She's With Me Video by Collin Raye - MySpace Video

Blogger isn't letting me upload photos this morning. We will see if I have better luck with a video.

When I first heard this song a few months ago I just sat and cried. If you have a child with special needs I think you will understand. Colin's granddaughter has many similarities to Rett Syndrome, but she is undiagnosed.

My Sweet Girl is home with the flu right now. She is doing better today. Right now she needs her mommy, though, so I will leave you with the video.

She's With Me Video by Collin Raye - MySpace Video

Well, that didn't work quite like I had hoped. Just click on the link above and it will take you to the video.

It's a Bag, It's a Purse, It's a.....

.....coupon organizer!

For a long time, I have used a baby wipes box for my coupons. It worked okay, but there were some problems. 1.) Cashiers always thought I was trying to steal a box of wipes when I didn't unload it out of the cart. 2.) It was awkward to carry and I always worried that I would drop it and send coupons fluttering all over the parking lot. 3.) It wasn't quite big enough.

So....I have been on the hunt for the perfect "container" for my coupons. I went up and down the aisles of Walmart and Target. Nothing. Ebay and Etsy had a few options, but nothing that seemed just right for me. Next, I decided to see what the local thrift shops had. Still nothing.

Then last week I was in the antique store checking on my booth. I decided to walk around and see what the other vendors had to offer. I spotted this purse (no, it is not an antique) and had an "a-ha moment."

I love my new purse coupon organizer! It is easy to carry - just throw it over my shoulder and head for the store. Spacious enough for all my coupons, but not so big that it doesn't fit in the seat of the shopping cart. Pockets for my calculator, pen, scissors, etc. And the cashiers don't think I am stealing!

I use "return" envelopes from those pesky credit cards for my coupons. I cut off the flap and then use an index card for the category tab.

As I am shopping I put the coupons I am using in the front pocket. Then they are all ready to go when I reach the check out.

Oh, did I mention that I paid $2 for my new purse coupon organizer? I always love a thrifty solution!

{Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Get for yourselves purses that will not wear out, the treasure in heaven that never runs out, where thieves can't steal and moths can't destroy. Your heart will be where your treasure is. Luke 12:33-34}

Praise Him

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;

Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heav'nly host;

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

Amen.

Bittersweet

bit ter sweet 1. climbing plant with purple flowers and poisonous, scarlet berries. 2. climbing plant with orange seed cases that open and show red seeds. 3. sweet and bitter mixed. 4. sweetness and bitterness mixed. n., adj.

This seems to be a fitting word right now. It is what my heart is feeling today. If you are a close friend or family member or if you have been reading my blog for awhile, you might know my feelings about moving here. I fought it. I have searched my heart and blogged about it. A couple months ago I was honest with you about some struggles we were facing.

When we moved here this house really became a refuge for me. In the midst of the chaos, I could sit on the porch and find peace. When I was lonely I could decorate and make our house a home. Peace would surround me as I watched the wildlife (or my children) playing in the yard.

Today is bittersweet. The tears are falling along with the rain outside. We have an offer on our house. In this economy, I know that this is a blessing. God is taking care of us. But I am human and I am sad, scared....and yes, maybe bitter.

Where do we go from here? How do we start over when we will walk away from this home sale with nothing? When will my husband find a new job where he can be happy and people will believe in him?

(Photo from Country Home)

We are surviving. This house will become a home for a new family. My husband has a job. We have family and friends who love us. Sweet blessings, even in bitter times.

{What more could I have done for my vineyard that I have not already done? When I expected sweet grapes, why did my vineyard give me bitter grapes? Isaiah 5:4}

Autumn {ReNew}al

The trees are beginning to blush! Isn't that a wonderful description for this time of year? I can't take credit for it. Another blogger (sorry I can't remember who) used that phrase the other day. So true. As I drive down the tree-lined country roads I can see glimpses of red on some of the leaves. Ahhhhh.....Autumn is my favorite season!

With the changing of the seasons, I decided my booth needed some {ReNew}al; a little freshening for fall. These old tinker toys make a unique "autumn" display, but could also be used to hold photographs or place cards.

Here they are displaying some old Probe game cards. I am not a Halloween/ghost/witch person, but I do have a few things in my booth. It amazes me how many people go all-out with Halloween decorating. The Humorous Ghost Stories book sold right away.

This isn't a great picture, but it shows some of the over-all display.

This peg shelf got a coat of paint and some distressing after it finally stopped raining last week.

If you enlarge this picture you will see that the book is opened to "The Raven" by Edgar Allen Poe.

If something is metal and rusty I just might like it! The toolbox tray fits in that category. Add a few colorful accessories and it turns into a nice display piece. At least I think so! What do you think of the wire pumpkin? I made it out of some old garden fencing.

You can't see the rust on this metal box, but it is there! Rust is a fall color, right?

Did I mention that I love this time of year? Turning leaves, cool temperatures, homemade soup, sweaters...... Well, it isn't quite sweater weather down here in the south. However, we did have our first homemade soup of the season last night. Thank you, Lord, for the blessings of autumn.

{People of Zion, celebrate in honor of the LORD your God! He is generous and has sent the autumn and spring rains in the proper seasons. Joel 2:23}