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Dumbwaiter Systems — VersaLift Attic Storage Lifting Solutions
By: Cynergy Lifts
Tags: Home, Home Improvement

“My garage attic, my life…”

Some people literally believe in it. However, without getting you and us into a philosophical journey of storage, we could get straight to the point.

Your home may not have an ample storage space due to various reasons. Generally, commercial organizations find numerous ways to manage their storage. If still, they lack in space, they utilize dumbwaiter systems for effective utilization of space in multiple levels. Therefore, you can take a note from there and consider a DIY dumbwaiter project for your home.

It’s not necessary that you will have only the storage lifting systems for attic or garages only. In fact, you can check out other feasible areas in your home. Pondering over this investment? Don’t worry at all! You can find VersaLift lifting systems that make a versatile addition to your home.

Advantages of VersaLift Systems

You can consider a variety of storage lifting systems and still not find what you need. Nevertheless, in VersaLift systems, you will discover a plethora of practical and reliable features. We have listed its advantages below.

Easy to install & convenient. If you can find the time, you can install it all by yourself. Calling out a friend or a handyman for help could also be an alternative. Since it is easy to install and provides convenient access, you have nothing to worry about.

User-friendly & safe. These two aspects matter the most. You can simply use it whenever you want. It is way safer than the ladders and rightly saves your back from an unwanted pain.

Controllable & affordable. You can explore the various-controlled versions of these lifting systems. It doesn’t cost you a fortune at all!
You don’t just design a home; you design a lifestyle!
By: Savitha Hira
Tags: Design, Interior Design, Home Decor, Construction, Home Improvement

Photography: Photographix | Sebastian + Ira; courtesy the architects

‘Designing a home is equal to designing a lifestyle’, believe tHE gRID Architects, who amalgamate the design of the surroundings i.e. soil, climate, material with the lifestyle of the family in this Brick House in Ahmedabad.

Staying true to the site, earth and atmospheric setting, the 2290 square-foot brick apartment is a space that uniquely combines numerous influences that shape the relationship of a design and client. These influences include people, places, events, memories and perception.

Despite being located on the 5th floor of a multi-storied apartment block, it is grounded and organically connected to the earth. The effort is seen strongly in the choice of materials, pops of colour and minimalist approach that speaks more of material honesty than stylistic approach. Using brick as the central material lends warmth and earthiness to the home while raw concrete and seasoned wood accentuate the amber bricks in a simple, stark, clean and uncluttered way.

Huge windows unhindered by any grills, invite in the playful shadows of the surrounding landscape that seamlessly integrate with the indoor spaces. The open plan allows all spaces including the corridors to receive ample sunlight and natural breeze, infusing the interiors with vitality and yielding a comfortable internal environment in the challenging climate that is characteristic of Ahmedabad. The selection of furnishings, simple colours and textures abridge traditional thoughts in a contemporary setting.

Homogeneity in terms of the form, material and design philosophy make a great combination of functional and aesthetical communication in the flow of spaces. Visual connectivity strikes the balance between semi-private (kitchen-dining, living room and deck) and private zones (three bedrooms and ancillary areas) in the home.

As we see it, the designers may only have the tangible house to show for their work; but, look a little closer, and they have visited the depth of their client’s lifestyle to curate his home.

Design Firm: tHE gRID Architects

Principal Designer/Architect: Snehal Suthar and Bhadri Suthar

Concept and Interior Design: Snehal Suthar and Bhadri Suthar

Design Team: Snehal Suthar, Bhadri Suthar and Vishvajitsinh Hada

Built-up Area: 212.74 sq. m. (2290 sq. ft.)

Location: Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Should you repair, patch or replace your roof?
Tags: Roofing, Home, Home Improvement, Repair

Nothing can be more inconveniencing as a leaking roof, whether in your house, barn, or garage. There is no cutting corners, and you must either undertake roof replacement or roof repair. Whatever you decide to do will depend on the extent of the leakage and the damage already caused. In this article, you will learn if you should repair, put a patch, or completely replace your roof.

Common reasons why you may need a roof replacement, patching or repair

Your house will need a roof replacement at some point due to one of the following reasons or more:

· old age

· pest invasion

· dented flashing

· poor workmanship

· the excess pressure from debris

· fallen shingles

· damage by small animals like cats, and squirrels

· poorly fitted skylights.

The decision you make as on which option to choose should be advised by a professional who will get to the bottom of the problem and give the right diagnosis and solution. Below are the options open to you.

When to repair your roof

If clearly only a part or few parts of the roof are damaged, repairing them up is the best option. You don’t need to uproot the whole roofing because the gutter on one side of the house is causing the leakage. Neither should you replace the entire roof because a few shingles are missing, the sealant is worn-out, the slits between the tiles are corroded or because of dented flashing. All these are problems whose remedy is simple repairs.

When to patch your roof

It is ideal to patch your roof if only a part of is affected. For instance, if a tree fell slightly damaging your roof, you only need to patch up that section. Leaking from a single spot too calls for a mere patch on the part. Be careful, however, about patching as you have to get the exact same roof so that you maintain the initial uniformity of make and color. Nevertheless, if the damage is extensive, patching is not the best option as a lot of work will be required, which might end up being as costly as replacing.

When to replace your roof

Replacing the whole roof of your house is a costly and time-consuming affair. It’s also bothersome as you might have to move out to give the repairers time. You should, therefore, only undertake it if you must. Some of the reasons to make you wholly replace your roof include discolored roof due to aging, a sagging roof, rotten roof, and severely deformed shingles.

The Main Take Away

Deciding on whether to repair, patch or replace your roof depends on many factors. Depending on the extent of damage, entire roof replacement may be the only remedy. If the damage is minor and the roof relatively new, all you need to do is do some roof repair.

Roofing issues are not simple matters as you may not tell what the actual problem is on your own. You, however, don’t have to go it alone as you can contact a roofing company for professional investigation of the issue, advice, and work.
Purchasing a Home in a Buyer’s Market
By: Eli Mashieh
Tags: Home Buyers, Low Budget Home, Eli Mashieh, Home Improvement

Since economic conditions ebb and flow, the nation can be in a seller’s market but retain pockets of buyers’ markets. If you’re house-hunting in a buyer’s market, it might look easy because sellers seem motivated to get rid of properties. However, this type of thinking can create issues for potential homeowners. Use the following strategies to save money and time while getting the home you really want.

Stick to a Budget

Even in a booming economy, individual scenarios vary, and you could end up with less income in the future. While annual earnings determine loan amounts, credit scores denote rates. That’s why it’s important to create a budget instead of looking at homes that max out the pre-approval. In a nutshell, all housing costs should not exceed 30 percent of gross income. Keep in mind to include property taxes, insurance payments and potential association fees.

Create a Checklist

When evaluating numerous homes, it’s easy to get sidetracked by decor. However, the sellers will take their belongings and leave a home that seems devoid of character. This scenario especially applies when the house is staged.

Before looking at homes, create a list with desirable features, and sort them in order of preference. Use the same criteria to evaluate each potential property. You can either rate each item or check off individual ones.

Set Priorities

Don’t expect unreasonable upgrades in lower-budget homes. For example, homes in the lower price range often lack granite counters, hardwood floors or stainless steel appliances. To keep on track, tune out colors, floor materials, light fixtures, faucets and other variable items.

Instead, it’s important to focus on details that can’t be changed. The most important criteria should include the location, layout, and style of home. Don’t forget to assign importance to plumbing, heating, and electrical units.

Make Reasonable Offers

In a buyer’s market, some real estate agents might apply pressure to get clients to spend more than the budget allows. However, consider that you can select from a variety of options. If one house has everything desirable but costs more, chances are that you can easily find another suitable one under budget.

Making an offer in a buyer’s market might seem tricky because of the amount of available homes. However, this situation doesn’t necessarily equate desperate sellers. That’s why you should make offers that fall in line with the fair market value of the particular property.

Bargain with Closing Costs

Since sellers do seem more motivated in a buyer’s market, you can bargain with closing costs. Include a clause in the offer that requests the seller to pay part or all of the closing costs. This practice makes a common negotiation strategy.

When following these guidelines, you save time by not over-analyzing tiny imperfections. Secondly, you’ll build a valuable working relationship with real estate professionals. Most importantly, you’re less likely to end up with a home that doesn’t fit.
How to Lay Pavers on a Sloped Driveway
By: Featured Story
Tags: Driveway, Pavers, Home Improvement

Pavers on the driveways can add definition and character to the exterior of your house. It can make your house entrance look aesthetically beautiful and more defined. You can choose from a wide range of pavers for installing in your driveways. You need to understand how to lay pavers on a sloped driveway. Installing these pavers is not that difficult if you choose the right technique. But there is no doubt that installing these pavers on a sloping land is slightly more complicated than that of the plain one.

How to Lay Pavers on a Sloped Driveway — How do you grade a sloped driveway?

When laying pavers on a driveway, they must be the appropriate thickness. If you are eager to know about how you can install the pavers on a sloping driveway, then you are at the right place. We are here to provide you with a complete guide about installing pavers on sloped driveways.

Determining the Location of Walkways

Before you start laying pavers on the sloped driveway, you have to decide about the location first. You need to determine where you want the driveway to be located. You need to mark the outline of your driveways first and then start the work. Once you have determined the location, you have to prepare the ground. You have to prepare for the pavers. For this, you need to use a sod cutter for cutting through the sod and leave it. Remove all the rocks, roots and the obstacles that are left. You need to rake the ground unless and until it is completely smooth and even. It is very important to do this part as skipping it can cause the foundation to get weaker over time.

Once it is done, you have to follow the following steps:

Step 1: Spreading crushed rocks

You have to spread a layer of gravel base over the ground that is 2 inches deep when the soil is completely prepared. You have to smooth it again with the rake.

Step 2: Installing the pavers

Now, start laying down the pavers. Start from the bottom of the driveway to layout. If you want to cut any of the pavers, then you can use the chisel to shape them. You have to break the piece off with the help of a hammer. Now, continue installing the pavers unless and until the driveway is completely covered.

Step 3: Spread sand over the pavers

In order to cement all the pavers in its place, you have to use the concrete sand. Make sure to spread the sand all over the top of the pavers. Sweep the sand into the crevices and cracks and then use the compactor again to ensure everything is in level.

Step 4: Wash away

Once everything is done, you have to finally turn on a hose and spray it completely on the walkway to remove all the standing dirt left on the paved driveway.

Summary

So, this is all about how to lay pavers on a sloped driveway. You need to follow each and every step properly and minutely to ensure that everything is perfect. Though laying pavers on a sloping land can be a bit challenging, it can be done easily without much effort if you follow these steps.
How to Get the Perfect Front Door for your Dream Home
By: Door Gate Depot - Wrought Iron Doors Los Angeles
Tags: Iron Doors, Iron Doors Dallas, Wrought Iron Doors, Iron Doors Nevada, Home Improvement

When asked what is the most important thing in this world for you, apart from your family, friends and of course your pet animal (because they are not things) what would be your answer? Well, when it comes to material possessions, for most people it is their house, the one that they have spent years in planning about and have certainly sacrificed on various things to save enough for that one dream home. There is no harm in loving things, especially when it comes to your house because that is the place which you share with the most important people in your life. Whether you live with your parents, or are a parent of yourself and in the phase of raising a family of your own, we all have certain dreams and ideas about how our house should be which is completely fine. However, where to start with? Yes, you guessed it; it always starts with entrance, i.e. the front door!

When it comes to home doors, we always have this need of enhancing them in one way or the other. The best way to enhance your front entry is to get an iron door installed. There are a bunch of reasons as to why iron doors manage to keep up with their image in the market and how their qualities do not let anyone think about any other possible options. If you have heard of them or experienced it by looking at your neighbor’s entry door, you probably are thinking about enhancing your front gate too. We have good news for you, this is certainly the best time to do it; the weather supports your decision. The reason behind saying this is the fact that getting an iron door installed can be best done during summers, you certainly do not want to get any outdoor renovation done during winters; it just requires a lot more effort and energy from both your side and the labors.

If that is not enough, here is another valid reason for getting an iron door for your entrance: Iron doors are famous for their ability to fit in. No matter what type of an entrance you have or what style you prefer, iron doors will adjust according to your needs. You can get your customized iron door exactly the way you want. It comes in different sizes, different shapes, various colors and a range of unique designs. It’s up to you; if you want you can choose from the numerous options available both in single and double sized doors or if you prefer picking all the minute details of you iron door to have the perfect aesthetic, you can opt for customized doors.

Whatever your decision is, once you have decided for sure, just go for it. You have got the best quality, best designs, and above all, the perfect season to get it done as well, what is left to wait for now? We hope that you get exactly what you are looking for and that your dream home has the perfect entrance!
Top Reasons To Spend On A Home Warranty
By: Serviceplus Home Warranty
Tags: Home Protection, Home Warranty Plans, Home Care, Home Warranty, Home Improvement

Are you delighted to picture yourself as a liable homeowner? Congratulations! The journey of upkeeping a fully functional home is no bed of roses. Appliances can stop working, the plumbing may wear out, the roofs and floors could be in an awful shape, and the list goes on. Unfortunately, homeowners forget to count expenses that pop up unprecedented. Little did you know that the costs can mount up in a bat’s eye. Bummed to hit reality? Don’t worry! A home warranty company is right at your service.

Not familiar with the role of a home warranty company? Drop by, step in, and you will be thrilled to know that a home protection warranty is what keeps your budget safe and sound when expensive home systems burn out.

It is no hush-hush that broken household appliances cost riches to be repaired. The expenses are fatter if a major house system comes crashing down. Picture this — an HVAC blows up without a warning, days after you’ve settled in your new nest. Can you put the restoration work on hold? No! Is it feasible for you to pay the big fat bills? Troubling since a fat chunk of your savings is tied in the house. The value of a home protection warranty is best realized in these sudden times of despair.

Here’s what you are not quite versed about. A home warranty company takes charge of safekeeping home components and appliances. However, a home protection warranty marketed by the company saves you from shelling out the steep prices of maintenance.

Why is it worth looking at the plans brought on boards by a home warranty company?

Of course, a home protection warranty is of a big benefit for homeowners. Still dubious whether investing in the protection plans is a right call? Putting a few hundred dollars in a home protection warranty is no joke in times when every cent matters. Paying $300 for a home warranty might sound swanky. But, here’s what you are missing. Imagine the bills if one or more home appliances break down. It could be a trivial malfunction or a major fault that knocked out the appliance. Are you okay paying hundreds of dollars to restore the faulty home good?

Mechanical malfunctions are not always predictable. Neither can you be sure that an appliance will serve you for ages, regardless of it being an expensive or a budget buy. A home warranty company functions as your immediate rescue. You can manage to put a halt to the repair plans when a refrigerator or a washer conks out. Can you turn a blind eye if the electrical burns out? Snapped wires can cause immense damage if not restored by professionals in a spry. Repairing complex electricals is not cheap. Why burn a hole in your pocket when a home protection warranty can keep you from paying out thousands of dollars?

In a nutshell, if a few hundred dollars sounds ritzy, is it feasible to cash out a couple of grands for the repair of home goods? The convenience of reaching out to your chosen home warranty company is a cakewalk too. All services are up for grabs a call away!
Mr. Handyman of Keller, Flower Mound and Alliance
By: Mr. Handyman Of Keller, Flower Mound
Tags: Cabinents, Home Improvement, Handyman Service

cabinents, handyman service, home improvement

In need of professional handyman service in Keller? Why not choose the best? With Mr. Handyman, you have the advantage and security of a nationally recognized brand combined with the personalized service of a locally owned company.

Our fully insured technicians provide honest, old-fashioned handyman service with guaranteed workmanship. Be at peace knowing our handyman will get the job done right!

Our home improvement services include home improvement, home remodelling, bathroom renovation, drywall repair, drywall installation, door repair, door installation, cabinet repair, cabinet installation, wood rot repair, siding repair, gutter cleaning, power washing, deck staining, deck repair, fence staining, fence repair, weather stripping, weather caulking, pressure wash service, electrical handyman services, carpentry services, dog door installation, home maintenance service, home repair services, furniture assembly service, home painting and much more.

Proudly offering handyman service in Forthworth, Argyle, Flower Mound, Fort Worth, Greenwood, Haslet, Justin, Keller, Lewisville, North Richland Hills, Ponder, Roanoke and surrounding areas. We can handle all of your home upgrade service needs. Call 972–373–9600 now for an exceptional home maintenance and repair service experience today.
How can you maximize your self-storage space?
By: Olivia Garcia
Tags: DIY, Home Improvement, Life Lessons, Storage Tips

New to Self Storage? Not sure how you should pack your unit? In this article, we’re going to cover how to get the most of your self-storage unit. This advice also applies to garages, closets, and anywhere else that might be used for storage. The organization is important!

Maximize your self-storage space

Arrange Items for Easy Access.

If you’re going to be packing your storage space yourself, it makes sense to give it some thought whether what’s going in needs to come out any time soon. And when you need to access these items, how are you going to do it? Keep items that are you foresee you’ll need to the front of the unit so you don’t have to wade through items and reorganize things to pull the item you want out. But where possible, try to keep a bit of a path in the center of the self-storage unit so that you can walk through if you need to search for things.

Go Vertical.

While most self-storage units are limited in terms of floor space, you can always make the most of your vertical space by stacking upwards. Especially for furniture! Long and bulky items can be stored standing on their sides so they take up less floor space too, chairs should be stacked one on top of another if they fit. Just make sure to be careful by stacking the heavier items at the bottom and lighter things above. You don’t want a tower of things crashing down! You can also ensure that your boxes are sturdy by filling them up fully so that they are more stable and wrapping the more fragile items in bubble wrap to protect them in case there are any accidents! Using the full height of your storage unit will help maximize potential space.

Fill the Gaps.

We hope that you still have a fair bit of space let in your self-storage unit to walk in and out of, but in the case that you’re really going all out and filling it up wall to wall, make sure you spot those gaps and use them! Towels, bedsheets and pillows and other soft cloth material items can be packed into trash bags to keep them clean and stuffed into empty spaces.

Don’t discount gaps underneath and behind couches, bed frames and cabinets — these are good cubbies for long and thin items like brooms and other long-handled items. Another good space for these long objects is right beside the door.

Do take the time to look through your belongings and make out an inventory if you’re unsure of how much space you really need. As we mentioned, any of our self-storage associates would be happy to help you calculate the volume of your things and set you up with a self-storage unit that’s sure to meet your needs!
How to Create a Stylish Happy-Hour Spot for Your Home
By: National Strategies Public Relations
Tags: Interior Design, Home, Tiles, Flooring, Home Improvement

Nijar from Tampa Tile’s Vintage Collection

Homeowners who love to entertain friends and family and serve great drinks can’t imagine their lives without a home bar. Even though sometimes it can seem that bars take up space you might use for different purposes, that isn’t necessarily true in many cases. It’s possible to create a beautiful, stylish happy-hour spot for your home without sacrificing other comforts.

A home bar can take up little space — wall shelves could serve as the bar if you can’t make the full setup work. Let’s have a look at some design suggestions when it comes to home bars and making them as usable and great-looking as possible:

Make It Comfortable

A home bar is a place for entertaining, and evenings filled with laughter and friendship. If you like having people over or enjoying a nice drink after a long week, you will be spending a reasonable amount of time around the home bar area. It is why your first aim should be to make the space comfortable, warm and inviting.

Pair the bar with some comfy bar stools, or create a nice sitting area around it to offer a multitude of comfortable seating options. The color scheme and design will depend on what your vision for the rest of the room is, but you shouldn’t let it limit you if you’re feeling creative.

Go for A Creative Design with Tile

When coming up with a design for your happy-hour spot, make sure to start with the basics and work your way towards more complicated options. Also, you should not neglect practicality for appearance — quite the opposite, start with the practical implications of your home bar placement.

For example, cleaning is a legitimate concern when it comes to home bars where many a drink might end up spilling. That’s why tile flooring is a good option, as it is one of the easier ones to clean. And while we are on the subject of tile, you should consider a backsplash for your bar, too. You could take the design in many beautiful directions, including a statement-making mosaic tile, patterned tile, or even mirror tile. Experiment and get creative!

Use All the Available Space

Sometimes you don’t have as much space as you’d like, but even in those circumstances, you could make a home bar design work. Your vintage desk or an antique bookcase can repurpose into a bar with a little elbow grease and creativity.

It’s possible to fit a small bar into a living room nook, hang a couple of shelves on the wall behind it, and stock it with all the proper bar accessories. However, if the opposite is exact and you have more space to work with, perhaps a sleek-looking modern bar would be a great addition to your area for entertaining.

Whichever direction you take your home bar design in, there will be a way to elevate the overall look and impression with the right choice of tile. By following these tips, you’ll ensure that your home’s happy-hour spot is as stylish as it can be.
3 Simple Ways By Which You Could Clean Your Curtains
By: Avery Grace
Tags: Home Decor, Home, Home Improvement, Blinds Manufacturer

Buying and hanging curtains may not seem like a difficult job. But maintaining them certainly is. In this world of busy schedules and workload, finding time to clean your house is putting it mildly. But there are some easy ways by which you could definitely clean your custom curtains in Toronto.

Vacuuming: This is one of the easiest processes to clean your curtains. If you are thinking about dealing with the dust every week, then you surely need a vacuum. Use a cleaning system which is lightweight. It should also have a large extension reaching the top of the curtain for cleaning purposes.

Shake: Before you clean your curtains, make sure that you shake them well. Custom curtains in Toronto should be shaken. This makes the dirt particles that are there get dislodged. After this, you could vacuum to clear away anything if left. Many curtains could attract lint or fabric fibers. They could remain there even after vacuuming if you are not careful. To make sure that they are gone use a lint brush to remove them. Flat the curtains out and then do the necessary job.

Steam Brush: This is a new technique which is now frequently used. You could use this to remove the grease and the unwanted stains that are there. You cannot remove them with vacuum, thus the power of steam would be helpful. It requires minimum hard work. And you have to gently roll the steam power device so that the steam penetrates the custom curtains in Toronto.

If you are using detergents and other chemicals be sure that you read the user guide. This would make sure that the detergent is suitable for that kind of curtain material or not. If you see that you do not need professional help to not take it. Cleaning them with clear would definitely give you the results that you want.
4 Reasons Why Your Portable Dishwasher Not Getting Water
Tags: Cleaning, Portable Dishwasher, Dishwasher, Dishwasher Repair, Home Improvement

There are many that come to mind when people run into the issue of your portable dishwasher not getting enough water. We have gathered some information and have found four reasons why your dishwasher water filling cycle is failing.

Float:

A damaged floater may be the culprit for the dishwasher to no longer filling with water. The float acts as a protection device that prevents the dishwasher from overfilling with water. The flow rises with the water degree inside the dishwasher and whilst the proper level is reached, the drift will cause the flow switch to turn off the water inlet valve.

Float switch:

Another issue could be the float switch, which is powered by way of the water inlet. If power to the water inlet valve is disrupted and it stops the float switch will fail and water will overflow into the dishwasher.

Water Inlet Valve:

The water inlet valve is used to fill the dishwasher with the proper quantity of warm water and is controlled through the timer or electronic device. The valve could be positioned at the back of the lower get entry to panel and could have two wires connected to it, an outlet hose to the tub and a hot water inlet from the household supply. If your dishwasher does not fill, you then must first take a look at the inlet supply to verify that you have enough water pressure.

Door Switch:

The door switch is a easy on/off mechanism that prohibits the dishwasher from running when the door is ajar. If the door switch or switches are not properly working the dishwasher will now not fill with water.
Flooring That Would Make a Difference — Best Home Accessories
Tags: Home Decor, Home, Shopping, Flooring, Home Improvement

Flooring That Would Make a Difference — Best Home Accessories Besthomeaccessories Apr 7·2 min read

You should always opt for a kind of flooring that would attract people’s notice as well as make a difference with its touch. Attractive and good looking flooring will help you enhance the look of your house and give it an elevated kind of a look that you might have had in mind while you got the house for yourself.

Hence you should have a basic idea about the kind of floorings that are available so that you can make a proper choice regarding which one would suit your taste as well as the look of the house.

Here are a few types of floorings that you can choose from:-

* THE CERAMIC TILE TOUCH

If you are the one who is worried about what a bit of water leaking would do to your floor then the best waterproof kind of flooring that you can opt for is the ceramic tile. Ceramic tiles can be very comfortably used as floor tiles without any hesitation. The ones with a finish which is unglazed can be picked for outdoor flooring because it has much better chances of fighting the water.

* HARDWOOD FLOORING FOR THE TOUGH LOOK

Undoubtedly this is one of the most favorite types of flooring of most of the customers. It is sophisticated and polished in its appearance and it’s tough. Hardwood flooring brings in a number of choices in its list such as Oak, Pine, Maple, Birch, Hickory, walnut so to name so. The best feature of this kind of flooring is that it last for a commendable amount of time and the surface can be given a retouch if needed.

* LAMINATE FLOORING FOR THE EASY MAINTENANCE

Cheapest as well as the easiest to be maintained, laminate flooring is quite beneficial a choice. As far as this kind of flooring is concerned it helps in providing a very tough and durable surface that can easily withstand any sort of burns, scratches and chipping. However unlike hardwood flooring, laminate flooring cannot be refinished and it attracts scratches very easily. Since it is much easier to install this kind, maybe it has gained its popularity for the same reason.

* MARBLE FLOORING FOR THE VERSATILITY

Marbles are one of the prettiest kinds of flooring you can opt for and it screams versatility. It can be used for multiple purposes such as the floors, walls and hallway columns so to mention. Easily cleanable and maintained, there is absolutely no reason as to why you shouldn’t use this kind of flooring. Various textures, colors and sizes are available when it comes to marble flooring helping you decide better.
Mediation — Romans 6:1–15. What shall we say then? Shall we…
By: Emmanuel Okeke
Tags: Faith and Life, Christian Living, Spiritual Growth

What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?

God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?

Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?

Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:

Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

For he that is dead is freed from sin.

Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:

Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.

For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.

Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.

Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.

For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.

What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.



— Romans 6:1‭-‬15 KJV
Be Still — Grace to Trust. “[Jesus] got up, rebuked the wind and…
By: Crystal Storms
Tags: Christian, Faith and Life, Faith, Christianity, Christian Living

“[Jesus] got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Quiet! Be still!’ Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.” Mark 4:39 (NIV)

Have you ever asked: Can I trust God’s heart when I can’t see His hand at work in my situation? The disciples did.

Jesus slept while the storm raged, waves splashed, and seasoned fishermen feared for their lives. “The disciples woke him and said to him, ‘Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?’” (Mark 4:38b, NIV).

Biblical commentator David Guzik writes, “It takes great faith to trust the sleeping Jesus, to know that He cares and works for us even when it does not seem like it. But this is the kind of trust God wants to build in us.”

This story highlights four reasons we can trust God’s heart for us even when we can’t see His hand at work.

Why We Can Trust God’s Heart:

Jesus was with them in the middle of the storm.

Jesus didn’t leave the disciples to face their storm alone, but He was right there with them in the middle of it all.

Jesus awakened to the cry of the disciples.

It is not the wind or waves that awakened Jesus but the prayers of His people.

Jesus told the disciples their final destination.

Jesus rebuked the disciples for their lack of faith because it was He who said, “‘Let us go over to the other side’” (Mark 4:35b, NIV). When the word from the Lord is clear, hold on and persevere.

At the sound of His voice all was still.

“You rule over the surging sea; when its waves mount up, you still them” (Psalm 89:9). Sometimes Jesus calms the storm, and sometimes He calms His child. We can trust God’s presence with us will calm the storm within us.

We can trust His presence with us will calm the storm within us.

Reminder for the heart: We can trust God’s presence with us will calm the storm within us.

Related resources to encourage your heart: Be Still — Be and Be Still — Grace to Slow Your Pace.

What’s on your heart? What helps you be still when the storm rages around you? How does knowing Jesus is always with you change things?

Sweet blessings,

Crystal
When God says no.
By: Solomon Siwoku
Tags: Disappointment, Patience, When God Says No, Christian Living, Waiting

BANG!!! You have been overruled. You objected, you appealed, you asked for a review. But yet you’ve been overruled.

As Christians, we’ve been wired to only give glory to God when things go our way, that is, when we get what we’ve asked for. However, we are left in agonising despair and confusion when we don’t. We hear and watch all kinds of teachings on when God says yes. Different materials are at our fingertips to guide us to get what we want. “ How to claim”, “how to pray and get answers”, “10 ways to get blessed”. But there are very little talks to help us survive when life doesn’t give us what we want.

You see, there are times we pray and ask God for a particular thing to be done at a particular time but it seems like God isn’t listening. And other times, things fall into place, sometimes without even asking. Why is that? It’s not that what we are asking for is useless or worthless. It’s something that could potentially make our lives better or even easier. However, in these past few years I’ve come to learn that God isn’t looking for the easiest way out, he is looking for the best way out.

As humans, we only have the capacity to see what is right in front of us. Ours plans are myopic and one step guided. While we see one step at a time, God has seen the whole picture 10 steps down the line. His plans for us is enclosed in what is called the “greater purpose”.

It might come as a shock to some of you; that even Jesus ask the Father for something and got no response. In Matthew 26vs 39, we saw Jesus requesting for a way out of his impending crucifixion. But knowing that God had a greater purpose in mind he said. “Yet not as I will, but as you will.”

It is crucial in our walk with God to know that things will not always work as we expected, planned or predicted. This is because God in his infinite wisdom is putting all the puzzles together behind the scene. You might not hear him now or even notice he is doing much, but wait till the great unveiling of what he’s been doing on the background. When God seems to be at his quietest is often when he’s doing his greatest work in us. Let’s wait patiently and have faith in the process.
Meditation — Psalm 46:1–11. ‘God is our refuge and strength, a very…
By: Emmanuel Okeke
Tags: Faith and Life, The Word Of God, Christian Living

‘God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;

Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.

There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High.

God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.

The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted.

The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.

Come, behold the works of the Lord , what desolations he hath made in the earth.

He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire.

Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.

The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.’

— Psalms 46:1–11
Prayer of a PhD Student
By: Rachel Abouras
Tags: Prayer, Pray, Phd Student, Christianity, Christian Living

Lord, I thank You for the knowledge gained and the learning experiences You have carried out in my life over the past twenty five years. You have been my helper and my strength, and I pray that You continue to let Your Holy Spirit be with me as I endure the demanding seasons ahead. Thank you for this unique path and for leading me to this university.

Grant me the strength and the stamina to handle the rigor of my doctoral program, as well as discernment — help me to understand how I may steward my newfound knowledge, wisdom, and abilities in a way that leads to the betterment of others and ultimately brings You glory. Shape my character so that it is formed in Your Image — so that it is virtuous.

Guide me so that I seek faithfulness in all things, especially during times when I am confronted with the temptations of this world. Help me overcome strongholds that exist within the academic profession (such as the lure of prestige and the inclination to isolate oneself) that may tempt me to stray from You. Prevent me from conflating achievement with worthiness-help me to see — no, to believe — that my worth is not determined by the impressiveness of my academic accomplishments or the length of my CV.

You are so, so good Lord, and when I reflect on the opportunities You have given me (and continue to give me), my heart is flooded with an overwhelming sense of warmth and gratitude. I pray that I never let go of this feeling, especially during times when I may find myself feeling overwhelmed or burned-out.

During such times, I will remind myself of Your Goodness. I will remind myself that my coursework is a gift from You, my professors are gifts from You, my cohort is a gift from You, and that my education is truly a gift from You — a gift that has taught me how to better love others, but more importantly, how to better love You. And for that, I will cherish it deeply…always.

In Christ’s name, Amen.
Jesus and the Old Covenant
By: Done With Religion
Tags: Bible, Christian Living, Jesus, Grace

by Jim Gordon

Did Jesus teach from the Old Covenant? Was not the birth of Christ the beginning of the New Covenant? When does the Old Covenant end and the New Covenant begin? We tend to forget that the Old Covenant does not end with Malachi and the New Covenant does not start with Matthew.

Even though Jesus came to fulfill the old agreement through grace, the first thirty-three years that Jesus walked the earth He lived under the Old Covenant. He was required to follow all its rules and regulations. He even taught from those rules, yet those rules are no longer intended for us. ‘But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons’. Galatians 4:4,5

The New Covenant began when Jesus was crucified. When He said ‘It is finished’ He was talking about the Law, the Old Covenant. Upon His resurrection the New Covenant began and we are no longer required to try and live under the Law and the way of the Old Covenant. It is finished!

The old agreement was basically a tutor. A way God used to show humans that we were unable to live a perfect life on our own. It was a way to show us that we needed someone to redeem us and restore our fellowship with the Father. Jesus came and fulfilled the old agreement and upon his resurrection made a new agreement of grace. ‘Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill’. Matthew 5:17

Now that the Law has been fulfilled in Christ, we are no longer required to try to live by the ten commandments and the rules and regulations of the Old Covenant. So often we seem to forget that because of grace we now live by faith in Christ. We are no longer slaves to sin, we are no longer just a poor sinner saved by grace although we were sinners and we are saved by grace. We are now the righteousness of God through Christ. God no longer calls us slaves but He calls us Sons. We are seated in heavenly places in Christ. This is not to say that we should go out and do whatever we want, right or wrong. We do have freedom in Christ to do what we choose, but there are consequences if we choose things that God has warned us to stay away from.

Today we choose to live a life pleasing to God because of love. Godly love is the fulfillment of the Law. We love God and we love others, we have been made righteous through Christ and we are the temple of the Holy Spirit. It is the Spirit who guides us, teaches us and gives us strength. We do not love or please God out of obligation. We do not love him because we are trying to fulfill a set of rules and Old Testament laws that we could not live up to anyway. We do what is pleasing to God because we choose to do so because of our love for Him.
I just so happen to attend church with the most “Godly” woman I’ve ever known…
By: Vincent J. Vera
Tags: Christian, God, Jesus, Christianity, Christian Living

I just so happen to attend church with the most “Godly” woman I’ve ever known…

She’s been a huge inspiration to me over the years and has challenged me to become a better Christian. Not by her words or instruction of any sort but simply by the way she lives her life. I’ve observed her and I’ve attempted to model myself after her in hopes of walking in the anointing that I believe she carries.

She’s a much older woman and I’m ashamed to admit that I’ve pondered over her eventual passing a few times. She’s a pillar in our church, as well as in my life, and I dread the emptiness that she’ll one day leave behind.

Anyway…

The other day she was speaking to our church about her son. Her son is not currently living in a manner that you’d call “pleasing to God”. He doesn’t claim to be a Christian, he doesn’t attend church, he’s simply not interested… As I sat there I just couldn’t make sense of a child growing up in a home with this mighty woman of God and not becoming a spiritual powerhouse himself. How could he not be motivated and primed for greatness by her influence alone? Apparently it’s not hereditary.

This worried me. I thought about my own children and how I try to be my very best for them. I thought of how I try to show God’s love to them through my words, actions, and even instruction. My efforts may touch them. I may be able to leave an imprint of God’s grace and mercy on their hearts — but is that enough? Just as we have this wonderful woman, with a child who possesses a free will… We have a wonderful God, with children who possess this same free will.

Unfortunately, we can’t make our children serve God, they have to decide that for themselves. However, witnessing the heartbreak of a straying child puts into perspective the pain we cause our Heavenly Father when we stray. I can only hope and pray that my commitment to my God serves as an example to my children. Because even though I can’t grab their hands and walk them right into Heaven, I can definitely lead them away from it. The best I have to offer them is my own life as a blueprint.

This woman’s son doesn’t know it, but his separation from God is making me a better parent. Not overbearing, not exasperating, but simply trying to emulate Christ on a daily basis, for myself and for my children.

Still, I pray for him. I pray that he comes to know the peace that my Father God his given me.