Some of us keep the same carpet for eons and can point out how 17-year old James spilt oil on one spot and a visitor ripped the center three years ago. Some carpets contain germs, mold, and so many other things that can have people wondering why the members of a certain household are constantly getting sick, and why visitors walk in and begin to sneeze.

For these same reasons, some people choose to do away with carpets altogether.

Carpeting can make or break a house. In order to have a beautiful, welcoming abode, it is important to be careful to select the right carpet for the right section of the house. Carpets can make a room feel larger or smaller, cleaner or dirtier, inviting or repelling, airy or suffocating.

The first thing that you must consider before selecting a carpet for a room or section of the house is the amount of traffic that part of the house will have. Home entrances, living rooms, playrooms, hallways and stairways should have strong, durable, quality carpets. These are of course more expensive, but it is cheaper in the long run to have one carpet for years than to replace one every few months.

Next, you need to figure out the type of traffic that a room will have. Five children can do more damage to a carpet than ten adults. Rooms that are used for plenty of activity or for children are better off with carpets that are both stain-resistant and easy to clean. We all know that children can find ways to stain even stain-resistant items.

What purpose does the room serve? A prayer room is better off with warm, soft tones that do not give a room a loud and cluttered feeling. Walking into a very loud room at 5am for quiet, morning prayer and study can be very disheartening. An exercise room on the other hand should preferably have loud, energetic colors that are not easily stained. A living room should have warm, inviting colors that make people feel that they have walked into a home and not a tight, formal, cold space.

Patterns also matter. Spiral lines, numerous squares, thousands of flowers all give different feelings from dizziness to a sense of the 1950s. Select patterns that are appealing to you but that also make sense and are not distracting depending on the purpose of the room.

Consider the colors in the room and select colors that complement them perfectly or greatly contrast them. You do not want to have deep red curtains with a purple carpet and orange sofa. You probably also do not want to have a white carpet in a playroom or a dining area. A gray carpet will make a room dull and dark; a pink one is both hard to match and too bright for some people. It perhaps belongs only in a girls’ room or playroom. You should select a carpet that is easy to match even if it outlasts your furniture. Having carpets in bright, unique colors will mean always having to consider the carpet when buying furniture. For such colors, it is better to select lighter, softer shades to test them out.

Lighting is very important, too. A carpet can tone down a warm room and make it cooler, or make a cold room warmer. Carpets can also brighten or darken a room. A dark carpet in a room with large windows and plenty of sunlight can actually begin to fade with time, because of the sun shining directly on it.

Finally, having considered all these options, take a look at your budget. You can get a good carpet without breaking the bank. Shop around, carry samples from home, take samples from shops. Look at them when you get home, then get some sleep and look at them again the next day and see if you feel the same way about them. You will have the same carpet for quite some time, hopefully, so you want to choose wisely.

Next: Carpet maintenance – old carpets can be as good as new!

Image credits: Image 1: Avant Images

Image 2: Uppercutrf

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It’s really hot out there, isn’t it! Many have already experienced their 90 degree Fahrenheit weather. What do you do if you want to sit outside but would rather do without the sunburn? You get yourself a patio umbrella, also known as the sunbrella or parasol.

Here are some things to consider before you get your parasol.

What can you afford? Cheaper versions go for about $250, and the more-expensive ones can cost up to $2,500.

How much shade would you like? If you have a large deck or back yard, a tiny umbrella would look pointless and dwarfed. If you have a small space, a large umbrella would crowd out the space and disturb the eyes.

Would you like it freestanding or on a patio table?

If you want a freestanding umbrella, you will need a firmer, more solid base. For a table umbrella, you do not need a very heavy base as the table itself provides support at the center, where the umbrella is held.

What color would you like to buy? Bright colors are more appealing and fun. Some people like their outdoor furniture to match their house. Whatever color you go for, if the umbrella stands on a patio table, it should not clash with the furniture around it.

Poles, frames or ribs?

Poles are stronger, but they rarely tilt, and take more work to get the umbrella up.

Frames are usually made of fiberglass, wood, or metal. With wood, you get a prettier look, but metal and fiberglass are more neutral and can match many kinds of furniture. They also do not tilt.

Ribs will tilt and are quite firm. They last longer than aluminium poles, but they tip over easily during strong winds.

Tilt or no tilt?

If it tilts, it provides more options for shade and can be modified as the sun moves (although it is really the earth that moves). If it has no tilt, you will have to move your table and chairs to the shade as the sun moves.

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For most of us,the bathroom sink is where it all begins. It is our first stop in the morning and our last stop before we get into bed. Many of us underestimate the impact that a sink can make on our day. Few of us pay attention to bathroom sinks when we are selecting or selling houses. In reality, they can make a huge difference on the outlook of a bathroom and our enjoyment of our beauty regimen. Having a fun beauty regimen can go a long way in lifting your mood before and after a long day.

When choosing a sink, there are several factors to consider before you can determine what works for you.

The first thing to think about is function. What is this sink going to be used for? Decide whether you will use it just as a three-second stop in the morning and at night, to wash your face and brush your teeth, or if you will spend time there applying make up and examining your face for changes that can help you decide if your skin care regimen is working for you.

After figuring out the most practical sink function for you, you can choose the lighting, style, material and size.

Lighting:

Lighting is important because you need it to check if you have cleaned your face properly. If you do not have a vanity sink, then you can use general bathroom lighting. However, if the sink is where you apply your make-up, you will need ample light to ensure for example that you do not end up with different shades of skin on your face and your neck, that you have no lipstick in your teeth and that your eye shadow is the same on both eyes.

Style:

This can be contemporary, traditional, victorian, etc. There are various sink-styles for you to choose from. A few of them are listed below.

Wall-mounted sinks are the kind that are fixed onto the wall. This type of sink is ideal for small bathrooms because although they do not create storage space, the space underneath can be maximized.

Pedestal sinks are attached to the wall, but are supported by a pedestal. They do not offer storage space and can hold no more than soap and a toothbrush holder, but they create more floor space.

Drop-in, top-mount, or self-rim sinks fit into a bathroom vanity/dresser, and are the kind you want to choose if you will be placing your make up and beauty products on a counter in the bathroom. It is also possible to store things under these sinks as the bottom part is a cabinet or drawers.

Undermount, under-counter or bottom-mount sinks are the kind that fit under the bathroom vanity. The sink surface does not interrupt the vanity surface as with drop-in sinks. They are easier to clean, as dirt, grime, old soap, hair, debris and things are not caught in-between the sink and the counter. The tap/faucet is mounted directly on the counter, which provides an opportunity for creativity.

Console sinks are slightly similar to pedestal sinks. The difference is that instead of a pedestal, this type of sink is supported by two legs at the front, or two at the front and two against the wall.

Vessel or basin sinks are, in line with their name, free-standing sinks that appear like bowls or basins, mounted on a counter/vanity. This type of sink also provides beautiful opportunities to be creative.

Material:

Many people think that all sinks are made out of porcelain, but there are so many other creative materials you can use. It is important to find out about the material of a sink so that you can determine how to care for it and clean it.

Porcelain and clay sinks are among the most-common bathroom sinks. They are durable and easy to clean, but they can chip, crack and break relatively easily.

Metal sinks include stainless steel, copper and brass sinks. These are fine but can dent easily. They also darken the look of a bathroom. Stainless steel sinks make bathrooms look more industrial than comforting. Copper sinks change color over time. However, bacteria can only survive on copper for a short period of time, so this would be the best type of sink for the health-conscious person.

Concrete sinks are heavy and require sufficient support. They are best supported in a console version.

Stone sinks can be beautiful and unique. They are also heavy and are best used as pedestal or vessel sinks. Cleaning this type of sink requires scrubbing.It is not a very practical sink and if necessary, it is best used outdoors.

Soapstone sinks are smooth, beautiful and full of character. This sink would work well with the artistic person. They change colour over time, becoming darker. They also retain heat and are very easy to care for.

Bamboo sinks are another creative type of sink. They are exotic and beautiful, but require more care as their surfaces have to be sealed treated with oil. They cannot be cleaned using regular, abrasive sink cleaners. The same goes for wood sinks.

Terrazzo is a faux-marble material that can be used to create a beautiful, unique type of sink. However, it also requires a great deal of care. The best way to care for a terrazzo sink is to clean it with a neutral cleaner. Harsh abrasives will scratch the sink.

Size and depth:

Use a big or deep sink if you splash around a lot and have plenty of space.

Use a smaller or shallower sink to maximize space and if you can manage to brush your teeth and wash your face without splashing water onto the counter, floor or yourself.

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by Petite Ndiho

Single ladies have a tendency to get depressed every February 14^th. This does not have to be the case. I am also not of the school of thought that believes we must all wear red and go out to flamboyantly declare our standing. I am a bit of a homebody and find nothing wrong with taking some time to reflect and be alone this day. Valentine’s Day this year falls on a Sunday and what better way to spend it with the one who loves us more than we could ever imagine?

For those who intend to be holed up at home this Valentine’s Day, it need not be boring or depressing. Here are a few tips to keep your environment relaxing that evening.

Have a home pedicure.

Where it happens:

Anywhere in the house.

You will need:

A pedicure tub/foot-spa, one of those that have an in-built massager (or a good old basin)

Hot water

Lots of bubble-forming foot-soaking tablets or liquid

Some petals

Pumice stone

Towel

Nail cutter and emery board

Cuticle remover

Nail polish: Base coat, polish and top coat

The procedure:

Fill the pedicure tub with hot water and put in the foot-soaking tablets

Soak your feet for fifteen minutes or until the water is tepid

Use the pumice stone to scrub your feet

Dry your feet by patting them with the towel

Clip your nails and smooth them with an emery board

Apply some cuticle remover onto the cuticles and remove them.

Moisturize your feet and legs

Apply base coat to nails, follow with two layers of polish and finally one layer of top coat.

Wait for nails to dry.

Why this is relaxing:

A home pedicure will give your aching feet that much-needed attention after a day of being on your toes. You can do it while you meditate or even talk to the Lord. Who says you only need a pedicure in the summer?

Dinner and Fun with the Ladies.

Where it happens:

Your kitchen and living or dining room.

You will need:

A simple, scrumptuous meal, served creatively.

A nice, clean show. It doesn’t have to be a movie. I have watched sermons with my friends and it is rewarding.

The procedure:

Eat, share, laugh, praise and enjoy!

Why this is relaxing:

We all need friends. Love does not always have to be between men and women. Sharing love with your friends can be a rewarding day to spend not just Valentine’s day but also any free day of the week. During these bonding periods, women share their joys, heartaches and random stories.

Desk Rearrangement.

Where it happens:

Your study corner or room.

What you need:

Your cluttered desk.

The Procedure:

Move stuff around. Move the desk, if need be.

Why this is relaxing:

For many people, the workstation is where they do the last piece of work every day. For some it is even where they carry out Bible study. Rearranging this desk is one way to use up the time and to change up the environment and make it look more inviting.

The Good Book.

Where it happens:

The couch. Your dorm room. Or anywhere else.

What you need:

Your Bible

The Procedure:

Read, learn and enjoy!

Why this is relaxing:

Reading takes your mind to a different place and time. You could be in your living room, on the bus or under a tree, but also with Queen Esther in the palace or with King David on the battlefield. At the same time, your memory is running and God is using your experiences to speak to you. In one sitting, you take many journeys. So when people say they went places for Valentine’s Day, you can say, so did you!

A Good Old Nap.

Where it happens:

Your bed, the couch.

What you need:

A good pillow.

The procedure:

Say a prayer and get some shut-eye!

Why this is relaxing:

If you’re anything like me, then the opportunity to sleep is rare and prized. It is relaxing to think that while you were in the office the day before, you can now get some rest and be ready for the week ahead. The trick is to make sure you don’t take a very long nap so that your sleep schedule is not interrupted.

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DECLUTTER! Remove everything you have not used in over a year. Go through your kitchen and throw out things that have outlived their lifespan. Give away clothes you haven’t worn in a year. Clear the things under your bed. Put everything in its place.

DE-STRESS! Remove the things that do not add to your life or that are in the wrong place. Use rooms for what they should be used for. Take the TV and laptop out of your bedroom. Remove electronics and phones from the dining room.

LIGHT IS IMPORTANT! Light can change a room or house from dull and dreary to energetic and refreshing, especially when the sun is out. Open the curtains and windows; let fresh air in! It’s healthier anyway! When selecting a home, choose places with large windows that let in adequate sunlight and air.

BRIGHTER = BETTER. Use sealed, bright-coloured trash cans. That way, looking at the trash is not so depressing, and the trash can will fit easier into any corner of the room. It’s very frustrating to walk into a room after a long day and be greeted by grimy paper towels sticking out of a waste paper basket or kitchen dustbin. Using a sealed trash can that is a beautiful colour can also make taking out the trash a little more fun. Be sure to use garbage bags within the cans, for easier cleaning and less messiness. Your laundry basket, vacuum cleaner, dustpan and brooms, mop and bucket, and other “task items” are best purchased in colours you love so that chores are not so dreary.

FLOWERY = FRESH FUN. Flowers can brighten up the least-expected areas of your house. Put them in the bathroom, on the kitchen window sill, on your coffee or dining table, or in the hallway to brighten up these areas.

CANDLES = COSY. If you’re more about the cosy, homely feeling, you can use candles. A bathroom can instantly be changed from drab to inviting just by lighting up candles that have been placed at strategic points.

DECORATIONS = DIFFERENCE. You can actually change the feel of a room by the way you decorate it. Try changing things around – go with a different theme or colour and see how that works for you. Sometimes frustration is just a desire for a slight change.

ARRANGEMENT = AMBIENCE. Wires all over the floor, and furniture in high-traffic areas of your home or room can cause people to trip and fall, which could mean anything from mild irritation to 911 emergencies. Change furniture around, creating different shapes. Switch the TV location. Remove some items or add a few. You’ll be surprised how new the room feels.

CLEANLINESS = CLARITY. You will function better in a clean room. Get rid of dirt and grime, schedule a weekly cleaning time and dust often to prevent dust and allergens piling up in your home.

PRAYER = POWER. Last but not least, designate a special section or room of your house specifically for prayer. Let it be a sacred place where you meet God. It does not have to be a large space – God, after all, dwells within you. This prayer closet or prayer spot can make your prayers special and keep you looking forward to those specific times when you meet the Lord at “your place.” Friendships and intimacy are built by having treasured moments together. God is always with us, but sometimes on a hard day, saying “Lord, I’m coming to the corner” or “Let’s talk about this at our spot” can give you an increased sense of closeness with Him. In my house, it has even become a proper noun: The Closet.

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I grew up in a family that did not celebrate Christmas. As a little girl, I would look longingly at the houses in the city as we drove home on holiday nights, wishing I had the chance to decorate a Christmas tree or hang ornate lights across the walls. My first Christmas alone in my own space was my opportunity to experience this to the fullest. Christmas is a wonderful time of the year for me because it was on Christmas, seven years ago that I gave my life to the Lord and this season reminds me of the gift that was given to me and all humanity. It did not take place in a wintry December, but it was a beautiful time when angels sang and brightened the sky for shepherds who tended their sheep, because true freedom had come.

Christmas to me is freedom. I am free to live, free to sing praises, free to stay away from work, and as of a few years ago, free to decorate, give, share, and celebrate.

Decorating can be a bummer if you have a large space and set off without a plan. Involve your family members or friends – let one person mount the lights, another the tree, another the cards from years past, another the wall hangings. Tell stories and play praise music and enjoy the experience for it is one that should be enjoyed with loved ones around.

Take a look at these pictures that I collected for you (courtesy of Google Images and Inmagine), and be inspired!

Have a blessed Christmas, and remember it is not about the gifts and decorations, but about remembering and reflecting on the greatest gift of all time – salvation and reconciliation with our God.

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Dresser mirrors are commonly called vanity mirrors – guess why; because the mirror is where we look at ourselves most. King Solomon said, “vanity of vanities, all is vanity,” and it could be a good thing to remember this verse while looking in the vanity mirror because our beauty is only skin-deep and time-deep.

I used to wonder what people did before mirrors were invented. I ask myself if the stories of looking at their reflections in the rivers and ponds are true, and if people were as narcissistic as they are today. The mirror is an important part of many people’s lives. Women, especially, need them for routines that are carried out as soon as they wake up and right before they go to sleep. We have to choose the right mirrors for us – and for our dressers.

Before you go mirror-shopping:

1. Measure the width of your dresser. Few things are as disappointing as getting home from a whole day of shopping only to discover that the item you were so sure about at the shop is too large, too small or just won’t sit where you want it to.

2. Choose the quality. The higher the quality, the more it will cost. Budget appropriately and remember it is better to spend a little more to get something that will not last than to scrimp and save and find a mirror that will be shaky within days, risking breakage.

3. Because we are dealing with bedroom dressers, we should go with beveled-edge mirrors. Chrome edges and frameless mirrors are much easier to clean, but more suited for bathrooms and powder rooms.

4. Different shapes give different ideas: Oval is more quaint and square or round are more contemporary.

Here are some ideas to get you started:

Have a good month!

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Your dresser is a very useful piece of furniture. It is an important piece of the bedroom and can actually make or break your bedroom. Many of us think of the dresser as just a huge piece that we use to dump everything from keys to coins, perfumes and things we are not using. Many people leave their cosmetics on their dressers for years, sometimes until they dry up, forgotten at the back of the pack.

A dresser should be beautiful but if you have to choose between looks and durability, go for durability. It’s possible to get both. Find out what you need before you buy or arrange your dresser.

Size:

If you have plenty of space, you can use a regular dresser which is about as high as your waist. However if you have less space to work with, you can go for a taller dresser that has enough drawer space but can also fit without looking like too much of a squeeze.

Material.

Wood is the most popular material and for a good reason. It is durable and strong. Solid oak, solid maple, pine are popular kinds of wood.

Wicker/basket is another popular material. It can be durable if well cared for, especially if enforced with wood. Wicker provides a lovely, lodge-like feel to a bedroom.

The drawers should be smooth, with no sticking-out splinters because these can tear and ruin clothes.

Positioning.

Ideally, the dresser should not block lighting or passageways in the bedroom. This is influenced largely by the size.

Arrangement:

Dresser-tops can quickly become cluttered and confusing. In order to prevent this, clean and arrange your dresser on a monthly basis. The dresser does not have to be boring. The usual items that are placed on dressers include jewelry, cosmetics, and grooming items. You can make it look more appealing by beautifully arranging photographs of people dear to you, and by using a jewelry-box which will save you from having to untangle chains and earrings each time you want to wear them. Use a cute but practical container for your coins.

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Africans are known for their hospitality the world over. But if you look carefully around you, it is obvious that hospitality is an endangered virtue – even in Africa.

Welcoming visitors is usually seen to be the woman’s forte. From what I’ve seen and heard, men can sit for hours with a visitor without really noticing that they have not eaten or showered or that they need to get some sleep. So let us perfect the art of being a good host; here are a few ways to accomplish that.

Say it heartily.

In Arabic, spoken in northern Africa, it is Mar’haba.

In Chichewa, spoken in Malawi, they say Mwalandiridwa.

In Swahili, which is spoken by more than 110 million people, it’s Karibu.

In Luganda of Uganda, it’s Tubasanyukidde.

The Igbo of Nigeria say,  Ilo-la.

Whichever way you say it, do it warmly. Give the person a hug or a warm handshake, as culturally appropriate. Smile and receive them as a child of Christ.

Give them your best couch/seat.

Visitors are never parasites in Africa, especially on their first visit. Many reserve the best couches/seats for visitors. Of course, don’t offer someone else’s seat, for example for us at home we had chairs for everyone and a special one for the visitors. Treat your visitor like a dignitary. Even if you have just one stool, offer it.

Cook them a special meal.

Share what you have with them. It will be appreciated if not by them, then always by God.

Check on them and listen to them.

Ask about them. “How are you? Are you alright? Is the family well? What is the news from home?” It is rare that people will visit for no reason but even though they do, ask after them. If it is their first time in the city and they have nowhere to go, listen to their tales and smile with them as they marvel at the conveniences of city life. It could be a friend just passing by from work who didn’t think she had a problem until you asked and realized that God brought you two together for you to assist.

Offer a comfortable place to sleep.

You might not have a kingsize bed in a castle of a guest bedroom, but treat them as you would hope to be treated yourself in the same shoes. Clean sheets, a towel, bathroom flip flops and a Bible are some  basics to think about.

Pray for them to have a good stay.

Believe it or not I am always homesick when visiting. It is always nice to hear my hosts are praying for me. It’s also advisable to pray that no conflict arises with your guests/s  and that their stay is smooth.

These are a few starting steps. Remember it has to come from within and be genuine. People can tell when they are not welcome. If you don’t want them to be there, be frank with them, because King Solomon told us in Proverbs 10:18, “he that hideth hatred is of lying lips.” I hope this will change your mind: “Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” (Hebrews 13:2)

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Getting a room to look great does not necessarily mean painting, wall hangings, photographs or light fixtures. House plants are a cheap and convenient way to brighten up a room and with the right plant many times all you will need is a little water and some light. When I was young I thought that having plants in the home would finish up the oxygen but now I know better. Plants actually add freshness and character to any room in the house, be it the living room, bathroom, bedroom or kitchen. Here are some things to think about if you choose to have house plants:

-    Select plants that are suitable for indoors, such as orchids, beautiful cactus, daffodils or ficus. Indoor plants will most likely not get direct sunlight so it is best to choose plants that will not need any.

-    Think about the occupants. If you have pets, they might chew on the leaves of your plant. If you live with young children or in a place where young children visit often, you do not want thorny plants such as cactus or plants with leaves or parts that are poisonous as children might bite into them.

-    Select your pot wisely. Choose a container that will match the room you want the plant to be in. Remember some plants need lots of space for the roots.

-    Guard against pests. Plants attract insects; beautiful flowers might attract bees into your home for example. Be ready to practice some pest control.

Happy decorating!

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In Africa there are no laundry rooms, here in “outside countries”  they are built into most homes. Back at home, the “laundry room” could very well be outdoors, made up of a few basins and some detergent under a tree. A tap as well if you’re blessed to have one. I wish I were a landscaper, maybe I would then offer some tips on how to liven up this outdoor laundry area with beautiful flowers and green grass.

But, I’m not, so here are a few things you can do if you have an indoor laundry room and the privilege to change it up at will.

Colourful walls and windows.

Because the laundry room is not as large as the living room, it is easier to create a brighter look with wallpaper or a bright and lively paint colour. It does not have to be all white. If you have a choice, go with a bright-coloured washing machine and dryer instead of white. Beautiful curtains can complete the task.

Watch the lighting.

A dark room with smelly laundry to do can make a day dull and if you’re like me, it can make you postpone your laundry job for as long as you can get away with it. You  need to be able to see the stains on the clothes, anyway – so try to ensure large windows and if you colour the walls, let it be a bright colour. Natural light is best because it gives an air of freshness and cleanliness but artificial lighting will work as well.

Organize.

Clutter has a way of sapping the energy out of people. Keep a stack of drawers or baskets to sort out your laundry before or after it’s done. If you have enough space for a closet, that can be great as well. Neat shelves, colourful baskets labeled “whites,” “darks” and coloureds”, individual hampers, or maybe some hanging space for those things that should be dried on a line can make your job easier and more fun. Hide detergents, softeners, bleach and all your laundry agents in a closet where they will not make the room feel cluttered. A cute wastebasket can be used to dispose all the lint and used detergent containers.

Try it, and let’s see! Maybe laundry will become an enjoyable task.

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African.

Of course, we had to begin with the style that reminds us of Africa! Also known as the Safari look, this warm style combines the beauty of nature with the comfort of home. It is classy and comfortable and makes use wicker/basket/sisal, leather, “warm” animal-reminiscent fabrics such as zebra and leopard print, and beautiful handcrafted pieces. The African look is the outdoors, indoors. It is a very popular look, but at the same time can be uncommon because of the wide variety and many options available for this style.

Contemporary.

Think symmetry and maybe a little math. Clean, straight lines, geometric shapes and neutral colours (black and white) define this style, but certain accents can be added to brighten it up. Natural fabrics such as linen are best for this look. Contemporary is the opposite of traditional.

Classical.

Think Rome and Greece – and therefore plenty of mathematics and balanced equations. This look is simple, yet rustic (rural) with smooth or textured off-white walls. The contemporary look heavily borrows from this look. Stone or marble tiled floors as well as thick, striped hardwood floors create a look of symmetry. Spiral staircases are often used. Central focal points create balance in each room.

Oriental.

This style is also known as Asian. Think bamboo, silk, ornate accessories, bare windows, ambient lighting and bold colours. It is stylish and gives an air of royalty.  Definitely not a monotonous look, but it is very minimalist. Screens are often used as room dividers and floors are left bare or fully carpeted.

Country.

This look is cheery, flowery and lived-in. Plenty of photographs and wall hangings adorn this look. A variety of materials work well for this look but the most common for furniture is wood. Materials used are patterned with flowers or checked and brightly coloured. Many times, both these materials are used. The country look goes with area rugs or bare floors as opposed to wall-to-wall carpeting.

Tuscan.

Think Tuscany or the Mediterranean. Antique furniture, stone and marble make up this look and natural elements often provide a focal point. A stone fireplace or beautiful, real flowers can be used as focal points. Mirrors, huge ceiling beams and cobblestone floors add that unique, Mediterranean element. Colours to think about for this are olive green, fall orange, and wine red.

Traditional.

This design style is reminiscent of the 18^th and 19^th centuries. It is elegant and warm, with antique, graceful looking furniture, still life paintings, chandeliers and the like. Persian or flowered rugs are often used for this design.

People often mix and match design styles. For example, it’s possible to create a contemporary African look. A traditional room can have a hint of contemporary to it. It all depends on the individual’s preferences. One constant rule with interior design is not every single rule has to be followed.

Enjoy decorating!

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When she started living alone, Miriam discovered that she loved exchanging ideas with her friends. She got the wall-candle idea from Dessy. Dessy got the hallway home office idea from her. They enjoyed it and continued to share thoughts and even began to shop together.

A short time afterward Dessy moved into a bigger house. It was an apartment but so much more spacious than Miriam’s. Dessy had many ideas that worked well and Miriam began to think, “I wish I had the space to do things like she does.” After a while that feeling grew and threatened to spoil their friendship because Miriam found she could not stay around her friend without feeling resentment. She began having strange thoughts. “How can she afford a better place than mine though she makes less money than I do?” she wondered. “How can I out-do her latest idea?” She tried everything, even an apartment overhaul before she realized she was dealing with the green-eyed monster and had to deal with it.

Miriam’s story is an example in many. Even in something so simple, jealousy can take over and threaten to ruin someone’s life if they are not careful. It can change motives for doing things and a person who is run by jealousy will always try to outdo others.

Before you begin to change the look in your living space, think about why you are doing it. Is it because you want to outdo someone else? Is it something you are doing for you?

Overcoming jealousy in this and in any area may not be an easy thing but if it is not handled in time it can lead to misery. The Bible says jealousy is more serious than anger (Proverbs 27:4). If you are struggling with feelings of jealousy, ask God to search your heart and show you what the problem could be. It might be something like lack of faith in His provision, or forgetting to be thankful and count our blessings. Cast your burdens at the cross of Jesus and He will deliver you.

Have a blessed month!

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The Recession doesn’t mean you can’t keep your living space looking beautiful. There are many cheap ways to redecorate. Here are a few ideas:

• Rearrange a room – Moving things around can make a huge difference.

  

  

• Switch curtains around – after a good wash, you can actually try bathroom curtains in the kitchen or switch the living room and dining room curtains around to create a new look.
• Go African – African decorative pieces can be found for very good prices and even where they are expensive, one piece can go a long way in adding character or changing up a room’s look. It’s as simple as adding a wicker basket in the perfect place, a few cushions or pillows on a plain couch or bed, or a decorative piece on a surface where it will be noticed.



• Declutter – Creating space can make a big difference in the ambience of a room. Unnecessary stools; speakers and machines in the wrong place, and things that have generally piled up in an area over time can be relegated to other sections of your space or house. You can use your scraps to make something unique and useful. I saw a woman on TV make comfy sandals from old mouse pads.
• Clean up! Scrub your tub – maybe it is not supposed to be off-white. We have equipment nowadays that helps us to do more work in less time, we should take advantage.
• Add color – Paint one wall a daring colour. Depending on how you paint it, you might not need to add anything to it. If you do you can use one large piece instead of many smaller ones.
• The key is to go back to the budget and shop only when absolutely necessary.

Have a good month.

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Part 1: Clothes

Clothes make the woman.

Or do they?

Many people would “never be seen in” certain clothes. Not because they don’t fit or look nice, but because they are not fashionable. Many women today find some sort of identity in their clothes. And they define other people by what they wear: “Why are you dressed like a maid?” “You look like an old hag!”

Is there a specific way maids dress? And why do we disrespect the aged women when God has asked us to respect the gray head? Leviticus 19:32.

When women say they are addicted to shopping (yes, there is such a thing), they do not mean shopping for vegetables or for someone else. The vast majority mean they love to spend money on shoes, bags, clothes. The Bible says food and clothing should be enough to keep us content as far as material things go (1 Timothy 6:8). I guess many women took “clothing” and ran with it. Greed and excess are eating at society and many have been swept upstream unawares.

It’s a miserable trend and my article this month is a not-so-subtle attempt to try and provoke us to think about how much we have that we really don’t need.

As much as we all want to be virtuous in every single aspect and area of life, we’ll have our shortcomings while we’re on earth. Many of us would love to have neat closets and many of us even arrange them often but a few days later we realize that it’s the same huge mess we sorted out days earlier. Talk-shows may try to convince us that this reveals a deep-rooted emotional problem. Could be. Whatever the case– a simple lack of organization or a deep-rooted spiritual problem that is just manifesting in our lifestyles – God can work it out.

A closet-cleanup might be a very difficult thing to get started on. Many people dread it, not just because it’s a lot of work, but also because an afternoon of closet-cleaning can actually cause us to realize some things about ourselves that may not be easy to deal with. It can be therapeutic – our surroundings can affect our general mood and sometimes just the thought that there is a mess behind that door can dampen one’s day.

It’s not as difficult as we may make it out to be.

Step 1: We’ll ask God to see us through. Many times we set out determined to get the job done, but end up not even getting halfway yet we serve a God who completes everything He starts. Since we are made in His image, this should be a trend in our lives, too – every good thing we start should be seen through to the end. We’ll also need His help in being honest with ourselves. If we know we really are not going to wear that jacket we bought five years ago, then we’ll need to let go of it.

Step 2: We’ll realize that we should not let the closet define our clothes; we should rather let it adapt to them. Example: if we have just five items of clothing (and this is some people’s reality) but move into a house or room that has a huge walk-in closet, do we then go on a shopping-spree so that we can fill up the closet – with things we are not likely to use? Or if we find ourselves having to adapt to a much-smaller closet, do we then let things get cluttered and throw our clothes all over the place or do we come up with ways to adapt to the small space?

Step 3: While we figure that out, we’ll need to get a workspace – a garment rack could work, sometimes a good old bed or chair will do the trick. We’ll also need a box or plastic-bag and a marker.

Step 4: Now, we need to decide how we’re going to arrange our clothes. Will we go by colour (ROYGBIV, for example; or primary colours and then secondary and neutral) or by style (tops, bottoms, jackets/coats/blazers) or by a combination of both (different styles organized within the same colour)?

Step 5: Next, we’ll grab the marker and label the box or plastic bag. We’ll use it to store the things we no longer use. We’ll label it “Goodbye” or “Charity” or even, for extra motivation, a verse like “1 John 2:15-17.”

Step 6: And now it’s time to remove everything from our closet. Take out the clothes and put them on the rack or bed. As we do this, we’ll sort through them. Things we have not worn in over, say, a year or two, things that have become too small or too big, will go into the Goodbye box. The rest can be sorted on the rack according to the arrangement agreed on earlier (colour, style or combo).

Step 7: When we’ve arranged everything, we’ll label the Goodbye box and seal it with tape. After this, we’ll dust and mop the closet and then hang up the clothes.

Step 8: We’ll find someone to give the clothes in the Goodbye box. This is best done ASAP. It is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35).

Done!

Next month, Lord willing, we’ll talk about how to sort out those shoes.

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Christmas is a time of the year when most people get time off work to visit and be visited by family and friends. As a result, everyone is either entertaining or being entertained. The two most-commonly used rooms during this period are the living-room and the dining room (for those who have dining rooms; many African homes do not). Since we’ve said something about the living room in a previous issue, let’s see what we can do to our dining areas to create a wonderful entertaining space.

Colours.
Be careful in your choice of colours; a person’s mood can greatly affect their eating habits. The best colours to use for dining areas are soft pastels. Go pale, and complement that with warm, inviting colours such as deep red or fiery orange in selected areas. Warm colours stimulate our appetites because they get us thinking about food.

Table.
The dining-table is the focal point in the dining room and should therefore be located in a central place. It doesn’t get more central than right in the middle of the room. If the area has a lot of back-and-forth traffic, e.g. if it is located between rooms, the table can be placed slightly to the side to avoid people having to walk around it when going from one place to another.

Wooden tables are preferred because wood gives a warm feeling that you can’t quite get from metal or plastic. Mahogany, ebony, oak – any kind of wood will do, so long as it is strong and can bear the weight of numerous meals at once.

Small, round tables are best for smaller seating areas; for example, if not more than four or five people will sit at a table. They make for easier conversation and that closeness that makes mealtimes some of the best times families can have. Oval tables can provide the same atmosphere for a larger number, say six to eight people. Rectangle-shaped tables can be used if one frequently seats more than ten people; this shape ensures easy distance between each person and the meal they would like to serve, and also reduces any shouting that would otherwise take place across the table.

Chairs.
Dining chairs should be comfortable. Chronic backaches can actually be caused by bad dining chairs. They should also be sturdy enough to take a range of weights and heights. Strong backs allow for ease of relaxation and reclining; it is difficult to eat a meal when sitting stiffly in the same position the entire time. Solidity prevents slouching, slumping, constant fidgeting and other bad sitting habits. Cushions work wonderfully for wooden dining chairs, providing both comfort and support. When placed on the base of the chair, they can add height for short people if necessary. Each dining chair should allow for a lovely view of the food that will be put on the table. Each person should be able to comfortably face all the other people seated at the table. There should be enough personal space, but also not too much space between people on the same side.

Accessories.
A table and chairs do not necessarily a dining room make. “Dining” is the idea here – it should be a relaxed, happy, uninterrupted moment. Certain practical accessories can not only provide convenience, but also add to the creativity of dining decorating. Many people do not like to use their dining areas because they do not feel “alive.” A dining room can be spiced up by just a few simple tricks. A simple cabinet on the side, used for easy access to plates, glasses and cups at mealtimes, can be used as a display stand, especially if it has a wide top. Instead of just napkins, placing a vase or two of flowers can liven up not just the cabinet but the entire dining room as well. Glass doors can provide a beautiful view of that special china, for those who like to collect crockery. Small side tables can be used to place candles for a lovely candlelight dinner, for those married ladies who would like to have some Christmas romance. Many Kenyan dining rooms have sinks on the side (quite a number of African meals are eaten by hand and this provides for easy-distance washing before and after meals); these do not have to be the conventional white Armitage-Shanks ceramic kind. Changing the colour or the material of a dining-room sink can go a long way in livening up the room.

Lighting.
For people to be able to enjoy the food, they should be able to see it. We eat first with our eyes before our mouths ever get the taste. Dining rooms should have ample lighting both during the day and at night. Proper lighting can actually prevent hazards like choking when dealing with meals such as bony fish. Large windows provide wonderful daytime lighting; if these present a view of a beautiful lawn, garden or backyard, then that is even better. You can forego the conventional bulb in the middle of the ceiling and instead put four floor lamps at each corner of a square or rectangular dining room; or four bulbs with beautiful lampshades at each corner of the ceiling; use a beautiful chandelier right above the table, ensuring it does not hang too low. Recess lighting could work, but must be carefully done as it can take away from the “personal” feel of the room. Candelabra placed strategically on the table can work wonderfully for those married romantics – but be careful not to knock them over as you serve your food!

Floor.
Carpeting is not advisable for a dining area, thanks to the amount of food and drink that would be poured on it over a period of time. If a carpet is an absolute must, it should be easy to clean. Wood floors are impressive for those who would want to entertain, but laminate, ceramic or even stone would be better for those homes with small children, for durability’s sake. A home with small children is likely to often have many small children visiting, and we all know the kind of chaos that can create. Laminate floors do not require much maintenance. Tile floors are not just for bathrooms; they can be creatively worked into dining rooms. There are two kinds of tiles: ceramic and porcelain. Ceramic tiles are much cheaper to buy and install than porcelain, but do not last quite as long, as porcelain tiles have a lower rate of absorption and have the pattern baked all the way through them. When using tiles, area rugs can be used to provide warmth – cold floors can make an entire room cold. Ensure, though, that the area rugs are strong and safe enough to be washed over and over. Dirty rugs in the dining room can be a health hazard.

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What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s (1 Cor. 6:19-20).

We are accountable for the way we treat our bodies. They are not our own – they ultimately belong to God and like all things in this realm, we don’t inherently own them, we are just stewards.

I’ve been thinking about joining a gym for months now. I’ve had many excuses to back up the few solutions I’ve come up with. The biggest excuse is it costs too much, I can’t trust myself to be faithful and the gyms are a little too far. A few days ago, I looked around at my humble apartment and decided that if I could not go to the gym, I could bring the gym home to me. And thus began my hunt for ideas to create a simple home gym with limited space.

That’s the first thing to consider – space. If you live in a large mansion, then it probably already has a gym within it, but if not, then it’s easy to convert one of the rooms into a fitness centre. But if you live in a place where you’re hard pressed for space, then you need to look at all those corners and idle areas very differently. If you choose to convert a room into a home gym, make it an attractive place that you look forward to being in. You don’t want to feel like you’re in jail or in a hospital room, so dull colours would probably not be the best options. Go for lively, energetic, attractive colours that are inviting. You can use mirrors to make the room or space feel larger. Wall hangings make a huge difference too – try Bible verses to motivate you. Pictures, selected carefully, are great as well.

Think about the equipment next. Once you’ve figured out what space you want to use for your gym, you need to decide what would best fit in there. Believe it or not, you’re never completely out of options. For example, a cute exercise ball could fit very nicely into a corner of your living room if you match it to the furniture, or even get a stand for it. An exercise bike, smith machine or Bowflex can fit into a small space as well. Try not to rush into buying cheap equipment just because it’s cheap. Do your research and remember cheap is expensive in the long run. When it comes to keeping fit, you want to ensure you’re not making things worse.

Now you have the space and the equipment. You’ve got to put them together. Maximize. Arrange taller machines closer to the walls, and shorter ones more toward the middle of the room. With limited space, or if you cannot allocate a separate room for exercise, try using one machine that can perform many tasks. You guessed it – I have a thing for exercise balls.

Enjoy your workout! And don’t forget: bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come (1 Tim 4:8).

*Tip: Use your workout moments to memorize Scripture!*

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I borrow from the Sheffield School of Interior Design to explain the three things that a successful room must have.

1. A successful room is functional.
2. A successful room expresses a mood.
3. A successful room exhibits a sense of harmony.

Function.

Whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God (1 Cor 10:31b).

Furniture placement should ensure that people can move around without too much trouble, as well as conduct whatever activity the room is for, whether it is for relaxing, sleeping, prayer, etc. For a room to be functional, it should have ample furniture and an atmosphere that enables the activity in question to be carried out as required. For example, a prayer room should be clutter-free and should not have any distracting elements. Sometimes even clocks are a distraction when a person is praying. An eating area should be free of electronics as mealtime is a period of bonding and it is healthier to eat when not distracted by the TV, computer or phone. Generally speaking, people do not cook in the living room or sleep in the kitchen. Let each function be easily specified by anyone who walks into the room. And let the underlying function of every room be to glorify God.
Mood.

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee because he trusteth in thee (Isaiah 26:3).

A virtuous woman’s house must be a place of peace and it must yield peace to all who go in. If a person walks into a place that is cluttered and dirty, they will not be overcome with a sense of peace. They will be uncomfortable. In this sense, therefore, cleanliness is next to godliness. The first thing we should do before we leave our houses and as soon as we enter them is pray. If there is rubbish all over the place, if there are unwashed dishes or the stench of garbage, prayer will be sacrificed for the sake of cleaning. If a person continually keeps clean, then it will be easy for them to spend time with God instead of doing other things or thinking about the mess. Let every room be a place where God can easily come to mind be it through the hangings, the arrangement or just the cleanliness of it.

Harmony.

God is not the order of confusion, but of peace (1 Cor 14:33).

Not everything has to be the same colour; things do not have to be expensive, but there has to be a sense of order. There has to be a general idea of the purpose of the room. Things have to flow in a certain sense. A room should be like a finished picture. But even where this is not possible e.g. because of financial constraints, it is possible to use what we have to get a sense of organization. The theme of the whole house should be unified. It does not make sense for there to be a Bible in the bedroom if there are ungodly DVDs in the living room.

As in all things, it is not the exterior that matters, but the interior. Yes, there may be all kinds of cute gadgets and expensive furniture, but what is the heart of the home? Is the beautiful china thrown around in daily fights?

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Most families love to display their history in pictures on the wall. Depending on how it’s done, this can make a room look beautiful, feel cluttered and claustrophobic, or feel empty and lost.

Here are a few tips to help you in arranging photographs:

1. Interior decorators say that the number one mistake people make is hanging large pictures too high. The centre point of the pictures should be on the average person’s eye-level. This is usually about a distance of five and a half feet between the floor and the middle of the picture. When hanging pictures over furniture, do not leave a huge gap between the two. 5-10 inches (13-25cm) should be enough.

2. To avoid small pictures looking isolated, group several together on a wall, instead of using just one.

3. When arranging behind furniture, use about 2/3 of the space between the furniture and the ceiling for the pictures

4. Think about others. Some people like to rest their arms over the back of the sofa. Consider this when arranging photos or wall hangings. Leave enough room between sofas and pictures for the arm-rest.

5. Use small pictures on narrow walls and mix it up when you have large walls to decorate.

6. On narrow walls, use smaller pictures, and on bigger walls use larger, wider ones.

7. When hanging art over a piece of furniture, the piece of art should not be wider than the piece of furniture.

8. Be creative. Be willing to try something new.

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by Paula Odhiambo

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you (1 Peter 5:8-10).

Wall hangings have the ability to give life and color to an otherwise-drab room. People use them for different reasons. Renters do not have too many options as far as making changes to the walls and windows of their space. This is one area where wall-hangings can come in handy. For example, if a person lives in a house with white walls in every room, and the landlord does not want his or her property to be painted, decorative pieces and wall hangings or tapestries could be a great way to make the house look less “ordinary.”

However, as with all things we place in our houses, we have to be careful where we get our wall hangings and decorative pieces, and what purposes they serve not just aesthetically but also spiritually. As we all know, the enemy will not announce his arrival. In fact, his style is to enter the lives of God’s children slowly, stealthily, patiently. He will not make himself obvious. He will try his best to use deceptive means that can only be detected by the kind of person Peter talks about – the sober and vigilant warrior. The enemy’s plan is to penetrate the lives of soldiers so that although they will know something is wrong, they will not be able to place their finger on exactly what it is. And one way the devil does this is – believe it or not – through wall hangings and decorative pieces (and also in the name of “modern” forms of interior decoration, as in “feng shui”, but that is another story).

Here is an example. After reading a book on spiritual warfare, a friend of mine once mentioned to me how for the very first time, he looked at his mother’s living room and realized that a wall hanging pronounced a curse on his entire family. The hanging, which was large and resplendent on the living-room wall, boldly said, “May your problems last as long as your New Year’s resolutions.”

Now, one way to look at that would be to say, “Well, New Year’s resolutions are made on January 1st, and then probably broken on January 2nd, so that would actually be a blessing because my resolutions will last a day.” However, my friend picked up on something else that I believe God revealed to him. The worldly tradition is for people to make resolutions every single year. The wall hanging did not specify any resolution. So this wall hanging literally said, “May your problems last year after year, until you stop making New Year’s resolutions.”

Another example: For a few months, I lived with my best friend in the city of Perth, in Western Australia. We happened to have a housemate who listened to satanic music – the literal kind – and it really bothered us. He said he was not a Satanist but loved some of the ideas of that way of life. We did not know what to do about it, and so we prayed. Eventually, we left it to God, deciding He was in control and would keep us. (Looking back, I can see that indeed He did, and for this I thank Him.)

One day, my friend and I decided to place stickers on our bedroom doors that said, “Whoever enters this room is covered by the Blood of Jesus.” We prayed for all the people who would ever enter our rooms. We did not do this to spite our housemate; in fact, we were not even thinking of him as we did it. A few days after that, our housemate wanted something from me. I was in my room with my friend. He called to me from the hallway. I needed to hear what he was saying, and so I cheerily said, “Why don’t you come in?”
He absolutely refused to come beyond a few steps before my door. If my memory serves me right, he did not even want to touch the door. My friend and I looked at each other because we immediately knew what was happening. Again, I do not think it is superstition. I believe that is the power of the Blood and name of Jesus. Our housemate never entered our rooms until we left that house.

I have heard stories of people who buy beautiful works of art from markets in Africa that sell traditional crafts. They place the crafts in their homes, and soon they find they are having marital problems, or that their children have begun drinking, or some inexplicable issues have begun to take root in the home. Some, in the name of being exotic, place paintings of demonic rituals on their walls. While shopping for paintings, I have seen some that have symbols hidden in them. For example, I may spot a flower that has beautiful petals, within which, as I discover on close examination, are witchcraft symbols. Or, a painting of a street, with the doors of the shops on that street having occultic symbols.

Parents get people they do not know to decorate their children’s rooms, and then begin to wonder why their children suddenly have recurring nightmares or panic attacks. It may sound a little superstitious, but this is all real and I have heard personal accounts from real people concerning this kind of issue.

It is very easy to be deceived or to let covetousness trick a person into placing all kinds of things in their homes under the guise of fashion. The enemy never plays fair. And so wisdom must be exercised even in selection of wall hangings.

So how do we select them?

First of all, before making any purchase, say a prayer. This applies to all kinds of purchases. Praying before grocery-shopping could ensure you buy only what is necessary and what will benefit you health wise, for example. When you pray before you shop, God opens your eyes to all kinds of scams and tricks that may swing your way.

Prayer before making any purchase or addition to a home will cause you to ask yourself, “Okay, this is lawful, but how will it edify me?”

Do not be paranoid, but if anything makes you uncomfortable, do not buy it. It could be that God is nudging you and telling you to stay away from it.

Pray after making your purchase, especially if you suddenly realize you forgot to pray beforehand.
Don’t accept just any gift. A person I hold dear told me the touching story of her mother’s anniversary gift. Her father had bought her a beautiful earring-and-necklace set that glittered with diamonds. However, the pendant and earrings had symbols that the woman, who is seasoned in spiritual warfare, recognized immediately as occultic. She sadly rewrapped the present and threw it away, but made my friend promise never to tell her father, the woman’s husband, about it. You may feel that the woman could have handled the situation differently, but the point here is that even dear, dear people should not be placed above Christ.

You may feel a little silly in following the tips I have provided, but given the battle we are in, it is better to be safe than sorry. It is far simpler to avoid something than to risk it and find it is detrimental. Prevention is so much easier than cure.

One way to bless your home with wall hangings or decorative pieces is to select pieces that have Bible verses, or reminders about the power of Jesus. At my front door, I have a small, wooden hanging, given to me by a friend, that says “Pray Until Something Happens.” Every time I am leaving the house, when I look at it, I remember not to be discouraged. In my bathroom, I have one that says, “With God, all things are possible.” I don’t know how, but God seems to orchestrate my movements around the house in such a way that when I am wondering, “Lord, how am I going to achieve that, really?” or “Lord, this is really hard!”, I happen to be walking into the bathroom to get my glasses, or to clean, or something, and as I ask the question, my eyes land on the hanging and I remember, “With God, all things are possible.”

The wall-hangings that our parents and grandparents have or had back at home are powerful. There is one that I saw in almost every Kenyan household that really struck me as deep every time I read it. It said, “Christ is the Head of this house; the Unseen Guest at every meal; the Silent Listener in every conversation.” Many households also had, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Another common example is the lines from the Serenity Prayer: “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.” I have a serenity prayer hanging over my kitchen sink and looking at it, I cannot help but chuckle because doing dishes is not my favourite activity and this prayer really applies when my kitchen sink is full. The “Footprints” story is yet another beautiful piece that has been made into wall tapestries and hangings.

Christian wall hangings provide a blessed way to minister to guests who might not believe in God. They may read the hangings out loud, or ask questions about their meanings, or comment on their beauty, and God can use that to provide an opportunity to lead a person to Christ. For statues, crafts and random decorative pieces, my general advice would be STAY AWAY. This is much, much easier than trying to figure out what means what, what is harmful and what’s not. Go for flowers, fruit baskets, and pieces of furniture to decorate your space. That Maasai statue or Ghanaian piece just might be innocent, but you don’t know for sure, and with the imminent return of Jesus, I will suggest that you do not have the time to find out. “Redeem the time” – use that time to witness to someone or to praise God instead.

I pray that this article has blessed you. Look around your home, and see if there is something you are uncomfortable with. If it does not glorify God, it will not bless your life, because it glorifies His enemy and your enemy. We are not under the law but under grace – perhaps it is by God’s grace that you have read this article today. May that very grace “make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you,” in Jesus’ Name.

Select wall hangings that will provide reminders to you even on the dreariest of days.

Next time, Lord willing, we’ll talk about how and where to place these hangings!

Happy decorating!

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