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Maggie Whitley

joy in motherhood, homemaking, faith & simple living

You are here: Home / inspiration / {a 2-year anniversary of a light turned firework}

{a 2-year anniversary of a light turned firework}

January 31, 2011 · 39 Comments
Filed Under: inspiration


Katy Perry – Firework
Do you ever feel like a plastic bag, Drifting through the wind, wanting to start again? Do you ever feel, feel so paper-thin, Like a house of cards, one blow from caving in? Do you ever feel already buried deep? Six feet under screams, but no one seems to hear a thing, Do you know that there’s still a chance for you? ‘Cause there’s a spark in you, You just gotta ignite the light, and let it shine, Just own the night like the Fourth of July, ‘Cause baby, you’re a firework, Come on, show ’em what you’re worth, Make ’em go “oh, oh, oh!”, As you shoot across the sky-y-y, Baby, you’re a firework, Come on, let your colors burst, Make ’em go “oh, oh, oh!”, You’re gonna leave ’em all in oh oh oh, You don’t have to feel like a waste of space, You’re original, cannot be replaced, If you only knew what the future holds, After a hurricane, comes a rainbow, Maybe the reason why all the doors are closed, So you could open one that leads you to the perfect road, Like a lightning bolt, your heart will glow, And when it’s time you know, You just gotta ignite the light, and let it shine, Just own the night like the Fourth of July, ‘Cause baby, you’re a firework, Come on, show ’em what you’re worth, Make ’em go “oh, oh, oh!”, As you shoot across the sky-y-y, Baby, you’re a firework, Come on, let your colors burst, Make ’em go “oh, oh, oh!”, You’re gonna leave ’em all in oh oh oh, Boom, boom, boom, Even brighter than the moon, moon, moon, It’s always been inside of you, you, you, And now it’s time you let it through-ooh-ooh, ‘Cause baby, you’re a firework, Come on, show ’em what you’re worth, Make ’em go “oh, oh, oh!”, As you shoot across the sky-y-y, Baby, you’re a firework, Come on, let your color burst, Make ’em go “oh, oh, oh!”, You’re gonna leave ’em all in oh oh oh, Boom, boom, boom, Even brighter than the moon, moon, moon, Boom, boom, boom, Even brighter than the moon, moon, moon

*

As morning comes over me today I find myself more thankful than the day that was previously gifted to me, and each day previous to yesterday and also the day before that. I’m more thankful than I can translate from my soul to yours with words. If I could take your hand, which has shown me so much kindness, and place it near my heart you would feel it beat with an extra bit of yeow!

Two years ago today my husband lost his job; we were oblivious to this prelude of a light turned firework. We were living in Michigan and had been married for 7 months. Little did we know when we married on the 7th day of June how much meaning the number seven would have to our family. Just a few weeks later I lost my job as well, and for the next 7 months we fought the disease unemployment brought over us. It came upon us so quickly {yet God knew all along, which I clung to like air} and I credit our tightly-woven friendship to what brought us through to the other side {aside from our faith}.

That’s right, we made it through :] Our God is a mighty God and He lifted us up, high above the quivering waters of doubt, fear and uncertainty to show us that what is unexpected to us is never unexpected to Him.

Our 7 months of unemployment came to an end when we moved from Michigan to Minnesota in September 2009. I accepted a job at an ad agency, then 2 weeks later Zack accepted a job offer RIGHT ACROSS THE STREET at a partnering company. Both jobs were total blessings; moving 600 miles from home was inexplicably hard, but feeling God’s hands on us the entire time kept us moving forward.

Time passed, and once the dust from moving far away settled, a new feeling of unbalance came over me. Can you guess how many months passed before I made a big change? — yes, 7. In May 2010 I left my day job to sew full time on Gussy.

A light, named sewing, was lit inside me on that November 2008 day ~ a light fueled by fear, dreams and love is now a burst of fireworks.

I couldn’t have dreamt this dream of a life that I’ve been given — it’s a beautiful story.

This weekend I celebrated by coming back to Blissdom, a blogging conference that kick-started my handmade career. Anyone that embraced me this year at Blissdom with memories from Blissdom 2010 saw me drop tears of appreciation. {I’ll be back later today with my post from Blissdom ♥}

What an incredible 2 years it’s been ~ thank you for holding a sparkler with me.

[photo credits]

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39 Comments
Filed Under: inspiration

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{a quick interview with Allora Handmade + giveaway!} »

Comments

  1. wishful nals says

    January 31, 2011 at 6:32 am

    this is just so sweet. you deserve all of the happiness and success in the world. xxxo

    Reply
  2. Lindsey@ClassicIvory says

    January 31, 2011 at 6:58 am

    you are the sweetest…and I love to hear your story! have a wonderful week, pretty!

    Reply
  3. Ashley Pichea says

    January 31, 2011 at 6:59 am

    7 is the number of completion in the Bible… what a great number to have such a special place in your life. Congratulations!!

    Reply
  4. Megan Lane says

    January 31, 2011 at 7:18 am

    :) it’s hard to believe it’s been 2 years since we lost our jobs but at the same time, it kind of feels like ages ago. you have come so far maggie, you have so much to be proud of! what a beautiful testimony to the fact that God always knows what He’s doing, and that he is always faithful in His promises :)

    “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

    Reply
  5. Ashleigh Baker (Heart and Home) says

    January 31, 2011 at 7:19 am

    Tears of happy. What a journey it has been, sweet friend.

    You inspire me.

    Reply
  6. Abbie Torroll says

    January 31, 2011 at 7:29 am

    you have such a beautiful story; thanks for sharing:)

    Reply
  7. jenn says

    January 31, 2011 at 7:49 am

    Loved this post. :) Looking forward to your Blissdom post later, too. Happy Monday!

    Reply
  8. vann says

    January 31, 2011 at 8:00 am

    what a great journey! i cant wait to hear all about blissdom.

    Reply
  9. Meg says

    January 31, 2011 at 8:00 am

    This post gave my chills…literally! Your story is so amazing and YES, our GOD is mighty! We sometimes forget that HE has had plans for us our whole lives that maybe we weren’t made aware of at the time…HE is pretty amazing isn’t HE!

    xoxo~Meg

    Reply
  10. Laura @ Just For Love says

    January 31, 2011 at 8:12 am

    Yaaay!!! Our God IS amazing, isn’t he? Rejoicing with you today, friend : )

    Lots of love!!
    Laura

    Reply
  11. Amanda says

    January 31, 2011 at 8:12 am

    Gussy-girl, you are awesome. :) And I do know it’s God’s hand with you at all times that makes these things happen, but it’s also your ability to have the faith and LISTEN to what He’s telling you or asking of you. That’s a hard one. It was very exciting for me to read this post, about the significance of the number “7” in your life. That has always been my favorite number. I think it comes from my upbringing and the Bible. We worship on the 7th day just like in the days of the 10 commandments and it has always been a sanctified time for me and my family. A rest. A break. A reminder of God’s rest after his work was completed. Thanks for your inspiration for the last year since we started chatting in 2009, because you have been the force making me see what it is I want to do. Thank YOU, little lady!!

    Reply
    • Amanda says

      January 31, 2011 at 3:03 pm

      P.S. “She Sews” How clever of you. ;)

      Reply
  12. Ari says

    January 31, 2011 at 8:30 am

    I love this post. Thank you for inspiring me today :)

    Reply
  13. meg says

    January 31, 2011 at 8:54 am

    So proud of you sweet girl! Keep dreaming!

    Reply
  14. Laura says

    January 31, 2011 at 8:55 am

    love you! and your fireworks. :) i’m working on my own right now too girl.

    Reply
  15. Courtney says

    January 31, 2011 at 10:23 am

    This post put a big old smile on my face! I had some kind of scary things happen to me a few years ago, and it felt like God was totally uprooting my life. Now though, I thank God for that time, cause it brought me to my husband! Plus, it totally made telling my story about telling God’s story, which is way cooler than anything I could have come up with :)

    Reply
  16. Shelby says

    January 31, 2011 at 10:36 am

    Such a beautiful journey, and you’re so sweet I love hearing you tell it.
    Its so encouraging to see the success of others and know that God’s plans are so much bigger than we can even begin to imagine.
    <3

    Reply
  17. Midwest Elle says

    January 31, 2011 at 12:20 pm

    Gussy Gussy Gussy, You! YOU are so inspiring! So amazing! So honest and I love that! Congratulations on your business. On your wonderful success and I wish you all the best.

    Fireworks baby! FIREWORKS!!

    Reply
  18. Krystina says

    January 31, 2011 at 1:04 pm

    oh, what a wonderful journey thus far my friend! so devastating and scary at first then what amazing things have come because you kept close and kept faith. you are a beautiful shining example to women everywhere! ((hugs)))

    Reply
  19. Cassie says

    January 31, 2011 at 1:57 pm

    I’m so happy for you guys! It’s amazing how you not only survived all of that, you’re now living out your dream!

    Reply
  20. Katie @ Making This Home says

    January 31, 2011 at 2:36 pm

    soo, soo beautiful!

    Oh wait – I think you’d say:
    sew, sew beautiful!

    Reply
  21. april kennedy says

    January 31, 2011 at 3:39 pm

    I love when God works in mysterious ways and we recognize it and have faith in it. It makes the journey so much more enjoyable. I am so looking forward to getting to know you even better. You are an absolute doll…inside and out!

    ♥ april kennedy

    Reply
  22. Andrea says

    January 31, 2011 at 3:46 pm

    This November it’ll be 3 years since I was laid off as well. And it’s amazing to see how God takes tradgedy or the unexpected and makes something great if you will let him.

    Blessings to you on this day!
    xoxo-
    Andrea

    Reply
  23. Kimmie says

    January 31, 2011 at 3:51 pm

    I love this. You are SUCH an inspiration for me, and for so many others. Keep dreaming big, gorgeous!!

    Reply
  24. this blessed nest says

    January 31, 2011 at 3:53 pm

    do you know how much i love that song?

    when they played it at blissdom ~ i could barely keep myself seated. the lyrics are simply fantastic. they just stir my heart.

    then…my dear gussy, to see & read that you love it for all the same reasons makes me love you even more.

    >>>YOU<<< are a true testimony to this song. how awesome. so thrilled & happy for all that you've accomplished. what a beautiful anniversary it has now turned out to be!

    xoxo
    kellie

    Reply
  25. Lauren Stennett says

    January 31, 2011 at 3:53 pm

    Don’t ya just love how God always works everything out for good! Thanks for sharing your inspiring story :)

    Reply
  26. Rosi says

    January 31, 2011 at 4:13 pm

    Aww…what a sweet story! Congrats Gus, so happy for you and your ruffles! May you make many, so many more!

    Reply
  27. Missy says

    January 31, 2011 at 4:15 pm

    aww…you sure know how to make a girl sniffle! :*) I’m so happy that you’re getting to do what you love…what a blessing! Very inspirational story my friend!
    7…..God’s perfect number. :)
    Missy

    Reply
  28. ColleenwithMurals&More says

    January 31, 2011 at 6:48 pm

    Hi Gussy! This is my 1st visit here. I saw all the Blissdom fun from Miss Mustard Seed and stopped by to check it out. (I don’t sew anymore, but used to sew alot. Now, I just paint) I read your story and it couldn’t have come at a better time for me. It’s like a beacon for me.
    We lost our home in Sept 2010. Hubs lost his job too. I am limited in what I can do, so I’ve turned to blogging and painting canvases, instead of wall murals, due to back injury. Then I read your story and thought, “Yes! I can do this! This is what I was meant to do!” Well, maybe not quite that dramatic, but your story did inspire me.
    Maybe next year I’ll actually make it to Blissdom and get to meet all of you IRL. For now, I’m happy to be an email subscriber to GussySews! Thank you for telling your story!

    Reply
  29. Nancy Wyatt says

    January 31, 2011 at 6:54 pm

    So sweet, not the babeh news I first hoped for but a sweet inspiring story :) hugs from Conroe, Texas

    Reply
  30. Tammy says

    January 31, 2011 at 8:12 pm

    What…a..beautiful post. You are driving me, everyday, when I bounce upon your blog. I have had a dream in my head and a nudge in my heart for about two yrs that I have somehow ignored. But I hear it, a small flicker of heat, and a low rumble. You are driving me, now I am making a plan. Might pop back in one day and tell you my story. Pray for me!

    Reply
  31. hiyaluv says

    January 31, 2011 at 8:41 pm

    yay congrats to my inspiration!! :)

    Reply
  32. Jessica Smith says

    January 31, 2011 at 9:05 pm

    Hooray! What an inspiring post! God.is.good. :)

    Reply
  33. ali says

    January 31, 2011 at 10:21 pm

    CONGRATS! What an inspiration you are! Thanks so much for sharing! I love Gussy Sews!

    Reply
  34. Liv Lane @ Choosing Beauty says

    January 31, 2011 at 10:55 pm

    Love that you can see the gifts in your struggle. And good on you for listening to the whispers, noticing the nudges, having the courage to take a giant leap of faith. Look where it brought you: to a place where your light shines brighter than ever. Hugs!

    Reply
  35. Mama Gus says

    February 1, 2011 at 2:09 pm

    Love you and miss you Miss Firework! What an awesome post………

    Reply
  36. Ali says

    March 18, 2014 at 1:52 pm

    Thank you again for helping the anialms. I posted this 4th of July blog link to a few friends who in turn sent it further. This is very well-written to assist in helping people give a good picture to their pets of what to expect tonight. Wonderful, pro-active advice once again from you Laura!We can feel the rumble of the routine Sea World summertime fireworks down here just north of them here in San Diego and our dogs are rather desensitized to those. Still, I plan a conversation throughout dinner time to help prepare everyone for all the extra vibration we will be feeling here at the beach tonight. Thank you again for such sound advice.

    Reply
  37. Milene says

    March 18, 2014 at 10:57 pm

    Life is so lonely .I am a rich and silnge man at present .I need a woman who can love me back .I also uploaded my hot photos on – -Millionαiretαg,c o M under the name of jeff1098..It’s the largest and best club for seeking CEOs, pro athletes, doctors, lawyers, investors, entrepreneurs, beauty queens, fitness models, and Hollywood celebrities.Please Check it out!I’m seriousdstyfd

    Reply

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  1. Tweets that mention {a 2-year anniversary of a light turned firework} -- Topsy.com says:
    January 31, 2011 at 6:41 pm

    […] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Maggie Whitley, Maggie Whitley. Maggie Whitley said: "Maybe the reason why all the doors r closed, So u could open one that leads u to the perfect road," -Katy Perry http://tinyurl.com/49rng6r […]

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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 northern Michigan. She has been writing online since 2008.
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