Each and every day you wake up, what do you do to contribute to the world that day? I'm not talking about your career necessarily, but how do you make a difference in the world? We all have hero's who inspire and drive us to be better individuals; whether it be a soldier fighting for his country, a beloved actor, or even our Heavenly Father. Inside each of us is a need to be better; to make a difference. How do we ensure that we are consistently reminded of our divine potential? A great way is to find a spot in your home to honor your hero. Listed below are a few ways to do this with style in mind.

Black & White Music. Have you ever stopped to smell the roses? Or listen to beautiful music? Music is something that our spirits love. For whatever reason, good music changes our moods, our personalities and the overall atmosphere in a room. In a room that may contain your childhood piano, violin or maybe just your stereo set this is a room that is perfect to display your hero in. But, wait, not just any photo. Make it black and white. A photograph taken in black and white instantly turns into a classic photo. Even the silliest of photography can be made timeless when made black & white. Matt the photo or poster, and choose a honorable frame. This room now means more to whoever chooses to play music within its walls.

Statue. There was a time when honorable men, no matter of what class or how expensive it may have been, were made into statues when they past away. Still a great way to honor men or your hero is through a reasonably sized statue, safely placed in your home. In our home we have a Christus sitting in our living room, reminding us that as we leave to house to live a Christ-like example. Another great place to put a statue is in the center of a garden, where it can shine in the bright daylight and put a different texture in your luxurious greenery.

Flags. Put them everywhere. If you have a soldier away from home, or one that has past away, my heart goes out to you. A great way to remember the dedication and courage it took to be on the battlefield is by placing flags around your home, inside or out. Many gardeners will place them in a pattern in their back yard, or in their front patio. A consistent reminder of who you love, that is truly a remarkable choice for your hero. 

Remember whatever you choose, keep it clean, make sure to share the reason why you chose that picture, statue or other object in your home. Share your favorite memories, and be joyous in all that you do to remember your hero.

Upon growing up my mother took me and my siblings to church every Sunday, alone. Growing up without my father attending church was confusing to me. "Why would someone not want to worship God on a day of rest?" I often pondered. It wasn't until later that I learned that my father had no religion, even though he believed in God and supported our beliefs, and because of this, put a slow and steady strain on my mothers eagerness to attend church. By the time I was in my teens I had monthly church magazines arriving, from my mothers parents, for me. They were to help me build my personal testimony, and in hopes I would never feel alone attending church. Which they did quite well. I read an article one summer day with a question that still sticks with me, it went along the lines of, "If a non-member was to walk into your home or bedroom, would they know your beliefs?" Essentially the question posed, did I represent my faith in my room, either through: art, books, posters, and/or simply my actions? I decided to make the change.

As a member of a Christian faith, specifically The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, we are known for overloading our homes with posters, memorization charts for youth, statues and plenty of temple and church-like photos. It's great feeling, even if you have no religion, to walk into an environment and feel welcome. Art and warm smiles always accomplish this feeling for me and my family. Listed below are tips and tricks on showing off your faith, in style, and in hopes that those that you welcome into your home, will feel at home.

Less Can Be More. Like previously stated having multiple photos in the same area, can be overwhelming. A great way to show off your religion, in a room, is through small art. The example listed below shows a framed quote from the Bible. Another way to make a settle statement, is hanging up art that speaks to you. Being LDS, we believe that God the Father and Jesus Christ created all things and in that: talents. Art is a talent, if something speaks to you or your family member and it looks great, find a way to incorporate it into your space!

Statues: Many faiths have statues, and of those that they idolize and/or worship. The example below is of the Christus, which is displayed in the Salt Lake City visiting center, only the actual statue is 10.5' and the replicas you can purchase only run about 15" tall. Nevertheless, display whatever statue that represents your faith in a safe spot. Somewhere your guests can admire the craftsmanship that took place and possibly ask you what your statue represents.

Reuse. You have probably seen this before, but lets take reusing church art and stained glass to a new level. Take out your standard window and have this old, beautiful art piece put in! If that's outside your budget, consider this: weld two strong and narrow chains to your glass and hang it in your home. Not only are you giving this piece another life, but it will be a conversation starter and a great way to add antiques to your home.

Displaying Family Photos: A classic way of showing off your religion, through a very discreet way is hanging up or displaying family photos. To become like a pro, spray paint or purchase frames of the same color or hue. If you want to go one step further, turning your photos into black and whites adds a timeless touch to any photograph and is sure to be adored for ages.

Appreciate the Outdoors. If you're building a new home or remodeling try adding large windows into your space. Because, if God created us, he created the world we live in. Everything is his, so take time to appreciate it. Simply put, wherever you live, find the time to enjoy the outdoors. 

When you're finished with redecorating your space, take a step back. Does it represent you? Does it resemble what you believe in, and who you believe in? Does it make you smile, or possibly tear up? Can you feel the joy and peace that it brings to your home? If so, bravo. Your home shows off your religion, and in doing so it shows off a part of who you are.