by Alaina | Jan 2, 2021 | Sunday Scripture
The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever.
Isaiah 40:8 NIV
I love color! I love playing with colors; different shades of a color, different color combinations- all of it! There is so much color in the world and so many shades- more than we can even realize! There are many mornings that I find myself driving over the lake of a local state park and I’ll catch my breath at the sunrise over the lake- it looks like an exquisite pastel painting. All misty, diffuse light with the pink and orange rays of sunlight shining through the mist. Later in the day I’ll pass through again everything is different. Later in the day, the lake is a bold picture of a bright blue of the sky, the green of the trees, and dark emerald of the water- a nearly different scene altogether. All because of color.
There are so many places in this world, ones that are absolutely saturated in color that I want to see. I can’t imagine the vivid colors of nature in places like New Zealand. I want to see the deep emerald fields of Ireland, and the sandy browns and dessert greens of the American West.
I see all this and I think how can anything be anymore vivid? Color is a way of interpreting vitality, life. When cheeks become ruddy after exertion or when we take on a tan in summer’s sun we say we look good, healthy, glowing, full of color. How can anything be any more real than this world full of innumerable colors? I tend to think of heaven generally as a golden monotone city, I know this isn’t true but when my young self heard Heaven described for the first time that is what I thought, and that is the image that still first comes to mind today. But that is all wrong. It will be full of color- so much color! More than we can possibly imagine.
The thing is that this earth is not the realest thing that there is. The trust is that Heaven is the realest- and this life is but a dim reflection of the next. I imagine when we get to Heaven and look back that we will chuckle at the fact that we thought this earth was the real deal because we will have then seen all the colors of Heaven in all their glory. And we will see Him in all His glory too.
by Alaina | Jan 2, 2021 | Book Nook
There are several books that I have really enjoyed reading this fall. Ones that I find my thoughts drifting back to, thinking of the character as friends and real people rather than just fictional personas.
The Jane Austen Society
This book is set in England shortly after World War 2. While there was a real Jane Austen Society formed around this time, this book is about fictional characters whose lives have been touched by Austen’s various works and who undertake to preserve the house in which Austen lived, located in their village. The Author did a wonderful job of bringing to life in vivid detail not only the characters, who I thought were very well formed, but also the setting of the rural English village. This is a great choice to cozy up with this fall.
https://amzn.to/2Jnk4wO
Don’t Overthink It, by Anne Bogel
I decided to read this one because I like the author, not because I had done research as to what this book was actually about. I was most pleasantly surprised to realize that this was definitely a book I needed to read! Ms Bogel discusses how we tend to spend so much time and energy ruminating over a decision that really doesn’t matter- and that we don’t actually want to have spent that much time thinking about. She talks of tactics that she has used to help her start overthinking less. Journaling, like the physical act of writing out thoughts can be helpful, this was a “ah ha!” Moment for me, because while I love lists and often keep notes on my phone I have noticed that just typing up a list on the notes section of my phone is not nearly as effective as putting pen to paper. She also discusses how prepping or the week, and clearing clutter in your house can help to free up emotional space. I knew this to be true for me already but its always nice to hear back up that I’m not the only like this!
https://amzn.to/36lj5WZ
Becoming Mrs. Lewis
This is about Joy Grisham Lewis, C.S Lewis’s wife. I found it a fascinating read on several levels. 1) I know a fair about C.S Lewis’s work, without knowing all that much about him. 2) I knew nothing about Joy and she was a fascinating person as well. And 3) their love story and how they came to know each other, become friends, and ultimately marry, was a shot in a million. I enjoy books that teach more about famous people we already know something about told through the lens of someone close in their lives, who we may hardly know existed.
https://amzn.to/2Jkn4Kr
The Compound Effect
I heard this book mentioned on a podcast, and then my husband mentioned it as one of his favorite books that he read in college so I decided I must join the club and read it too. The Compound Effect is written by Darren Hardy who started his own business and became a millionaire by the time he turned 24. Mr. Hardy talks of what made the biggest changes in his life, and how its not necessarily the big things that make the biggest change in our lives but rather the little changes day in and day out that add up to a huge difference over a lifetime. If you feel overwhelmed by how far away you are from a current goal, read this book for motivation and encouragement.
https://amzn.to/33svoyL
Disclosure
Quick reminder that this post contains affiliate links; that means if you click on the link I will make a small commission at no extra cost to you- it’s a way to support my blog! I will only ever share an affiliate link if I love the product and think that you just might love it too!
https://amzn.to/2Jnk4wO
https://amzn.to/36lj5WZ
https://amzn.to/2Jkn4Kr
https://amzn.to/33svoyL
by Alaina | Dec 9, 2020 | Book Nook
In theory this is the perfect time of year to curl up with a heart warming Christmas book, in front of a warm fire, under a warm, comfy blanket. Reality tends to look a little bit different! However given that this has been the year of quarantine you may find that you have more time on your hands than you have in the past! Regardless of what your situation is this year I hope you are able to carve out a little bit of time to slow down and drink in the season. Here are a few of my favorite Christmas books- some are young adult or children’s books, others are classics, and one is hopefully for you this Christmas season!
A Season of Giving by Richard Peck
I originally read this one when I was in middle school, but I went back and listened to it this year and I still really enjoyed it! Told by Bob, the 12 year old son of the town newest preacher, this book is full of quirky characters that make up this small town- not the least of which is Mrs. Dowdle, Bob’s next door neighbor. We hear about the many different escapades that happen in the months leading up to Christmas and ultimately are reminded that some of life’s biggest gifts do come in the form we expect.
https://amzn.to/3qEGPgO
When Christmas Comes Again
This is a book from the Dear American Children’s series but it is still one of my favorites. It’s full of all the Christmas feels! Simone is 18, and has to figure out what she is going to do with her life, and then America enters World War 1 and there are many options then available to her. Simone’s brother enters the war, and Simone wants to do her part too. This yearning ends up landing her halfway across the world and introduces to a handsome soldier, the future could be bright for Simone- but only if everyone makes it through the war safely.
https://amzn.to/3oA6qFH
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
I’m sure you are familiar with this story but if you have never actually read it- please do it! Not only is this a classic book that everyone should give a try reading at least once but you will feel your spirits lift so incredibly at the end of the story- you won’t be able to help but get in the Christmas spirit!
https://amzn.to/3mYm5OV
The Christmas Box by Richard Paul Evans
This is a short little story about a young family, Richard, Keri, and their 4 year old daughter, who rent out a wing of a house, owned by an elderly woman named Mary. They find their landlord to be a gracious woman and quickly grow fond of her. One day Richard stumbles across a beautifully engraved box in the attic. Later he dreams about and angles and awakes to hear music that leads him back to the box. The box and Mary ultimately lead him to the realization of what Christmas is truly about.
https://amzn.to/39UQcCU
Merry and Bright by Debbie Macomber
If you want a light and uplifting Christmas read with all the cheesy sweetness of your favorite Hallmark movie this one will scratch your reading itch! Merry is finishing up a year of working as a temp at a consulting firm. She really likes her job and has been grateful to have it as it has allowed her to save up money to finish her college degree. The only thing Merry dislikes is her handsome but disagreeable boss, who always seems to have a bone to pick with Merry. Merry’s mother and brother want to add some fun to her life and sign her up on a dating sight. Merry is reluctant at first but starts to come around to the idea, especially as she meets a very nice guy named Jay online….but what will Merry do when she meets Jay and he isn’t what she expected?
I hope these help to give you some ideas for your reading life this Christmas! In the meantime I am always anxious to hear about any other good books that I haven’t read yet- what are some of your favorite classics? Do you have one that you read year after year and embodies the feeling of the season for you? I’d love to hear from you! Drop a comment below or meet me over on instagram or Pinterest at EssentiallyEmmaMarie!
https://amzn.to/3m0KeTo
Check out other books I have discuss on Essentially EmmaMarie!
by Alaina | Nov 29, 2020 | Sunday Scripture
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.
Ecclesiastes 3:1 NIV
The leaves have all fallen here in Pennsylvania. The reds and oranges that burnt bright against the blue sky are now turning brown on the ground. The bright colors that blazed bright on the hillsides have now vanished and we have brown and gray where we once had yellows and reds.
I love fall but after fall comes winter. Don’t get me wrong, I like winter too, but it can be rather gray….especially when it is dragging on into March! The other thing about winter here, is that it is cold. I know it gets colder elsewhere but really who want to go for a walk or run outside when it is twenty degrees?!
I want to be out doing things, working various projects, and enjoying the sunshine- but winter is not a season to be outside working. Instead it is a season to rest. To dwell indoors and work on things inside. I marvel again at how the natural world is such a perfect mirror of the spiritual world.
There is a season for everything the Bible tells us, but in our 24/7 world we try to make all the seasons uniform when they were never intended to be. We want to push harder and make more happen, fill our days, our schedules, our homes, but why do we think this is normal? In nature the ground rests, the animals hibernate, and the colors fade into gray. Colorless. A blank space. We need that in our lives too. If God made the season for all of nature to rest why would we be exempt?
There are seasons of doing, of stepping out, of making things happen. There are also seasons for us to be introverted, to ask what God is doing on the inside of us, to ask Him to work inside of us. How many of us still follow the commandment to keep the Sabbath holy? I believe He intended for us to rest. But we don’t. He made a season devoted to it. What would our lives look like if we followed the tree’s example and focused on what’s inside, and invited God in to do some heavy duty work inside of us and took a season of rest?
Disclosure
Quick reminder that this post contains affiliate links; that means if you click on the link I will make a small commission at no extra cost to you- it’s a way to support my blog! I will only ever share an affiliate link if I love the product and think that you just might love it too!
https://biblia.com/bible/niv/ecclesiastes/3/1
Take a look at more Sunday Scripture posts found here on Essestially EmmaMarie
by Alaina | Nov 25, 2020 | Cleaning, Homemaking
We have reached the holiday season; and with it comes company! With so much to do already before the company comes;(wrapping presents, preparing food, etc.), cleaning can be the thing that throws off your nicely planned schedule. How can you keep from going crazy cleaning before the company comes? How can you keep your house clean for the unexpected guest without quitting your day job or getting rid of the kids??
The answer is routine. I know that’s not an exciting answer, a cleaning routine just sounds like one more thing to implement into your already hectic life but here’s the thing- staying current on your cleaning will save you time from doing a massive but infrequent overhaul. Not to mention it will make you feel better, and breathe easier- literally it turns out because there will be less allergens floating around your house!
Where to Start?
The goal here is to come up with a plan that works for you. If you look up cleaning schedules on Pinterest you will see countless schedules and routines of how often you need to clean certain areas. These schedules are absolutely helpful but don’t feel like a failure if you don’t vacuum your kitchen floor,scrub your sink, and clean your toilets everyday- no one really has time for that!
A lot of people are proponents of cleaning a little everyday. This is good in theory but when studies have been done on this method time management experts have found that it is more efficient to do most things weekly rather than daily; do all your laundry at once rather than a load everyday, do all the vacuuming or dusting in your house at once rather than one room a day. By trying to do a room each day you will lose time pulling out your cleaning supplies and then putting them away each day, rather than just tackling it all at once. However if you thrive on a daily routine, or lack a big chunk of time at any point during the week then it might be worth it for you to do a little everyday and thus conquer the cleaning!
My schedule during the week is crazy. I never plan to do any chores during the week unless I know I have an exceptionally light work week. My rule of thumb for cleaning is the same as for cooking; I try to do one big batch during the weekend and then only very small tasks during the week.
I have found a routine that works well for me and my family at this stage of life. Here’s what it look like:
Friday: I typically work a shorter day than I do Monday- Thursday. After work I swing by the store and pick up groceries and head home. I put the groceries away. I start a load of laundry. I like to then dust, do the bathrooms, vacuum and ideally mop. Now lets be real- very seldom is there time and energy to do all of this Friday evening. In my perfect world yes, but life isn’t perfect so we have to pick and choose.
Cleaning schedules will tell you to clean bathrooms and kitchens once a week, and dust weekly to every other week. This is what I was doing when I realized it didn’t work for me. There is just my husband and myself living in our house right now. We have 2 bathrooms and while we do use our guest bathroom, we use our master bath much more. When it comes to dusting however I am OCD. I CANNOT stand to see dust, hair and crumbs on any surfaces. This bothers me much more than the hair on the back of the toilet. So I went radical- I would do the dusting every week since that’s what bothers me most and I clean the guest bathroom every week if I can, but if not then it goes two weeks.
What areas drive you crazy? For me if my surfaces are dusted and my floor is mopped and vacuumed I feel great- even if my windows and doors have quite a few nose prints from our pets!
Still Struggling?
It is overwhelming- especially if you have a large house to keep clean! Below I have listed some guidelines to follow. Remember though, whatever it is that is the first thing you see when you walk in the door of your home, that is the thing that you need to make time to clean at least weekly, if not more often.
Daily:
- Do a quick tidy up before bed. Pitch mail you don’t need, put shoes where they belong and return cords to their homes.
- Keep a rag in both the bathroom and kitchen to do a quick wipe after using the surface areas.
- Wipe out sink
- Squeegee shower doors if you have a glass shower.
Weekly:
- Kitchen: quickly wipe off appliances, stove top, microwave, and counters. Scrub sink.
- Bathroom: wipe down sink area, scrub toilet bowl, and wipe down outside of toilet.
- Clean showers- you can do a quick wipe down while you shower!
- Dust all horizontal surfaces.
- Vacuum
- Mop
- Purge fridge as you bring in groceries, and clean any spills.
- Sheets
Monthly:
- Clean windows
- Dust anything hanging on the walls
- Wipe down fronts of cabinets- you have cabinets in the bathrooms too!
- Lauder floor mats.
- Clean the inside of the dishwasher and washing machine.
- Baseboards
- Vacuum most often used upholstery
Every 3-6 Months
- Change air filters
- Vacuum all other upholstery
- Deep clean baseboards
- Spot check walls
- Deep clean fridge
- Clean oven
Once a year or as needed:
- Shampoo carpets and upholstery
- Defrost freezers
- Clean kitchen drawers and cabinets for crumbs and dust. Clean the cabinet under the sink- you’ll be surprised how dirty it gets!
We are all different, and therefore how, when, and how much we clean will vary. For a more detailed breakdown of cleaning routines, and suggested cleaning rotations for different personalities enter your email in the box at the bottom of the page and I will send you my free in-depth, cleaning schedule with different breakdowns according to your personality!
I hope these guidelines help, again these are just guidelines shared in hopes of making life easier- not to stress you out and make you feel like you aren’t doing enough. Try to carve out 3 hours a week to spend on these chores with an hour or 2 a month to help get through some of the irregular cleaning. If having a clean home is important to you always remember that there are cleaning services and people out there willing to help! It may be worth adjusting your budget to get a little extra help if you are stressing over cleaning that seems like it is never done. Life is about what is important to you- so prioritize accordingly!
