Enchant the Ordinary

 It always feels so luxurious to open a fresh page in Blogger and begin to write something new.

In my dream life I would have a standing appointment with my computer each day.

I would sit down with a cup of steaming hot coffee, and a head swimming with ideas, to write something beautiful and reflective.

Not that I feel any need for attention or followers, but just for the fun of taking the various thoughts that bounce around in my mind and see what I can create with them.

But ever since I've had this blog, I've had to be content with snagging rare moments here and there to write.

My housekeeping and homeschooling duties must always come first.

So blogging is viewed as a treat, and that's always been enough.

"This will be your land with its boundaries on every side." ( Numbers 34:12 )

Christians know how to keep everything in its proper place, and our priorities are often in sharp contrast with the world's.

I have learned to lean in and embrace a lifestyle that is meaningful, yet filled with very mundane, ordinary tasks.

I have no interest in the "have it all" or the "go big or go home" life. I just want a cozy, anonymous life, serving the Lord in the tiny ways that I can.

Like Paul said, "I consider my life worth nothing to me." ( Acts 20:24 )

How do I find the balance between "carrying my cross daily" and a beautiful, purposeful life?

A mindset I've been pondering lately is, Enchant the Ordinary.

I love the way that sounds, don't you?

For me it means, give where I can give, do what I can do, teach where I can teach, grow where I can grow... not looking around at what others are doing. Just doing what matters to me.

(My garden this morning...)

This past school year I had the privilege to teach several courses at church.

I was worried, when I agreed to take the classes, that I might be biting off more than I could chew. But as these classes are ending for the summer, and I reflect back over the year, I realize it was all so rewarding and fun! I never felt burdened. I actually enjoyed it all very much!

"Freely you have received, freely give." 

( Matthew 10:8 )

We also enjoyed a very successful and peaceful homeschool year, as well. 

Roman and Nola are both done with their studies for the year, and Elsa and Soren will officially finish this week.

With all my "students" at home and at church completing their courses with me, I've decided I will put myself through a few courses. 

Why not? 

There's always room for betterment, and I should always be open to grow.

I ordered these books to get me started...

Both of these authors are from blogs I read and love.

These ladies are quite different from each other, (and quite different from me!) but have useful ideas to share with the world.

Because I felt I needed a fresh perspective on my wardrobe, I began with The Chic Closet.

She has little writing assignments at the end of each chapter that have been eye-opening and really fun!

One was, "When you are drawn to someone, pick apart just why. Is it their softness? Their strength? The colors they wear? They look like they're having fun with their wardrobe? Just what appeals? Dig down and write out everything you can think of, then look back at your findings."

I have lately become intrigued by a lady lawyer I've seen on TV. Since the inspiration I felt from her was fresh on my mind, I wrote down the vibe she gives off...

Simple

Stunning

Classic

High heels

Hot-rolled hair

Simple, expensive jewelry

Clean, bright, natural face

Genuine smile

Warm glow

Nurturing

Comforting

Calm

See? Fun! You should try this assignment.

Reading The Chic Closet is what stimulated me to ask for real pearl stud earrings for Mother's Day...

(Am I too easily persuaded?)

When I am not a student of my self-prescribed courses, I have been deep cleaning around the house, planting my containers, and puttering around in the yard. It's all been very satisfying.

Spring finally arrived after a long, cold winter, but she came in all hot and bothered for some reason. So we've been cooling off down at our pond each afternoon, which has been delightful.

Lazy summer afternoons, we have missed you!

👒

Keeping up with my daily table settings for cheerful family meals has been my go-to way for "enchanting the ordinary" over the years.

It's so easy to do, yet can infuse the home with a stable, loving vibe.

This one is set with root beer as a special treat.

I also made lemon bars to match the forthysia that had just bloomed. My first yard clipping of the year!

The lilacs will be next. Maybe white cupcakes with light purple frosting?

😉

We have some unique opportunities in the coming weeks.

I will be busy getting ready for those.

When the dust settles I'd like to share more about it here on the blog.

As for today, I just had a few ideas bopping around, so I just sat and wrote for fun.

And it was fun. I should do it more often.

The ongoing goal for this blog is to shine a positive light on homeliving and record our family stories.

"At the Lord's command Moses recorded the stages in their journey."

( Numbers 33:2 )

Thanks for reading.

I look forward to being back here soon.

In the meantime, maybe you can look for ways to Enchant the Ordinary, too?

💐

~ Courtney