Harvest Lane Cottage

Strawberry Jam ~ The Best Thing

2013-06-19T06:30:00.000-05:00

The best thing about June? Strawberry jam! Ever made it yourself? It's not hard. You can buy all kinds of special equipment for jam making, but I keep it simple and do with what I've got. No fancy jam maker or water bath canner for me. Would I use them if I had them? Yes. Am I going to wait to get them? No way!

What's really necessary?

Clean sterilized canning jars, flat lids and screw rings are required. You can buy a new box of half pint canning jars for around $8.00. The jars are reusable as long as there are no nicks in the jars. You must use new flat lids each time. You can reuse the rings as long as they are not rusted. A ladle, a wide mouth funnel, and a magnetic jar lid lifter are helpful.

Strawberries ~ enough to make 5 cups of crushed berries
Sugar ~ 7 cups
Sure Gel pectin ~ 1 box

All the instructions are included on the package insert. Follow them closely and you'll see things like this in your own kitchen.

You'll need a big deep pot. This is my stainless steel wok. It's the perfect size. You can use any deep pot that holds at least 5-6 quarts.

I usually use a wooden spoon to stir my jam. This time I used my rubber spatula. It's one that's made for cooking with heat. I liked how easy it was to scrape the sides and bottom of the pot. Constant stirring is imperative. I didn't take a picture, but I use a deep ten quart pot to water bath my filled jars. That means I boil the filled jars in the water for 10 minutes (15 minutes for altitudes over 1000 feet). I boiled water in my tea kettle to add to the kettle after adding the jars.

My aim here is not to give directions on how to make jam but to show you that it is possible even if you don't have fancy equipment. Get yourself a box of Sure-Gel. Read the package insert, and you'll see just how easy it can be. Be strong! Be courageous! Make jam!

Blessings from Harvest Lane Cottage,

Laura

~~~~~

May I suggest?

Kiwi Jam

~~~~~~

Shared:

A Wise Woman Builds Her Home

Home

New Bags in my Shop Today

2013-06-17T13:19:00.000-05:00

New handbags in my shop today.

Carrying an Atmosphere ~ J.R. Miller

2013-06-16T14:27:00.000-05:00

“Everyone carries an atmosphere about him. It may be healthful and invigorating, or it may be unwholesome and depressing. It may make a little spot of the world a sweeter, better, safer place to live in; or it may make it harder for those to live worthily and beautifully who dwell within its circle.”

~J.R. Miller~

May I suggest?

Thoughts About Children

Shared:

Little Yet So Big!
Raising Homemakers

A Thrifty Week #9 With Recipes

2013-06-14T17:18:00.002-05:00

Hello everyone,

It's been a busy week, but I don't know where it's gone. I can hardly believe that it's Friday!

Here's my frugal week:

~ I started a quart of Kombucha tea. I don't know what it costs in the store, but I'm sure it's much much less expensive to make at home.

~ I ordered my BeeYoutiful Supermom vitamins with free shipping. That saved me $6.00. I also used my Bee Points and saved $10.50. Total savings $16.50. That is a very big deal. ~smile~ I almost missed it. Not being able to sleep at 2:45 Tuesday morning was beneficial. ~smile~ Thanks God! I know it was God because the song lyrics, "From my heart to the heavens, Jesus be my center. It's all about you, yes it's all about you," just kept going through my spirit over and over.

~ I made Chicken Bone Soup again. This time I used the bones and bits from a Rotisserie chicken that I bought. We ate two suppers and one lunch from that one chicken!

*Quick BBQ Chicken Sandwiches*

Remove chicken from bones of one rotisserie chicken from the store.

Chop up the meat.

Add BBQ sauce and heat through.

Serve over burger buns.

*Chicken Bone Soup*

Boil chicken bones until you have a nice broth, 30 minutes to an hour.
Strain out bones and bits of meat and set aside to cool.
Add:
chopped veggies of your choice or
leftover potatoes and gravy or
dumplings or
macaroni as I did this week.
Season with salt, pepper, and perhaps a little rosemary.
The point is to do with whatcha got.

~ I sewed a tote bag a few weeks ago and sold it in my Etsy shop this week. I used fabric that I had in my stash. Money coming in always helps.

~ I listed a new bag in my Etsy shop.

~ I cut out a new dress. I hope to sew this weekend.

~ I went to a produce auction with my good friend Joyce this morning. I got about a dozen big jalapeno plants for $3.00. That should make lots of Jalapeno jelly and Jalapeno poppers this summer.

What thrifty and frugal things have you done this week?

Blessings from Harvest Lane Cottage,
Laura

~~~~~

May I suggest?

Five Days of Frugal Eating ~ Suppers

Linked:
What's Shakin'?
Inspire Me Fridays Farm Girl Friday Financial Fridays
Old Fashioned Fridays
Thrifty Things Friday
Little Yet So Big!
Tuesdays with a Twist
Ducks in a Row
Fluster Buster

Verdict Changed!

2013-06-13T08:02:00.001-05:00

Israel had been going their own way for awhile. The Philistines had captured the Ark of the Covenant and had recently returned it to the Israelites. Interesting story there…boils sores and misery, read about it in I Samuel 5 and 6. Seems no one wanted to keep it because it brought trouble to the Philistines no matter which town it went to. The Philistines sent it back and it was kept at Abinadab’s house and his son Eleazar was consecrated to guard the Ark.

Fast forward to chapter 7. Twenty years later, the people of Israel mourned and sought after the Lord. That is when Samuel sacrificed and sought the Lord for the people.

“And Samuel said to the whole house of Israel, ‘If you are returning to the Lord with all your hearts, then rid yourselves of the foreign gods and the Ashtoreths and commit yourselves to the LORD and serve him only, and he will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.’”

Samuel did, they did, and the Lord did. Of course, not much later, the Israelites were falling away from the Lord’s will again. Much like you and me.

What struck me about this story, as I read it this morning, was it’s application to us, His people today. I found myself asking myself if I truly am seeking God with my whole heart. Am I committed to the Lord and serving Him only? Sadly, I can think of times even today when I not only was acting in the flesh but justifying myself as well. It’s that old pointing the finger thing that started with Adam and Eve. Does it justify my sinful feelings and thoughts? No. Alas, I’m not judged by how someone else is treating me but by how I respond. Today, the verdict is guilty.

Thankfully, I’ve got someone else who served my sentence before I even committed the sin, before I was born. His name is Jesus, the Christ, the Messiah that Jewish people looked forward to for so many years. Because of Jesus, I now have a new verdict– not guilty. He took my guilt and was crucified and resurrected. He paid the price for me. I only need look to Him and faith and believe. I need to return and commit, repeatedly if need be.

“If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make Him out to be a liar and His word has no place in our lives.” 1 John 1:8-10

I think I need to spend a bit of time in prayer now. What about you?

Laura

Thankful for the Sacrifice that Changed my Verdict

~~~~~

May I suggest?

"He Maketh the Barren Woman to Keep House, and to Be a Joyful Mother of Children. Praise Ye the LORD."
~~~~~

Shared: Faithful Fridays with Joy, Ducks in a Row, Raising Homemakers

Planning and Making Do... What I Hope I Get Done This Week!

2013-06-11T06:30:00.000-05:00

Hello Ladies!

So good of you to drop in today. If you stopped by yesterday, you may have seen this post in all its confusion. I hit publish instead of save and didn't realize it until Miss Dorothy wrote a comment to me, and it showed up in my e-mail inbox! Talk about keeping it real! So, please accept my apology. Let's try again!

I've been thinking of things I would like to get done over the next week or so. You know how it is. Always something to do. So, here are some things I hope to do this week. I think I'll come back here and change the items to italics as I do them just to give myself a little encouragement along the way.

Baking:

~ I'm in the mood for some old-fashioned oatmeal cookies. I've baked with this recipe ever since I was a little girl. I have no idea where it originated.

Cooking:
~ I'm going to have my son look for another Chicken of the Woods mushroom to make Cream of Mushroom Soup.
~ Kombucha tea

Harvesting:
~ I think our Romaine lettuce will be ready.

Canning or Freezing:
I'm not sure yet. I don't think anything will be ready to can from the garden. If I find a good sale on berries, I might make some jam.

Reading:

~ YouVersion's 60 Day New Testament Reading Plan. I'll finish the Gospels and begin Acts. I'm way ahead of the reading plan. Most days it calls for 3 or 4 chapters. I'm accustomed to reading or listening to several chapters. Sometimes I use Bible Gateway and listen until I need to do something else. ~smile~

~ I'm also reading Buttons and Bones* by Monica Ferris. I borrowed it from the library. It's a cozy mystery book. That means I can read it without worry that it will be filled with bad language, s--, or unnecessary crime details, if you know what I mean. I just get to try to solve the clues along with amateur detective Betsy Devonshire, a needlework shop owner. It's just a fun read.

Finding:
~ Three missing library books... Found one, two to go!

Sewing:

~ Ladies' Quilting Group on Tuesday. Cut strips for a new quilt.
~ Cut out my black dress.
~ Patch yet another pair of my son's jeans. He needs a new hobby. Tearing his jeans is not thrifty and frugal, but mending them is! If I am inspired and have time, I'll finish cutting out a new black dress with little red cherries on it.

Studying:
I have homework for two classes at church.
~ I'm studying the book Love and Respect * with my husband in the couples' class.
~ I'm studying Girls with Swords* with my daughter in the ladies' class.

Working:
~ Mail an order I received through my Etsy shop this evening.
~ Photograph new handbags I've finished.
~ List new bags in Etsy shop.
~ Write a review.

If I finish all this list, I'll have been very busy indeed. I also need to spend time with my kids and do some ironing and cleaning. Thanks so much for dropping in! I'd love to hear some of your plans for this week. It's so nice to have a chat over the ~~back fence~~ internet with you today!

Laura of Harvest Lane Cottage
Happy at Home

~~~~~

May I suggest?

Minutes or Hours

*I am an affiliate with Amazon. If you purchase something after clicking one of my links, I receive a small commission.
Shared:
Raising Homemakers

Declutter Thrifty Homemade Macaroni and Cheese for Hard Times

2013-06-10T06:51:00.001-05:00

Declutter Thrifty Macaroni and Cheese

We ate some funny macaroni and cheese awhile back. It was part macaroni, part broken up manicotti shells, and part spaghetti!

~I made the sauce by whisking a cup of milk and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch together.
~I added it to two tablespoons of hot melted butter and whisked it in the pan over medium high heat.
~I added a little more milk when it got thick.
~Next I cut up chunks of cheddar cheese into the mixture and stirred.
~I added milk and stirred until it was of a thickness I liked.
~I poured this over the cooked funny macaroni.

Not bad! It used up odds and ends from the cupboard, too! I guess I could call it Declutter Mac and Cheese!

Just one more way to be thrifty and frugal and survive hard times.

Blessings from Harvest Lane Cottage,
Laura
Happy to be Home

~~~~~

May I suggest?

When Hubby is Unemployed or Underemployed
~~~~~

Shared:

Modest Mom
Fluster's Creative Muster
Ducks in a Row

A Thrifty Week #8 with Frugal Recipes

2013-06-07T11:00:00.000-05:00

Being thrifty means doing with watcha got, making do, using it up, wearing it out, doing without. It means foregoing some costly pleasures and finding pleasure in less costly things. As you practice thriftiness, it becomes pleasurable to find bargains, to make something useful again, or to practice self-control.

Here's my thrifty week:
~ No yard saling this week due to storms. Sometimes staying home is the thriftiest option!

~ I taught my son, Michael, to make refried beans. We don't actually refry them. We just mash them and add cheese. We used two pounds of pinto beans so that we could have two meals. We wrapped the beans in tortillas and spread the beans on tostada shells.

~ I baked chicken leg quarters in my clay cooker Tuesday evening. I deboned the chicken prior to serving to make it stretch. I left a bit of meat on the bones so that they could be boiled for a soup base later.

~ My daughter substituted coconut oil for canola oil for biscuits. While coconut oil is more expensive than canola oil, it's even more expensive to drive to town to get an item when we run out.

~ I used the chicken bones to make soup I just covered them with water and added a little salt. I let them simmer awhile and looked through my cupboard for other things to add.

*Chicken Bone Soup*
Boil chicken bones until you have a nice broth, 30 minutes to an hour.
Strain out bones and bits of meat and set aside to cool.
Add:
chopped veggies of your choiceor
leftover potatoes and gravy or
dumplings or
macaroni as I did this week.
Season with salt, pepper, and perhaps a little rosemary.
The point is to do with whatcha got.

~ I began reading a new book that I will review. I review for several companies for free books, videos, cds, curriculum. It's just one more way that I stretch my husband's income.

~ I made black bean burritos and guacamole and chips for dinner. The burritos were easy. The guacamole was made with avacados I bought on sale for $.25 each. The chips were from Aldi, so they were inexpensive.

*Black Bean Quickie Burritos*
3 cans black beans, drained but not dry
cumin
oregano
garlic powder
onion flakes
chili powder
salt
4 oz Cheddar, Monterrey Jack, or Pepper Jack cheese, shredded or chunked

Heat the beans in a skillet. There should be just enough bean broth to keep them from sticking. Add about a teaspoon of cumin and half a teaspoon of the remaining spices. Adjust to taste. When the beans are hot, mash with a potato masher. Add cheese to the beans and stir until the cheese melts. Serve with warm tortillas or tostada shells.

~We stayed home most of the week. Staying home can save a lot of money for us. We have just one car, so when I want to use it, I have to drive my husband to work and return at the end of the day to pick him up. That uses extra gas.

~ I mended a skirt, a nightgown, and a dress while watching The Visual Bible The Book of Matthew that I bought at a library sale a few weeks ago.

~I also worked on an apron that I'm making for Amy from a denim jumper that she'd outgrown. It had a seam down the back. I ripped out the seam last week. This week I pinned and hand-stitched the edges to make a neat edge. I left room to add ties at the top. I'll probably make a tie for the waist as well. I just haven't decided what to use yet.

All in all, I think it's been a thrifty week. I hope you try the recipes and let me know what you think. I'd like you to share some of your favorite frugal ideas in the comments as well. I love it when readers "talk back".

Blessings from Harvest Lane Cottage,
Laura
Happy at Home

~~~~~

May I suggest?

A Quick & Cheap Lunch

Shared:

Deep Roots at Home
Raising Homemakers

From the Farm

A Beautifully Fragrant Spring

2013-06-07T06:52:00.001-05:00

All of the flowers are thriving in the garden, both those we planted this year and those that former owners and God planted. I've seen a rose bush come back to life that I'd thought dead these last two years. The peonies bloomed at Memorial Day just as they should, filling the house with their intoxicating fragrance. The wildflowers have been abundant in the meadow. Vases and jars have been filled and scattered throughout the house. No need for air fresheners here.

I was enjoying a few moments of quiet on the porch a couple of days ago enjoying the late afternoon breeze. Honeysuckle vines fragranced the air with their sweetness. I pondered, what must Eden have been like? Breathtakingly beautiful, vibrant hues, a heady collection of exquisite flowers and plants that filled Adam and Eve's senses.

How hard it must have been to face a world outside Eden that I imagine might have been like a typical August in Missouri, hot, dry, dusty, dull. I'm sure the world lacked luster to Adam and Even in every way imaginable. More importantly, it would have been so lonely. I wonder if they prayed. I wonder if God answered. Certainly not face-to-face. What sadness and mourning must they have felt? What torment of regret? Did every generation feel that sense of loss as they were told the stories of life before?

Oh, thank you God that You made a way for us even prior to that first sin. Thank you that you chose before the creation that Jesus, by His obedience, death, resurrection and love, would make a way for us to be reunited to God Our Heavenly Father.
Romans 5:19

"For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous." King James Bible

Thank you Lord my strength!

~~~~~

May I suggest?

Why I Love Homemaking

Shared:
Raising Homemakers

A Perfect Tea for One

2013-06-06T17:05:00.002-05:00

...on the Front Porch

...Constant Comment Tea, orange slices and almonds...

...1 Corinthians 14 & 15

...piano music by Jim Brickman and a gentle rain.

Laura

Happy at Home

Our Family is Growing! Our Chicken Family that is.

2013-06-03T16:48:00.000-05:00

Our "family" is growing!

Our chicken family that is.

~smile~

We've got 14 pullet chicks to replace our hens that were killed a couple of months ago.

We had to get the kittens grown and adopted out before we could begin again. Now that they have homes, we're in the chicken business again.

I cannot wait to see those little hens strutting around the yard eating all the little bugs!

Hens make me happy.

Having a son to clean the chicken coop makes me even happier.

~smile~

Blessings from Harvest Lane Cottage

Laura
~~~~~
May I suggest?
A Lovely Rainy Afternoon

Shared:

Cozy Reading Spot

A Thrifty Week #7

2013-05-31T17:00:00.000-05:00

I cannot honestly say that this was a frugal week. We had car expenses, we had to replace all the hens we lost to wild dogs with new chicks, we had a doctor bill, a computer repair. In other words, life happened. Fortunately, we had money in the bank to cover the extra expenses. The next couple of weeks need to be extra thrifty to make up for these extra expenses.

That said, here's our thrifty week at Harvest Lane Cottage:

~ We bought a like-new trampoline for the children at a yard sale. This was an answer to Amy's prayers and saving. We all pitched in. $100!
~ We spent Memorial Day afternoon with at our creek instead of traveling or going to the pool.
~ We started listening to a set of history CDs called Hero Tales that I received for free for review.
~ I did not take our planned trip to the library, so I saved about $10 in gas.
~ Emily made a pair of palazzo pants into coulottes.
~ I made cream of mushroom soup from a gigantic Chicken of the Woods mushroom that a friend gave to us. It was delicious.
~ We ate dinner at church before service Wednesday.
~ I stayed home and did not spend money. ~smile~

~~~~~

May I suggest?

Above Rubies

Shared:
Modest Mondays, A Mama's Story, Mix it Up Monday , Fluster Buster, Wise Woman, Cozy Reading Spot

A Breezy Afternoon on the Porch

2013-05-31T16:54:00.000-05:00

Iced tea, fudgy homemade brownies, flowers, a nice breeze, and good friends. A little talk of curriculum, flowers, weather, church, Michigan, cooking, chickens, ducks, dogs, cats, and children. A wonderful way to relax and enjoy a Friday afternoon on the porch. Thanks for a terrific afternoon, Kerri!

Make Do and Mend May

2013-05-31T07:00:00.000-05:00

Make Do and Mend!

Make Do and Mend*

Keeping a family in clothing isn't always easy. Many folks use credit cards to keep their kiddos covered. I depend on gifts, hand-me-downs, yard sales, thrift shops, and my sewing skills.
......................................

This month I've mended:

3 pairs of jeans
1 pair of dress slacks
1 pair of shorts
1 skirt
1 pair Crocs shoes

I have also cut up clothes for rags.

We've made do by going to thrift stores and yard sales to supplement my children's clothing.

*Make Do and Mend is available through Amazon. I receive a small commission if you purchase an item after clicking on a link on my site.

~~~~~

May I suggest?

A Puttery Day and a Day of Rest

My Baby Girl My Big Girl Amy

2013-05-31T00:48:00.004-05:00

Amy

2010

Amy

2013

Her Blog

Such a Lovely Rainy Afternoon....

2013-05-30T16:11:00.003-05:00

Such a Lovely Rainy Afternoon we're having....

I do love a rainy day. After the drought we've had for the last two years since the tornado, our flowers, grass and trees are thriving with all the rain we've had recently. With the tornado in Moore, it would be easy to give in to fear every time the thunder rumbles. I choose to trust in the Lord's protection. When the weather report looks fearful, I plead the blood of Jesus over my family, our home, my son's home, my mother-in-love's home, the Joplin area, and the four-states. I tell the wind and the lightening to stay up in the clouds and give us only good rain and good wind, not stormy wind. It's all in the Name of Jesus Christ. I also pray for peace for those who were affected by the tornado who may be feeling fear. This is how I am dealing with my fear when it comes up. I meet it with faith in God and His protection.

I've a nice chicken roasting in a clay pot in the oven. I read for a little while today. I'm not reviewing this book. It's one I bought myself. I'm just a little ways into it. It's a big thick book. I think it's going to take me awhile.

I'm going to put a load of laundry in the washer in a few minutes. Then, I'll take a peek at our little peepers.

We've had them since Saturday. Black Australorpes and Dominiques.

I hope these little pullets are all hens that keep us in lots and lots of eggs next year.

Now, I'd better go and get busy. There are potatoes to peel and veggies to prepare for dinner. Oh, and a little sibling squabble to check on. ~smile~ Such is motherhood.

Blessings from Harvest Lane Cottage,

Laura

Happy at Home

~~~~~

May I suggest?

My Faith and My God: Do You Fear the Future?
or
I Love a Rainy Day

Review: High School History with a Christian Worldview: Dave Raymond’s American History

2013-05-28T06:30:00.000-05:00

Dave Raymond's American History Review

My kids learn well from teachers who are passionate about their subjects. Dave Raymond is passionate about American History. Better yet, Dave Raymond is a good storyteller. Isn't that what history is? Story telling? Names and dates bah! I want to know about the people, not just the battles. How did they think? Why did they do things? History comes alive in this video curriculum. Ideas, cultures, worldviews, motives are all central to this curriculum. Raymond views American history as the story of the gospel. As Raymond says, "American History is best understood through the dual lenses of dramatic story and godly wisdom."

We watched the first few lessons. They were lectures with many illustrations throughout. We're excited about using this next year.

There are 13 weeks of lessons on DVD one. Each week there are five 10-minute lectures, daily tasks, readings, and weekly exams. The students also keep a year-long journal. A Student Reader is included on the DVD. It's everything you need for one semester of high school History credit. You would need the second volume as well in order to get a full year of high school credit.

Dave Raymond's American History is good. I like it. My kids like it. I learned. My kids learned. I appreciated the strong biblical worldview. We will use this curriculum next year for my 8th and 10th graders. My 6th grader will probably listen to the lectures as well.

*Click here to watch the trailer, download free sample lessons, and see a list of lessons.

Dave Raymond's American History
Part 1 DVD ~~$100.00~~ $75.00 if you buy it directly from Compass Cinema.
Part 1 DVD $100.00 full price on Amazon.
Part 1 Download $75.00
Part 1 Online Portal $125.00
Note: This version is taught via an online portal with a moderator and grader, which explains the additional cost.

I really like the guarantee offered by Compass Cinema:
"We Like Kicking Tires. We bet you do, too. It's such an annoyance to buy something when you're not sure it's a good fit. To help you out, we've put complete sample lessons and downloads of full lessons for every product on our new site. Furthermore, if you ever buy anything from us that you don't like or don't use, just send it back for a full refund. Finally, we try to keep all our products on sale for you since we understand you may have limited resources. (Our wives homeschool, too.)"

*Disclosure:
Compass Classroom sent me a free DVD of their American History Volume One lessons in exchange for an honest review. You should know that I am affiliate with Compass Classroom. If you should choose to purchase an item after clicking the photo link above, I will get a commission. However, I am affiliate because they produce excellent products that I really like.

~~~~~

May I suggest?

Visual Latin... A Fun Way to Learn Latin

Cherry Fluffy Stuff

2013-05-27T10:18:00.003-05:00

Oh, this was so light and delicious. This Cherry Fluffy Stuff was inspired by a recipe I saw on Pinterest.

I changed it up a bit and made Cherry Fluffy Stuff.

Here's what I did.

Cherry Fluffy Stuff

In a medium size mixing bowl, I stirred together:

1 can cherry pie filling

1 medium size can crushed pineapple

1 can sweetened condensed milk

1/2 cup chopped pecans

After this was combined well, I folded in a small container of Light Cool Whip.

I refrigerated this a couple of hours until we were ready for dessert. Sprinkle with additional pecans if desired.

It received the family seal of approval.

~~~~~

May I suggest?

Easy Peasy Cheater's Supper

Shared with: Growing Home, Wise Woman

Frugal Days Sustainable Ways

We Did It Wednesday
Raising Homemakers
Wonderful Wednesdays
Home
Encourage One Another Wednesdays

Review: Second Chances by Max Lucado

2013-05-27T06:30:00.001-05:00

Who doesn't need a second chance? A do-over? A begin-again? If we're honest, we've all blown it once or twice, or oh, let's not even think about how many times. So many little decisions have such big consequences. Second Chances is a book of short stories by Max Lucado. The styles of stories vary, but they all point to the grace and mercy available from God the Father, by the power of the Blood of His Son, Jesus Christ, through the Holy Spirit. Many of the stories take Bible stories and rewrite them into circumstances that are plausible today.

"God gives second chances...

... for the Rebellious

... for the Regret-riddled

... for the Prideful

... for the Mistake Makers

... For a Faltering Faith

... For Those who Hurt Us."

~ from the Table of Contents

My thoughts:
Thank God, He gives us second chances. As I read, I was encouraged in my faith and reminded of God's goodness, grace, mercy, love and forgiveness towards me when I repent. God does give us second chances. Remember Jesus saying to forgive seventy times seven? Thank you God!

My favorite story was Imperfect People. It was so good, I wish I could include it right here. The woman is stiff and sore because of the garbage bag she is carrying. Others are carrying garbage, too. "Oh, to be rid of this garbage." It tells of how she disposed of the garbage. It spoke to me because, although I've gotten rid of a lot of garbage, I still have some saved back that I must release and toss. There's only one Way to do that.

The more I read my Bible and the more I read books that reveal God to me, the more I love Him. Smiles and tears adorned my face as I read this book. It was an easy book to snatch read when I had a few minutes here and there. I recommend it.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Shared: Cozy Reading Hop

A Thrifty Week #6

2013-05-24T15:25:00.000-05:00

Nothing exciting going on this week in the thrifty department. We're done with our school for a few weeks. We're officially on break until the end of June; but, there are a few things that the kids will be working on. Math is always something to keep up as is Bible reading.

Since I've had more time this week, we've been doing extra cleaning around the house. Things are beginning to look quite nice again. Slowly, it's actually getting clean instead of picked up. I don't spring clean, because we're always busy with school in the spring. Some of those things are getting done now. Today is our 27th wedding anniversary. Twenty-seven years, where have the years gone? Oh, yes, dishes, laundry, rearing children, homeschooling, Joplin tornado recovery....

So, here's my thrifty week....
~ A morning of yard saling yielded a couple of brand new dress shirts for my son as well as some very nice clothing for all three of my children at home. The prize was a very nice pair of suede fashion boots for my eleven year old.

~ An afternoon with the mending basket yielded a pair of jean shorts for my daughter and a denim skirt for me that are useful again. I also hemmed a pair of jeans for my husband. A shirt beyond repair was made into cleaning rags.

~ Just staying home saved gas and money this week.

~ Pretty bouquets of daisies adorn my tables. The children found a patch in the field and filled vases and jars for me. One of the things I love about living on the banks of Cedar Creek is the abundance of wildflowers in the fields. Such a variety. Last year I missed them. It was so dry the flowers barely bloomed. This year the flowers have loved all the rain.

~ Supper Tuesday was stir-fried greens that someone at the Farmers' Market gave to my husband at the end of the day. I served cornbread with it. As a reward to my children for not complaining, (I bribed them ahead of time), I made apple crisp with some canned pie filling my husband had bought a few weeks ago but didn't use. The vanilla ice cream was not at all thrifty, but so yummy. The canned pie filling was only thrifty as it fit into my plan to use up what we have in the house rather than buy groceries. I've been doing this for a few weeks, buying fresh fruits, veggies, milk and little else that wasn't required.

~ Like the picture above? It's a desktop wallpaper that is currently on my computer. It's available from Gooseberry Patch for free. Check out their terrific recipes and freebies.

~~~~~

May I suggest?

Money Secrets of the Amish

Shared with:

Growing Home, Wise Woman

Marriage Advice from an Older Woman

2013-05-24T08:31:00.000-05:00

We've been married 27 years today. I wouldn't trade my man for anyone in the world. It's been a rough ride at times, but we have taken it together. I'm a blessed woman.

A couple of words of advice to young ladies who are married or engaged....

1) Promise each other that no matter how angry or frustrated you get with each other, you will NEVER say the D word. (d------) If the two of you never say it, or even think it, you'll never do it.

2) If you have something to discuss that may cause tempers to flare, go out for dinner or for a Coke to discuss it. We behave much better in public. ~smile~

3) Read your Bible together. Pray together. Face challenges together. Think we and us, not I and me.

Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and all that He says. He is our salvation for eternity and our salvation in life's hard times.

~~~~~

May I suggest?

When Hubby is Underemployed or Unemployed....

Shared at:

Growing Home
Wise Woman
Wifey Wednesday

Review: The Confession by Beverly Lewis DVD

2013-05-22T10:25:00.000-05:00

BEVERLY LEWIS’ THE CONFESSION

From Director Michael Landon Jr.

Starring Katie Leclerc and Sherry Stringfield

Available on DVD June 11^th

...................................

Movie Synopsis:

Raised by an Amish family, Katie Lapp always felt the call of another life. Now, her quest to find her birth-mother, Laura Mayfield-Bennett, has drawn her into world of the "Englishers." Along the way, two very different men try to help her overcome a devious scheme to steal her rightful inheritance. Business-minded but kind-hearted Justin Wirth reaches out to discover Katie's hidden secrets, while her childhood companion Daniel Fisher sacrifices his own happiness for her future. Katie's heart is divided between two worlds as love reveals the truth in the moving saga based on the hit novel from New York Times bestselling author Beverly Lewis.

My thoughts:
My girls were so excited when they heard we would get this movie for review. They enjoyed the first movie in The Heritage of Lancaster County series called The Shunning. Katie Lapp is a young woman who was adopted by an Amish couple in Hickory Hollow. Now she's all grown up and searching for her birth mother. When you mix desperation, big money, innocence, and terminal illness, you've got a recipe for an interesting movie.

As you know, I'm quite picky with movies. The Confession was a good, clean film. I watched it with my family tonight. There was no bad language or crude jokes. There were no scenes that would cause you to shield your little ones' eyes or ears.

I found it to be an entertaining movie. I wanted to encourage the "good guys", shake a couple of "bad guys" a couple of times, I just wanted to hug Laura and the real Katie Lapp. I thought the head housekeeper was sweet and adorable. We liked the movie very much. But... we didn't know that it would leave us hanging. We found that frustrating because we have to wait a long time to find out whether there will be a happily ever after or not. We are assuming that they will make The Reckoning into a movie as well. If not, well I just might have to buy the book!

It's not the most exciting movie we've seen, but we would watch it again. It will stand alone as a story, but I think you would enjoy it more if you watch or read The Shunning first.

BEVERLY LEWIS’ THE CONFESSION has a running time of approximately 88 minutes and is not rated. I received this DVD in exchange for an honest review.

"Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Review: Do Great Things by Aaron Broyles ~ Guest Review by Lowell Lane~

2013-05-19T23:11:00.000-05:00

Writing about business or even reading about it, really isn't my thing. My husband, however, is editor of Kingdom Business Journal. He's all about business. Combining the Word of God with business principles? Definitely Lowell's idea of an interesting read. So, I'll let him tell you about Do Great Things by Aaron Broyles. Oh, don't tell Lowell. I read a couple of chapters, and I think this is good.

I am a get information reader. I am not one to just sit down and read a book for the pleasure of it, so that is why I really like this book. Do Great Things is an action book, a self-identication manual. Aaron challenges you from the first chapter with the question, “If you knew you could do whatever your heart was designed to do with complete fulfillment, excitement, passion, and adventure, without the possibility of failing, would you do it?” This really got my attention and made me want to read on.

Many of us need to change our thinking in order for us to do great things. Aaron does a great job of helping you through this process with challenging self-examination questions and assignments. He helps you to identify your life’s priorities. Aaron then walks you through goal setting and helps you identify specific goals with a specific plan to achieve your goal, anticipate the obstacles, create urgency, and then document and review your goals daily.

“If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.” Milton Berle.

I love this quote in reference to seeing or making opportunities that others don’t see. I have always been a person that asks lots of questions, and I try to figure things out especially when looking at the big picture. Aaron gives some great examples of this and helps you to think outside the box.
Aaron goes on to talk about how Doing Great Things takes hard work, action, leadership, and wisdom.

This is a great book and I would recommend it to anyone in business, thinking about going into business, or just wanting to identify their God given purpose in life.

Get your copy of Do Great Things.
In addition to editing Kingdom Business Journal, Lowell writes about organic cooking and gardening at Lowell Lane.

* Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

~~~~~

May I suggest?

Your Heart's Desire

Shared: Cozy Book Hop, Books You Loved

Expert Home Interior Decorating Advice for Any Style

2013-05-18T06:30:00.000-05:00

Expert home interior decorating advice...

"Have nothing in your houses that you do not know

to be useful or believe to be beautiful."

~ William Morris

A Thrifty Week #5

2013-05-17T06:30:00.000-05:00

I was a little more thrifty this week than last week.

~ I found a bank error of $5.00 on my checking statement. I looked at the check on-line, called to verify amount of payment with the company, then called the bank. They credited my account the same day. Every dollar counts.

~ In balancing the checkbook, I found that my husand had been, ahem, indulgent for my birthday and Mother's Day. So, we're eating out of the cupboard and freezer this week. So, I cleaned out the food cabinet. Why do I make such a mess when I'm cleaning? ~smile~ I still needed to buy a few things, but far fewer than I would normally buy.

~ We found homes for the last four kittens. No more kitten food to buy. ~sigh~

~ I mended two pairs of jeans. My son's thirteen and all boy. He regularly wears through his knees or rips his jeans. I fixed a pair for him. The other was for my daughter. She's just worn the same size jeans so long, she finally wore through a knee. ~smile~ I mended Amy's just like I mended this pair a few years ago. *Just a little funny note, the next day Michael told me that he had outgrown those jeans. I guess I need to get to my mending pile a little more often!

~ I noticed that the strap on my daughter's Croc shoe was beginning to tear. Rather than let it tear all the way through, I decided to try sewing the edges together. It worked! The stitches aren't all that noticeable. I wonder if Amy will notice? They should last through the summer now, unless she grows too fast. We have a creek on our property. Crocs make swimming in the creek much safer.

~ I bought thirty VHS history and Christian history videos and books for $3.00. One of them was the Visual Bible Matthew series. I love that their Jesus is a happy, joyful, Jesus. Another was Ray Vander Laan's That the World May Know series.

~ We made a trip to the library in a neighboring town and brought home a big box of books to read over the next few weeks. It's about 40 miles over, so I usually renew once. It will be good entertainment. The kids signed up for the summer reading program, so there will be some free miniature golf in our future. ~smile~

I'm looking forward to a thrifty summer. Would you ladies be interested in linking up thrifty posts in a linky? If so, do comment. If there's enough interest, I'll look into it.

May God bless you,
Laura
Happy at Home

~~~~~

May I suggest?

Minutes or Hours?

Shared: Cozy Reading Spot