5 Ways to Beautify Your Surroundings
The Proverbs 31 woman paid attention to aesthetics and detail. Yes, she lavished attention on her family, made sure her household ran smoothly, and gave to the needy – and she also made time for the small things in life.
Adding touches of beauty to your surroundings can help foster an atmosphere of peace and well-being. No amount of decoration can replace a loving home. But attention to attractive details can go a long way towards encouraging and cheering your family or roommates. Here are five things you can do to add a touch of beauty to your environment.
1. Straighten things up.
Our colonial ancestors believed that cleanliness is next to godliness. I don’t know if I would go quite that far, but it is amazing the impact a lack of clutter has on your mental state. Speaking of which, I need to finish cleaning my room…
2. Light candles.
Every evening at dinner, my family lights two candles. We have done this for as long as I can remember. Whether it’s at the dinner table or while you’re doing paperwork or reading your Bible, lighting a candle can add such a peaceful ambiance. (Of course, please do not leave them unattended. I’ve seen what that can do, and it’s not pretty at all.)
3. Make coffee or tea.
Is there anything better than the aroma of coffee? I don’t even really drink it, and I love the fragrance. And it’s so cozy and satisfying, seeing the steam waft gently up from a piping hot cup of coffee or tea.
4. Hang pictures.
…Your own pictures, that is. In my room at college, my walls were covered with pictures of the people I met in Peru. And our living room had two mostly black-and-white collages of architecture and scenery from my roommate’s travels in Europe. International or not, giving a little artistic thought to a photo collage can create a beautiful result.
5. Embrace natural light.
Open those window blinds and let the sunshine in!
Now I feel inspired to finish cleaning my room, light a candle, sip a cup of something warm, and open my window blind while I ponder what my photo collage should look like! What are some simple things you do to beautify your surroundings, whether it’s at home, at work, or elsewhere?
Babies, Teenage Moms, and Hope
Young motherhood is back in vogue.
Was it ever in vogue? Yes – in past decades and centuries, girls married and began having children at much younger ages than they do now. The average age of marriage and parenthood has risen dramatically.
The feminist movement of the 1960’s and 70’s promoted the idea that women should delay having children until they had already established a successful career.
Now, however, it seems the feminist idea has been carried too far. Many successful career women are hitting their mid- to late thirties and realizing that the possibility of having children is less than they would wish. And in spite of media’s continued encouragement of late motherhood, a grassroots backlash has begun. I’m not just speaking of conservative Christians. Sadly, this response has taken another form.
Being a teenage mother is becoming much less culturally reprehensible. It is, in some spheres, becoming a coveted role. The Internet is replete with blogrings full of teenage girls who want to become mothers immediately. I have come across some of these, and they have moved and saddened me.
These groups are moving because they shows the heart of the vast majority of women to be mothers, not only successful careeer women. And the groups are sad because they reflect the moral bankruptcy of the culture. Most of the members have no idea what it would mean to live chastely, enter a godly marriage, and only then have children.
Instead, they are left to find an immature teenage boy who can fulfill their desire for a baby. From what I’ve read, many of the young women are not even focused on finding a long-term Prince Charming; really, any guy will do. They just want to have a child. (That is a disappointingly frequent occurence, but it is not true for all teenage mom hopefuls.)
I recently wrote about young single Christian women in the blogosphere. As I have been writing this entry, it’s hit me again how blessed we are. I don’t want to just keep that blessing to myself, though. The culture is morally bankrupt, but in Christ, we have access to moral worth. Women are not going to find fulfillment in successful careers. Neither are they going to find fulfillment in having children. The only place where we can rest our restless hearts is Christ.
How am I supposed to communicate all this to others – in this case, teenage girls who want to become moms too soon? Honestly, I’m not sure. But I do know that God can give us willing hearts, and opportunities to live and share His truth. So I want to encourage myself and my sisters in Christ: let’s not underestimate the power we have, even in our little online communities, to share the hope of Christ.
Now It’s My Turn to Ask YOU Questions
You’ve heard from me… now it’s my turn. Here are three questions I have for you!
- How old are you?
- How tall are you?
- What is one thing on your to-do list that you’ve been needing to get done forever but still haven’t?
I’ll answer too:
- 21 (although that should be fairly obvious from my About page).
- 6′5. Just kidding. 5′9.
- Finding a (real) job!
My Sister Has a Blog
My hilarious younger sister Kayla used to have a Xanga. Then, sadly, she stopped writing in it. Earlier today she informed me that she wanted to get a WordPress blog. And I am happy to inform you that it is officially set up. It is called The Corner Booth. Go check it out! 
The Next Momosphere
The momosphere is one of the biggest subcultures in the blogosphere (I feel like that should be said with a deep announcer voice and dramatic music). No, but really, have you noticed how many “mommy blogs” there are and how popular they’re getting? Advertisers are picking up on the power of these blogs, moms everywhere are networking, and Christian (and homeschool) moms have a big corner on the market. I love reading mommy blogs because they are like glimpses into a future I hope for. And I am inspired by godly women who write them.
But I’m noticing a smaller subculture, especially since I’m part of it! And that is blogs written by single Christian young women, quite a few of us in our late teens/early twenties. Sure, these blogs range in perspective, from stay-at-home daughters to college students to missionary teachers to career women. But there are a growing number in that “single Christian young woman” demographic, and it’s fun to be a part of it.
I want to highlight some of the bloggers in this demographic. I enjoy reading what they write. Some of their blogs I am subscribed to, while some I just stop by occasionally. Some I’ve found because they are frequent commenters here. If you’re a young woman in a similar age category (or perhaps a young man wanting to get know a godly young lady *tee hee*), you should check these blogs out!
FYI: I only included blogs with one author, not compilation blogs. Also, if you are in the same demographic and want me to include your blog on this list, let me know!
Alabaster Box by Kaysie, age 20, stay-at-home daughter
Awesomely His by Ashley, age 17, high school student
Beautiful Grace by Maria Pauline, age 15, high school student
Bloom Where You’re Planted by Julie, age 20, college student
Dare to Be Different by Tori, age 15, high school student
Everlasting Hope by Kelsey, age 16, high school student
Every Thought Captive by Kaylene, age 18, EMT student
Jenna’s Midnight Musings by Jenna, high school student
Journey in Foreign Lands by Jennifer, age 22, seminary student
Girls for Truth by Alli, high school student
How Great Is His Faithfulness! by Ella, high school student
Oh My Seven by Brooke, age 26, work-at-home daughter
Simply Emily by Emily, high school student
Simply Kristin by Kristin, age 19, college student
Simply Sanctified by Sara, age 25, stay-at-home daughter
Thirsty Soul by Stephanie, age 23, stay-at-home daughter and businesswoman
Unfurling Flower by Emily, age 22, online businesswoman
Commencement Picture and Thanks
Hey look, it’s me! I graduated! My friend posted this on Facebook. My camera is broken and I hadn’t seen any pictures from graduation except the one that was taken as I received my diploma. I said I would post a picture, so here it is.
Thank you for your comments on my de-lurk post! I was going to leave it up for longer, but I wanted to write about other things. It is so encouraging to hear from readers. I completely understand the whole lurking concept, and I don’t like it when bloggers insist that every reader comment, but sometimes it’s just fun to hear from everyone. I love knowing that what I write is actually a blessing to others. So thank you very much for blessing me with your comments!
My First Blogiversary: De-lurk!
This is a de-lurk post, so leave a comment, pretty please!
Well, my friends, it has been exactly a year now since the birth of Hope Road (although it was originally christened with the ridiculously long “there’s beauty in not blending in”). It seriously does not seem like that long since I started writing here! Since May 12, 2007, I’ve changed the name once, the template probably five times, and the address once. I like where I’ve ended up.
The first de-lurk post I did was on my birthday last October. I got twenty comments then, and I know my readership has grown some since, so I’m going to do my second de-lurk! This is for you – yes, you. The quintessential lurker. The one who reads and never comments. I know you’re out there, and now is the time to comment! It’s for everyone else, too, even those who comment often. Just take a moment and say hello! Let’s see if we can break a comment record with this entry.
If you need something to say, I’d love to hear who you are and how long you’ve been reading. It’d also be great to know one thing in particular you enjoy about Hope Road, and/or one thing that you would like to see changed or added.
Dealings with Diplomas
Was it only yesterday? Wow. Everything was a blur. Graduation is the kind of event that catches you up in its momentum, leaving very little time for reflection. But I am going to process some of it by writing about it now. I hope to post a picture or two soon.
***
Yesterday morning, I woke up on edge, looking at the clock to make sure everything was on schedule. I said good morning to my roommates and noted the beautiful weather. My sister came over to curl my hair, and I made a myriad of preparations – eating coffee cake with my fingers (because all of our utensils and dishes were packed), doing my nails, brushing my teeth, etc.
My two (former) roommates are my two best friends. On one of our birthdays last fall we bought balloons and let them go in the city. We were going to do it again before graduation. We had purchased balloons the night before, but it was a little chilly and they had deflated slightly. Outside in the sunshine, we tried to release them, but only one floated away. It was Sarah’s, and she is going to South America to teach in the fall. My other roommate’s drifted along at eye level for awhile, and mine dragged on the ground. I really hope that wasn’t symbolic of our respective futures!
***
Per instruction, we arrived at graduation an hour early and waited in the hall near the auditorium. It was lots of fun to take pictures, hug friends, and roam around talking to people. The hour drew near and we were herded into our double-file line, then shuffled along the corridor. Suddenly, my part of the line arrived in the auditorium, and it was an overwhelming moment – music was playing, people were screaming and cheering, and cameras were flashing. I looked everywhere for my family and spotted them waving and crying and smiling.
The ceremony really seemed to fly by. My division was one of the last to walk, so I got to see almost all of my friends go first, and I cheered loudly for each one of them. Then it was my turn, and it seemed unreal that I was walking across the brilliantly-lit stage to shake the president’s hand and take my diploma. Suddenly I was walking down the other side and taking my seat, and that was it! I was a college graduate!
***
I won’t bore you with the details of the rest of the day, but it moved so quickly. The ceremony over, we socialized with friends and family. My family and I went out to lunch, then packed everything up and headed back home. It took quite some time to unload the cars, since my sister was moving home too. My room is full of so much stuff! I just want to snap my fingers and have everything clean.
It really does seem surreal that it’s all over. It was hard to say goodbye, very hard. At the same time, I’m overjoyed to be done with homework and college-related stress. And the future stretches ahead of me in all of its quivery, uncertain possibility. But I dwell in possibility, yo! (I am sure Emily Dickinson would be proud of that construction.)
***
I’m taking it one step at a time. My next step is to get my life organized again, and continue my job search. I am so happy that I graduated. The Lord has done great things for me, and I am filled with joy.
Tomorrow morning, I graduate.
My soul waits for the Lord;
He is my help and my shield.
For my heart is glad in Him,
because I trust in His holy name.
Let Your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon me,
even as I hope in You.
-from Psalm 33:20-22
If to distant lands I scatter
If I sail to farthest seas
Would You find and firm and gather
Till I only dwell in Thee
If I flee from greenest pastures
Would You leave to look for me
Forfeit glory to come after
Till I only dwell in Thee
If my heart has one ambition
If my soul one goal to seek
This my solitary vision
Till I only dwell in Thee
That I only dwell in Thee
Till I only dwell in thee
-”Hymn,” Brooke Fraser
Done!
Oh it’s true, I am done!!!!
That was a lot of work… four years of it, I mean… 
God is good.
Check back soon… I’m sure I’ll have lots of thoughts during graduation weekend! Thank you for all of your encouragement!
