Harvest Lane Cottage

  Hard times don't take a Christmas vacation. Loss of a loved one, family strife, natural disasters, a frightening diagnosis, loneliness, and financial stress can all contribute to our hard times. I know several people who really stretch their money to make ends meet. There's only so much elastic in a dollar bill you know. I've been testing that stretch capacity full-time for nearly forty years now. Most likely you know someone who's struggling. Maybe it is you. Our families will be affected differently by these situations, but it will be a challenging season for all of us who are experiencing hard times. Sometimes, in our desperation, we give up to despair. Sometimes, in our desperation, we give in to God and He takes over. He comes in and saves us... maybe not from the circumstances...but always from the despair. Give in and find hope, peace, love, healing, and provision. God's arm is not too short. Nothing is impossible with God. Please enjoy this story that I sh...

     Hello everyone! So, how's it coming along?      Today, the 6th, was my deadline for Christmas decorating. As often is the case, the best laid plans of mice and moms often go awry. ~smile~ I did a ton of laundry today. Blankets and towels along with the regular laundry. I once heard it called Mount Neverest. I thought that would end when my kids left home. Nope, there's still plenty. ~smile~       Anyhow, I've got just a little more decorating to do. I want to put up my porch tree and maybe a tree or two inside. Yes, if I had it my way, I'd have a tree in every room. I just love the twinkly lights. Whatever I don't finish tomorrow will have to wait until next year.      This is one of my favorite contemporary Christmas songs. Enjoy! Happy Christmastime! Laura

  Are you a Kringler? I am. I've been hiding and Kringling for years. What is Kringling? Kringling is what I call the time when I go into my bedroom, lock the door, and sew, create and wrap gifts.  When my children were young, and living at home, I made it clear that if they came in and saw what I was doing, it would be given to someone else instead. Consequently, no one tried to peek. ~smile~ It was never a problem, and I never had to follow through on my warning.  I can remember spending hours at my sewing machine, and crafting, and collecting to make Christmas for my children. Many years, there simply wasn't a budget for gifts. I scrimped and saved pennies and nickles and rocks (wink) for months to be able to get small gifts at thrift stores, sales, and yard sales. I made sure they all had something they wished for when I could. It was hard work, but the joy of seeing their little faces on Christmas morning was worth it. Years later, I'm an empty nester. I still make C...

      Don't let yourself feel bad over a slim budget. We all have years like that. I've never had a big or even average budget. We've always had good Christmases, though. I have a friend whose family had a Thrifted Christmas last year. No new gifts were allowed unless they were made by the giver. I think that was an absolutely fabulous idea.       I've always used thrifted things. It's the way my kids were raised; and fortunately, my step-mom saw great sales and thrifted items as victories! She passed that on to me; and, I passed it on to my kids. They were happy with the gifts that I made or bought for them new or not.       Be blessed, dear reader, and have yourself a happy, joyful, Jesus centered Christmas filled with all the peace and rest you can grasp!     May you grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen. II Peter 3:8 Go forth and be creative and ...