How do we accept financial insecurity threatening our lives and our family? Rarely, can we skip over our painful feelings, wave a wand and create new employment in short order. Often, we want difficult life situations to be some other way.

Yet, if we resist accepting situation and our mixed bag of feelings we inevitably end up fighting ourselves and world. Acceptance is path back to peace.

As they say in big book of Alcoholics Anonymous, "Acceptance is answer to all my problems today... I can find no serenity until I accept that person, place, thing, or situation as being exactly way it is suppose to be at this moment. Nothing, absolutely nothing happens in God's world by mistake."

We cannot force ourselves into peaceful acceptance. Coming to acceptance is often a volatile emotional journey occurring over time. To begin journey toward acceptance try letting go of analyzing or attempting to "figure out" "why's" of situation and seek trust.

Realizing every life experience has a purpose - even if beyond our knowing - helps pave way to acceptance. Just holding what we cannot resolve or understand within our hearts moves us closer to acceptance.

As we aspire toward acceptance of life's challenges, grace gifts us with a measure of comfort and solace.

"My life is but a weaving between my Lord and me. I cannot choose colors He worketh steadily. Oftimes He weaveth sorrow, and I in foolish pride Forget He sees upper and I, underside. Not till loom is silent and shuttles cease to fly Shall God unroll canvas and explain reason why. The dark threads are as needful in Weaver's skillful hand As threads of gold and silver in pattern He has planned."

Author Unknown

1. Gather branches, leaves, seed pods, pine cones, acorns and anything else from your yard that fits with fall color scheme.

Even without a glue gun you can arrange attractive centerpieces and mantel displays.

2. Visit produce department of your grocery and pick vegetables that suit your color scheme.

Squashes come in all colors, shapes and sizes and last a long time unrefrigerated. Pumpkins may be reduced after Halloween and work well. Arrange them in groups, alone, or around greenery.

3. Check out your garden for what’s in bloom.

Lucky you if you have chrysanthemums, but many other things will do if you’ll take a second look.

4. Cheap tip for a real glow? Buy a fair-sized mirror at dollar store or thrift shop, place it on your dining room table, buffet or any low table (you have to be able to see reflection) and cover it with tea lights or candles. Beautiful!

5. Get accent pieces from your local Goodwill store and thrift shops.

People donate most amazing holiday decorations that can be yours for pennies. I’ve found everything – hand towels, wreaths, pillows, dressed stuffed animals, wall pictures, bedspreads, water globes, statuettes and serving pieces.

6. Change out your lamp shades.