'll most likely start the whole Bible again.

The Legacy  by Michael Phillips
It's here! 
Finished. Loved it!



Don't forget to take a child to sign up for a summer reading program at your local library. They can win fun prizes. 

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.

Enjoy!

Laura of Harvest Lane Cottage
Relaxing with a Good Book This Summer


Here's the link to Baker Publishing's Ebook Deals. 
Some of the books are free for your Kindle or Nook.



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Related Posts:
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Friday, June 16, 2017

A Thrifty Week at Harvest Lane Cottage #104

Welcome to another thrifty week at Harvest Lane Cottage. I'm so 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!
~~~~~
♥♥♥
~~~~~
Dear Reader

Life's changed a lot around here in the last few weeks. We're all trying to adjust to the new lifestyle we're temporarily living. I'm learning that I cannot do as much as I could, and the family is learning to pitch in a bit more. It's a process. 

This week's miracle:  We had money in our emergency fund to cover my daughter's car repairs. Thank you God. It may not seem like a miracle, but when you've lived most of your life paycheck to paycheck, having the money to fix something when it's broken is a miracle!

God bless you all, thank you for your patience with me. I know I've not been answering your comments like I used to. I do read every one, and I appreciate your kindness, and the time you take to write to me and encourage me. I value all of your friendships even though miles separate us. There is no distance in Jesus. 

If you have something that I can pray for you about, please write to me. I will be very happy to pray for you. God hears our prayers and loves us all.

I also thank you for all the love you've shown and the prayers you've prayed. God will make a way where there seems to be no way. God bless you all!
~~~~~
♥♥♥
~~~~~

 

A Verse for You

"Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things,
and be in health, just as your soul prospers."
3 John 2

I don't know about you, but I think we'd better be looking to the state of our souls!!! 
~ Laura
 ~~~~~
♥♥♥
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Here's my thrifty week!

  • We bought a couple of pizzas at Pizza Hut on their carryout special for $10 each. Not truly frugal, but if you need to feed a family of five and need something fast, $20 plus tax is pretty good.
  • I attended a Look Good Feel Better class and received a lovely bag of skin care items and make-up from upscale companies valued at over $200 to help me feel pretty going through chemo. Thank you!
  • My friend Rebecca took me to chemo and bought me breakfast. Thank you!
  • Gifts and surprises! Thank you Judy, Billie Jo, and Barbara!
  • I took several bags of stuff to the donation bin. Some of it was last week's real estate investment and some from this week. Praise God! Things are starting to clear out.
  • Donated a couple of bags of books to a homeschooling friend. More real estate investment! Wonder what I mean? Read this, then go make an investment today! 
  • Flowers! Thank you Caity and Kathleen!
  • My Lowell created a make do supper salad of odds and ends from the fridge.
  • I made salmon patties from a couple cans of Aldi salmon, some oats, and an egg. Delicious! I fried them in a little canola oil. I rounded out the meal by putting a bit of cinnamon sugar in some applesauce. Aldi can save you big money. Try them if you have one nearby. Most of the items they sell are their store brand, but nowadays, most of the items are as good as name brand items. 
  • I bought some dollar frozen burritos for my son and daughter to take to work. Gotta figure out how to prep meals that can be taken or eaten at home at odd times. We are rarely all at the table at once now because of their work and school schedules.
  • A gift box of Burt's Bees creams and a new scarf came in the mail from charities that bless breast cancer patients. Thank you!
  • Here's an un-thrifty: I took the gift card I received last year and went to Hobby Lobby to buy yarn for a new cap. I forgot my 40% off coupon. Who shops without it? But I was there. The yarn I wanted was $3.99. Fiddle faddle foo! I was fretting over the 40% and ended up pulling out my debit card instead of the gift card! I don't think I even realized it until I got home! Oh well. 
What are you doing in your home this week?
~~~~~
♥♥♥
~~~~~

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

~~~~~
♥♥♥
~~~~~

HEY GIRLS!
I am totally serious about saving your change for Christmas.
You will be amazed at how much you can save up if you start now.
Just do it!

It's time to start saving your pennies
and your nickles and your rocks for Christmas!

~~~~~
♥♥♥
~~~~~

Wednesday, June 14, 2017

Join Me in The Battle! 2nd Chemo Day Update and Prayer Requests

Chemo Day 2 went well. I did not have any adverse reactions. Praise God! Thank you all for praying!

Last time, the side effects set in on day 3. That will be Thursday this time. I ask for your continued prayers. My blood work showed that my white blood cells were down. I am therefore getting an injection today that is supposed to tell my bones to make more white blood cells.  One of the side effects can be bone pain. I've talked with the doctor and nurses and have a plan for facing it, as well as some of the flu-like side effects, so I'm prepared for the fight.

Here is what I'd like you all to pray about:
  • The new medicine will cause by bones to cheerfully make white blood cells to fight infection without grumbling or complaining. Philippians 2:14
  • Nausea, heartburn, diarrhea (Ugh did I just write that?), and mouth and throat sores will be non-existent or quickly treated by the medicines I have
  • I will stay hydrated. I hovered on the edge of dehydration last time.
  • And that I will not have excessive fatigue. I know that I need to rest and recover, but I don't want to lose whole days in sleep, or I won't sleep at night.
  • The cancer will shrink and disappear.
All the cards, notes, and comments have been so supportive. Just knowing that so many are praying helps tremendously. One of the tricks of the enemy is to make us feel like we're all alone. He is so wrong. God is good, and God's people are so loving and kind. Thank you all again for helping me remember that truth. 

By the way, I've been asked for my snail mail address. I am happy to give it, but prefer to send it by email directly. So drop me an email at lauraofharvestlane@gmail, and I'll give it to you.

If there is something you'd like me to pray for you about, please tell me by email, on the blog, or by snail mail. I would count it an honor to talk to Father about it.

So many of you have joined me in my battle. I'm sticking to the battle plan though the journaling didn't go so well when I was really sick. I've done a lot of praying, praising, and worshiping. Praising and worshiping God is like slapping the enemy silly. Giggle. I love this War Song. I sing it loud!

Be blessed ladies. Don't wait until a crisis to seek God. He promises to be found when we seek Him! Learning to lean on Jesus is something that you want to do right now—whether you are in good times or bad times. Holy Spirit is waiting to teach you, comfort you, help you pray, be your constant companion, and fill you with His love. 

Love to you all with thanksgiving!
Laura

Tuesday, June 13, 2017

2nd Chemo Day Prayer Request


Hi friends,

  I have my second round of chemo today. I was ill during the last cycle for over two weeks. Please pray for me that I will have a quicker recovery this time and not be so ill. Please pray that this chemo shrinks the cancer to the point where the next step, surgery, is easy! Thank you!

  Thank you for continuing to pray for Cheryl's niece, Kristen, too. I haven't heard any updates yet. Cheryl's blog is Homespun Devotions. I'm sure she will give updates there.

  I may be away from the computer for a few days. Thank you again for praying! God listens to you ladies. Seek him. He loves you so much! No matter what you are going through, you're going through it with Him. Lean in, listen for his voice.

  Having trouble hearing the voice of God? One sure way to hear is to read His Word the Bible. Holy Spirit will make things stand out to you. Trust HIM. Ask Him to help you hear. Quiet the other voices around you. Get quiet. Listen. You'll hear Him.

  Thank you God for hearing us, and thank you for speaking to us in your still small voice. Please help the dear folks reading this to hear your voice clearly. If there are ones who have not given their lives and hearts to you, I pray that they will find salvation in you right now. I ask it all in Jesus' precious Name and by the power of the Blood of Jesus. Amen.

Hugs to you all!
Laura






Homemaking Party

Sunday, June 11, 2017

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST FOR KRISTEN AND BABY! UPDATED 6/16/17!

Hello friends, 
 I come to you with an urgent prayer request from Cheryl Smith at Homespun Devotions for her niece Kristen and her unborn baby.


Dear friends,

I am sorry to bother you today.  But, I come to you with yet another earnest petition for prayer for my dear niece, Kristen and her unborn baby boy.

Most of you have been praying for them throughout, but for those who are not familiar with what is going on, Kristen developed a blood clot in her lung early in her pregnancy.  She has been at serious risk all through the pregnancy, due to the blood clot and also severe tachycardia.  She has been on a blood thinner called Lovenox through almost her entire pregnancy, and the doctors have said since day one that there is no way she should go into labor on Lovenox, as the risk of her bleeding to death is very high.  The plan has always been to switch her to the blood thinner, heparin, before she gives birth, because there is an antidote shot they can give to offset the heparin, should she go into labor soon after giving herself the injection.  The fear of being on heparin is that the heparin can cross over into the placenta, whereas the Lovenox cannot.  So, the concern has been to wait as long as possible to make the switch, for the sake of the baby.  If the blood thinner crosses over, it would be near-sure death for the precious little one.

What complicates things even more is that the doctors cannot come to an agreement on when Kristen's exact due date is, and Kristen feels she is farther along than any of the three of them believe she is.  The baby is already 7 1/2 pounds, so it is obvious that it won't be too much longer until she gives birth.

They made the decision yesterday to make the switch from Lovenox to heparin.  The baby, who has been VERY active all throughout the pregnancy, has almost completely stopped moving.  Kristen was so concerned, so called her doctor, and they had her come in for a test.  Thankfully, the little guy did respond when they did the test, but there is very little movement, and Kristen is not feeling well at all and is very tired.  

In spite of our deep faith in God, I cannot begin to tell you how scared we all are.  Kristen is exhausted from the many months of the strain, illness, fear, and daily injections.  We know that GOD is able to do exceeding abundantly above all we can ask or think, and we are just pleading with Him for mercy upon Kristen and her baby's lives and health.  We would be SO grateful if you could please pray hard for them and if you would kindly pass along this prayer request to every prayer warrior and prayer list you know or are a part of.  We are looking for GOD to do a huge miracle in this situation.  I often think of Jehoshaphat's words, "Neither know we what to do, but our eyes are upon Thee."  

I hate to keep being a bother, but I am just so desperate for prayer for them today.  You will never know how much I appreciate your prayers.

Much love and gratitude,
Cheryl and Family

UPDATE!
The doctors are FINALLY coming to a place of agreement about Kristen's due date and are now saying they will do a C-section the first week of July, Lord willing.  Please pray that she doesn't go into labor before then, as she needs to stop the heparin the day before the C-section.  God bless and keep her and the baby safe. ~ Cheryl 6/16/17



Mommy Monday  Mommy Moments  Amaze Me Monday Homemaking Party



Friday, June 9, 2017

A Thrifty Week at Harvest Lane Cottage #103

Welcome to another thrifty week at Harvest Lane Cottage. I'm so 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!
~~~~~
♥♥♥
~~~~~
Dear Reader,

  It's been a better week for me. Thursday was actually a good day for me. Praise God! I am trying to focus on doing the things that mom does best rather than spending my energy on just anything. I've been learning a lot about managing my side effects. I am hoping that will be helpful when I take chemo again next Tuesday. I request prayer for chemo day. It took me two days of chemo last time because of side effects. I hope that the doctor will make the adjustments needed to help me handle it better. God bless the doctors and nurses. They've been amazing!

This week's miracle: A double-edged axe fell from the workbench and landed a fraction of an inch from my husband's toes! God is protecting my family. I plead the Blood of Jesus over them for protection often. God is so good. Thank you LORD my strength!

God bless you all, thank you for your patience with me.

I also thank you for all the love you've shown and the prayers you've prayed. God will make a way where there seems to be no way. God bless you all!
~~~~~
♥♥♥
~~~~~

 

A Verse for You
"The LORD is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation. He is my God. He is my God, and I will praise Him, my father's God, and I will exalt Him." 
Exodus 15:2 
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♥♥♥
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Here's my thrifty week!


  • Hubby planned the week's menu based on the food we had on hand, so it kept the grocery bill lower.
  • Monday night's dinner was a turkey we were given for Christmas along with mashed potatoes and gravy. The whole meal probably cost us a buck fifty out-of-pocket.
  • I received gifts from my dad, Karla, Cheryl, Michelle, Beth, and Marilyn. Thank you all for your kindness to me and for showing love to me in a tangible way. I am encouraged and strengthened!
  • Major real estate investment! Lowell cleared out seven cubic feet! Hallelujah! Now I need to work on my closet!
  • Leftovers make a meal!
  • Kids carrying food from home for lunches at work.
  • My husband was able to help my daughter whose car broke down on the side of the road. Thank you God for keeping her safe!
  • A big box of books is ready to be donated. When I get them out of the house, that will be a few more cubic feet of real estate investment!

What are you doing in your home this week?
~~~~~
♥♥♥
~~~~~

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

~~~~~
♥♥♥
~~~~~

HEY GIRLS!
I am totally serious about saving your change for Christmas.
You will be amazed at how much you can save up if you start now.
Just do it!

It's time to start saving your pennies
and your nickles and your rocks for Christmas!

~~~~~
♥♥♥
~~~~~

Sunday, June 4, 2017

My Summer Bucket List 2017


Getting things done is often 
one part work and two parts focus. 
~smile~ 
My Bucket Lists help me to focus on the things that I want to do that aren't part of my daily routine. They also remind me to have a little fun and enjoy the season! I will change the listings to italics as I cross them off the list.

It's a rather short list this summer. 

An added note:  There's been some concern from dear friends that I will be trying to do too much. I will definitely be focused on rest and healing. I have no intention of wearing myself out. This is a list that will stretch clear to September. I just cannot face this summer if it is only to be Chemo Summer. I want to try to enjoy it as best I can. 

I'm holding on to this list very loosely. I'm holding on to Jesus very tightly.

My Summer Bucket List 2017
  • Write my Summer Bucket List
  • Write my Summer Reading List
  • Start chemo May 23
  • Finish up school records for the year—almost done!
  • Start working on school plans for next year
  • Finish school plans for Michael and Amy
  • Worship Jesus under the stars
  • Real Estate Investing (Decluttering)
  • Picnic in the park
  • Ice cream run with the kids
  • Sit by a fire and worship Jesus
  • Sew a new apron
  • Sew a new skirt or remake an old dress
  • Enjoy wildflowers throughout the house
  • Talk to strangers
  • Blow bubbles
  • S'mores
  • Read a book, or two, or three
  • ...or four or five or six!
  • Sit by water and worship Jesus
  • Sonic run for half-price shakes after 8 p.m. I chose strawberry!
  • Destination unknown picnic 
  • Eat icy cold watermelon
  • FINISH CHEMO! Hopefully by mid-September.
  • PRAISE GOD FOR LIFE!

I may add or subtract as I go, but it's a start! My bucket lists inspire me and help me to enjoy life and get things done. I hope this list will inspire you to make your own list! I know some items will be passed on to my fall bucket list, but it is motivating!

What will you put on your bucket list?

Be blessed!



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






I WILL LIVE AND NOT DIE 
AND DECLARE 
THE GOODNESS OF THE LORD 
IN THE LAND OF THE LIVING.
Psalm 118







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