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Maggie Whitley

joy in motherhood, homemaking, faith & simple living

You are here: Home / inspiration / books / What is the point of “One Thousand Gifts”?

What is the point of “One Thousand Gifts”?

November 17, 2016 · 14 Comments
Filed Under: books, inspiration, our home

The morning came faster than I wanted. I heard Natalie’s little footsteps toddling on the hardwood floors, and I knew I needed to get up before Maxwell woke up. He woke last night, burning with fever, and I rushed to take his temperature and offer him some water. I had just fallen asleep, but I knew the small cry he was releasing from his body in the middle of the night was an important one, so I got up to tend to him.

fall leaves maggie whitley

Thankfully, gratefully, Marigold didn’t wake up throughout the night — and neither did Natalie. Some nights the two of them switch off with who is awake during the night, and I feel a little like Miss Clavel from Madeline as I rush down the hall to see who needs me. I can feel Marigold will be ready for me soon, but for now she’s content.

This morning, as I settled Natalie on the couch, I pulled the living room curtains aside and looked past our covered front porch.

Fog. It’s a blanketing our street this morning.

family maggie whitley

Fog and fallen leaves and trash bins at the curb waiting to be picked up around lunchtime. Green hedges and yellow leaves sitting atop. It’s a sight to remember, one Los Angeles could never offer.

Inside, my robe matches my sleep pants, and ironically, Natalie’s milk cup. Pink. Lots of pink in our home.

My coffee cup sits near me and I let out a long exhale. My head hurts; I could use more sleep. But that’s not something for me to dwell on this morning. I know I can take a nap in a few hours once the kids are tucked in bed after lunch, but I try not to think about that too much. For now, I’m awake with our middle child and I’m enjoying this moment with her. And really, it’s not all that early to be awake ;)

fall leaves maggie whitley

Warm, creamy coffee. I let it wash down my throat and comfort my weary body.

I think about last night, how I sat at my sewing machine and watched the fabric move under my fingers and come out the other side with tiny stitches a quarter inch away from the edge of the fabric. I released the presser foot and cut the thread, set the fabric aside and grabbed another piece in one fluid motion. Repetition. Rhythmic. Familiar. I could do this with my eyes closed.

one thousand gifts book maggie whitley

I think about the joy book I’ve been reading, the list I’ve been making, the joy I’ve felt multiplied. It seems like this new concept is the only reason I’m able to be awake right now, yet happy. Having spent three days away from Zack while on a hunting trip, having been awakened many times many nights in a row from a hungry baby and a feverish boy. I think about how writing down my joy moments is a welcomed change of perspective. Counting up to one thousand gifts, even though I’m only a few pages in, has already refreshed our home. I feel so refreshed.

Just like the fallen leaves that pile outside in the street and atop green hedges, this list is such a welcomed changed of perspective for me.

one thousand gifts book maggie whitley

It’s a blanket of grace, and it’s got me completely covered this morning as I yawn.

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14 Comments
Filed Under: books, inspiration, our home

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Comments

  1. Alice says

    November 17, 2016 at 9:21 am

    Praying your sweet Maxwell feels better. This post is filled with love, joy, and gratitude. One Thousand Gifts is my favorite book(and I’m a reader:). It not only is a beautifully written book, but it changed how I lived, always looking for the gift. Hard to explain, but even in the darkest days when my dear mom had dementia, and then when we watched her pass, gifts were everywhere. You’re blog post is my first gift this morning, thank you! :)

    Reply
    • Maggie Whitley says

      November 17, 2016 at 1:50 pm

      Hi Alice, thank you so so much for your comment :) sure means a lot!

      Reply
  2. Maria says

    November 17, 2016 at 10:33 am

    I’m reading One Thousand Gifts right now. It’s so good! Just what I need right now. My heart is heavy with grief & loss, but even in this season, I have gifts/blessings all around me. I SO need the reminder!

    Reply
    • Maggie Whitley says

      November 17, 2016 at 1:49 pm

      I’m sorry to hear you’re in the thick of grief & loss. Keep reading the book… ♥

      Reply
  3. Tiffany says

    November 17, 2016 at 12:24 pm

    If there was a like button – I would like it and then add a heart emoji ;)

    This is the kind of blogging I like and miss – thank you Maggie!!! I am hoping that blogging gets a kick start and renewed interest!! As I feel may bloggers have waned a bit — and I get it – things change – but this post – this is what I love to read!!

    have a great day!!
    xo

    Reply
    • Maggie Whitley says

      November 17, 2016 at 1:48 pm

      Hi Tiffany! Wow, what a kind compliment, thank you! This was a fun one to write, I actually did it while sitting with Natalie this morning, before anyone else woke up.

      As for this post, you can always share it to your Facebook profile by using the social media app at the bottom of my post :) If you felt like sharing, I would be so appreciative :)

      Reply
      • Tiffany says

        November 17, 2016 at 2:09 pm

        :) I shared it on twitter as I don’t have a facebook account ;)

        xo

        Reply
    • Jordan says

      November 18, 2016 at 10:37 am

      YESS!!! What she said! <3 <3

      Reply
      • Maggie Whitley says

        November 18, 2016 at 1:53 pm

        Thanks, girl! XX

        Reply
  4. Cindy says

    November 17, 2016 at 10:13 pm

    Dearest daughter in love, This is soooooooo heartwarming, I love how you shine when you write, it is truly wonderful. My heart hurts to think Maxwell is not feeling well, but I feel assured knowing that he has the best mommy and daddy ever. Thank you also for sharing the pictures, I forgot that I had taken that family picture, and I love it!!! See you all soooon

    Reply
    • Maggie Whitley says

      November 18, 2016 at 1:54 pm

      What a fun surprise to see a comment from you :) I really, really enjoy writing here, and I’m grateful to have the time. See you in a few hours!

      Reply
  5. Rachel says

    November 19, 2016 at 6:56 am

    This is one of your most beautiful pieces of writing. I walked with you, and it made me feel so good. I think this “Joy” project is just what I need during the Advent season. Thank you for your light.

    Reply
  6. Brittany Vaske says

    November 19, 2016 at 11:52 am

    Beautifully written, love the word pictures so eloquently descibed. :)

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Which books should I read next? says:
    December 14, 2016 at 3:00 pm

    […] week I finished reading One Thousand Gifts, and it was my second time reading it. And my goodness, the focus of Ann’s book has nestled […]

    Reply

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ABOUT MAGGIE WHITLEY DESIGNS:
Maggie Whitley weaves her writings around joy in motherhood, homemaking, faith, and simple living. She homeschools her children, enjoys a quiet room while reading, and roars with laughter over the challenges & delights of motherhood. Maggie and her husband, along with their four young children, live in metro-Detroit. She has been writing online since 2008.
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maggiewhitley

JOY in motherhood & homemaking 🧺🌿💓✨

maggiewhitley
Reflecting on this today 💓🕊 When I reflect o Reflecting on this today 💓🕊 When I reflect on the moments I’ve felt my mind spinning, my emotions swirly, it’s almost always when I’m not feasting on the word of God. Not that reading scripture is the cure for anxiety —no! Rather, it’s hard to worry when we’re worshipping.
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#womenintheword #wearethehomemakers #scripture #dailyintheword #titus2woman #healthylifestyle #mentalhealth #anxiety #anxietyawareness
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A quiet night: the furnace is running, the tea is A quiet night: the furnace is running, the tea is hot, and the whisper of a page turning. ♨️☕️📖 // We are breaking from school this week, my plan is to read a lot, walk a lot, and rest a lot. How about you?

#mothersofinstagram #tea #winterreading #hygge
I fought every internal comment I could think of a I fought every internal comment I could think of and took my kiddos for a looooong walk today before dinner. ❄️✨ There’s just so much work required to raise children! I’m feeling like a tired lady. But sunshine & fresh air are good companions to keep around. 

We came home and I made “the best dinner ever”. Max specifically announced, “it’s so great you’re launching new meals to the world”. LOL— kids! 🤣👏🏻💓
How about a little Wednesday night introduction? 😘Social media sure has changed over the years and we don’t always SEE who we’re following or remember WHY we’re following certain accounts. 

So, hello! As you can gather, my name is Maggie ;) 

I started writing online (almost 13 years ago) to share the handmade products I was sewing. My shop was called Gussy Sews. ✂️👛I love the community that has grown from sewing & sharing online.

Let’s FFW to today: Zack and I live in Michigan and have four young children (2 boys & 2 girls). I slowly left the handmade industry and walked right into homemaking, homeschooling, and encouraging women through writing. 💕📝

Motherhood has been very hard on me. (And not just because of how close in age our four children are.) It’s been hard for me because I fought for years to accept that *it’s supposed to be hard*. 

I mean, how do you effectively teach another person to know and love the Lord? Bc that’s how I think of motherhood: a calling to nurture others by studying the One who nurtures me. So I gotta make the first move: study the Bible and seek Him first. As my friend Autumn reminded me, vulnerability births transformation. 

(I’ve had to be really vulnerable!)

So, yes motherhood has fully transformed me. But even more so, Christ has fully transformed me. My list of “all that He’s done for me” is off to a beautifully long start.

Something else I want you to know about me: I stalled for years before acknowledging I have anxiety and depression. It’s hard to talk about this because of course this isn’t forever “my hardship”, but rather because acknowledging this means to heal I have to work through some really difficult things. ✨

But my friend Jesus walks alongside me. He’s already done a mighty work in my heart, including helping me process my anger in healthier ways. I’ve also adopted a heart for sisterhood, mothering, and Titus 2 mentorship.

Sometimes our greatest losses are our greatest gains? That’s what I’m clinging to!

How about you? Tell me something about yourself so I can get to know you on a deeper heart level. 🖤🖤
How do you play in the winter? // We had a really How do you play in the winter? // We had a really great time visiting family in northern Michigan. On my blog I share a few ways we played outside, plus I describe a memorable childhood game ❄️☃️. Did you play it as a kiddo?
We had gotten a bit lazy with our rhythms: screens We had gotten a bit lazy with our rhythms: screens in the morning (HGTV), playtime before lessons, and not enough quiet time after lunch. This made for a really, ummm, unenjoyable learning experience. 

But today! Today we reset the rhythm, and we have had a much happier home & time learning together. 👏🏻
Visit my stories for a quick message from ME — t Visit my stories for a quick message from ME — think outside the box in terms of how you view the definition of “motherhood” 💓😘 (also: look at my little friend, she’s sooooo snuggly)
It’s another cold, winter day. ❄️Today I hop It’s another cold, winter day. ❄️Today I hope to bundle up for another family nature walk, knowing the fresh air sweeps out any & all frustration, inviting inspiration inside. ✨That’s something we all need more of.
seriously LOL: I’ve found the secret to calming seriously LOL: I’ve found the secret to calming the Laundry Beast (as a family of 6). Who wants the inside scoop? ✔️🧺👏🏻
Another batch of “fun mail” is headed out tomo Another batch of “fun mail” is headed out tomorrow :) small celebrations like this are very life giving! PS. thinking of starting a zoom book club — I need more sisterhood in my life. 👏🏻📖
The house is quiet. The heat is on. The pages are The house is quiet. The heat is on. The pages are turning. The tea is calm. 🖤☕️🧺📖
Breakfast with Buzz! If only you could see his ful Breakfast with Buzz! If only you could see his full costume and laser blaster and of course the Buzz action figure he flys around 🌟💚💙💨someone has discovered a superhero crush! #joyinmotherhood #slowmornings #surprisedbymotherhood // Landon @ 2.5yo
Today on my blog I have a list of books I hope to Today on my blog I have a list of books I hope to read this year. Plus my reading goal for the year. And a few practicals ways I fit in reading as a mama of four young children & homeschooling them. Basically, all the good stuff ☺️💓📖 #maggiewhitleydotcom #readersofinstagram #read #readmorebooks
It was the perfect opportunity to rearrange the fu It was the perfect opportunity to rearrange the furniture as we took the tree down Tuesday midday. Def one of my fav things to do.🎄👋🏻 We made it through our first week back to school since mid-December! It was rough to begin but ended with high fives. ⭐️✏️This morning I zoomed with a mama friend and I’m impressed with the many topics we covered. Sisterhood is sooooo necessary! ☕️👩🏽‍🤝‍👩🏼

Just a few cheery memories from my week! How about you?
Book reading! One of my best “Maggie” activiti Book reading! One of my best “Maggie” activities. I finished my last book moments before 2020 ended, which brought my started list to a close. Small joys add up to big joys ;)

What are you reading this year? Currently?

How many books are you planning to read? What’s your goal?

I’ll share what’s on my list for 2021 soon as I received some nice titles at Christmas. 📖✨🤍
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