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Maggie Whitley

joy in motherhood, homemaking, faith & simple living

You are here: Home / inspiration / Faith / {an upcoming trip to… TANZANIA! + an amazing book}

{an upcoming trip to… TANZANIA! + an amazing book}

March 5, 2012 · 67 Comments
Filed Under: Faith, for fun, Tanzania + Compassion

Helloooooo, Monday!

So — CRAZY news Zack + I are traveling with Compassion in May to Tanzania! {Click here to read more about what Compassion Bloggers do.} I figured I’d share that part first, then go into details about how all of this came about ;]

I’ve had an insanely awesome, but also insanely interesting, week. {And I feel totally weird writing that, but I trust you aren’t going to take that the wrong way ;) } Last week I came home from Nashville after being at Blissdom for a handful of days, then Angie + Todd’s for a couple more. And a couple of really crazy things happened all at the same time. Which basically means I have a story to tell —

Blissdom was fantastic last week and was filled with friends {that live all over the country}, but just like I shared with Angie ~ it’s super hard to go home and not have them come with me. And just like the rest of ’em, Angie confidently told me it’s time Zack and I find a church, one that would help me to have the deeper friendships I’ve been craving. I took some time to process this once I got home and finally one evening I pulled all my thoughts together and wrote this post. I asked Zack to read it and if there was anything wrong with it and I SHOULDN’T publish it, I asked Zack to simply tell me “not now, Maggie”. I was feeling really raw and didn’t think I could handle the details of his opinion.

But Zack said, “it’s perfect”, so I bravely did.

The Lord has used that post to bless so many of us in such a unique way and I’m excited to share more about that with you.

In the meantime, Zack + I had been processing something else that involved being brave: a trip to Tanzania with Compassion. While at Blissdom last week I met Shaun Groves + Keely Scott. We chit chatted about the handmade market and pups {Willis + Bauer = puplove forever!} and then they were off to say hello to others…

Shortly after, I received an email from Shaun ~ would I be interested in traveling with Compassion to Tanzania? Then he mentioned a local tribe known for their handmade fabrics ~ maybe we could bring some fabric back and turn those raw materials into something to sell to support Compassion?! Ohhhhh, he had me at handmade fabrics ;]

ummmm, can we just travel by boat?!

Pretty early into my blogging career I heard about Compassion International and the trips they’d take each year, and the longer I blogged the more I became to recognize and/or personally know the bloggers traveling. Since then I felt the most challenging thing I could do would be to go on one of these trips. In fact, I was pretty terrified that the Lord would call me to do this and I wasn’t sure if I could say yes.

ALSO during this time Zack + I had been praying for an opportunity to go on a vacation together. We’ve “traveled” a lot throughout our marriage but it’s mostly been back + forth to our parent’s houses. Moving 600 miles away does that to you, I suppose. I’d been quietly praying that God would use Gussy Sews to bless our family, but in a much bigger ways than He already has.

Once I read Shaun’s email I thought, “The only way I can go to Tanzania is if Zack comes with…”

I’m going to be traveling a lot this spring, via airplane, which is a miracle in itself. February. March. April…and now maybe May, too?

At this point I’m thinking, “Ohhhhhh God you are so funny. Making me face my fear four months in a row… that’s NOT what I call love.” And then I giggled, hoping God knew I was joking ~ and just so you know Lord I know you love me and may it be of interest to you to show me that by NOT making this trip happen?

Except that’s not at all what God did. In fact, He heard me ask Shaun on the phone if there was any way for the hubbster to come with and Shaun said, “Yep, we need someone to man the video camera.”

So there ya go.

Zack + I are going to Tanzania in May.

PS. Did you see who else is traveling with Compassion to Tanzania in May? The Nester, one of my blogging mentors, is a lovely friend of mine. And I’m super excited to see how our friendship is transformed once we journey together on this trip.

And if any of you lovely people find my mind please return it to Minneapolis… I seem to have lost it ;)

Take a minute to review the past week: what has changed and how do you feel?

* * *

Have you seen this book, From Blah To Awe by Jenna Lucado Bishop? It was published just last month and is beautifully written for teenage girls, although there’s nothing stopping you from reading it, too ;] While reading through the book I noticed every few pages Jenna provides space to for the reader to journal. She mixes personal + Biblical stories, plus adds supporting scripture to encourage young girls in their faith, how they can “shake up a boring faith”. Jenna also tours with Revolve ~ click here for tour dates. I remember traveling as a young Gus to events like this and I LOVED them! What a fantastic way for your daughter and her friends to connect in an inspiring, raw way.


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67 Comments
Filed Under: Faith, for fun, Tanzania + Compassion

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Comments

  1. The Nester says

    March 5, 2012 at 9:45 am

    I am beyond thrilled that you and Zack are going~I love your point of view, I love your observations and I lover your heart~and I am so glad I get to do this with you two. And the fabric idea? Brilliant.

    However, I sure wish you wouldn’t have done that map with the big arrow and big ocean. Did you distort that?

    Reply
    • The Nester says

      March 5, 2012 at 9:45 am

      um, meant to say “i love your heart” but lover actually is really funny when you read it

      Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      March 5, 2012 at 10:08 am

      …i lover your heart too, Nestie :)

      Reply
  2. Lauren {Adventures in Flip Flops} says

    March 5, 2012 at 9:49 am

    I know what you mean about being brave about these kinds of things. I felt exactly the way you feel when I made my decision to accept a job offer abroad. Super scary, but I know it will be worth it, and that it happened for a reason! Eeek!

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      March 5, 2012 at 10:50 am

      WHAT? where? when? that is amazing!!!! :)

      Reply
      • Lauren {Adventures in Flip Flops} says

        March 5, 2012 at 10:54 am

        China (assuming the visa process works out. It’s a bit daunting!) in August. I’m very excited! I actually wrote about how hard the decision was here: http://iwilltouchthesky.blogspot.com/2012/01/tough-decision.html and here: http://iwilltouchthesky.blogspot.com/2012/02/decision.html.

        Reply
  3. Kimberly says

    March 5, 2012 at 9:49 am

    What an amazing opportunity you have been blessed with! All the best!

    Reply
  4. beth @ dot in the city says

    March 5, 2012 at 9:49 am

    That’s so exciting, Maggie! I’m thrilled for you and Zack! I can’t wait to follow along on your adventure. I’ve been supporting a girl in Tanzania through Compassion since 2005.

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      March 5, 2012 at 10:51 am

      you have? oh my goodness — how amazing is that?? maybe i will meet her???

      Reply
  5. Jacky {The Sweetest Petunia} says

    March 5, 2012 at 9:51 am

    Oh my goodness, how cool!! I know God is going to use you in big ways in Tanzania, Maggie. :) Hugs to you, dear!

    Reply
  6. Johanna @ These Prices says

    March 5, 2012 at 9:51 am

    Such an exciting chain of events. Proof that God is not only always in the details, but that He loves the details!

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      March 5, 2012 at 10:52 am

      i like to imagine God uses a Moleskine to keep track of all the amazing things He does ~ ya know, just for fun

      Reply
  7. Natalie @ NS Pottery says

    March 5, 2012 at 9:56 am

    I am SO excited for you!!! You are on such an adventure and will have many amazing stories to tell!

    Reply
  8. Alanna says

    March 5, 2012 at 9:59 am

    Oh, this is so exciting! God is such an amazing god. :) God will use you and teach you and grow you. You won’t be the same and it’ll be awesome! I love Compassion… have had my kid in Ethiopia for 2+ years now. Such a wonderful organization!

    Reply
  9. Gina_AcuteDesigns says

    March 5, 2012 at 10:02 am

    OMG! How exciting. I cannot wait to hear/read all about it!

    Reply
  10. Evie from St. Paul says

    March 5, 2012 at 10:09 am

    Yay!! So happy for you – more stretching :) There is nothing like seeing those God loves in another culture! We will be praying for you and if you could just sneak in one yard of fabric for me I would be thrilled!

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      March 5, 2012 at 10:53 am

      I am hoping to bring back some amazing treasures!!!!!!! eeek, i can’t wait :D

      Reply
  11. Kasey M. says

    March 5, 2012 at 10:15 am

    I have been reading tweets mentioning Tanzania all weekend and was wondering when I was going to get the bigger picture. This is an amazing undertaking Maggie! I am so excited for your [and proud of you, is that weird to say? Oh well you’re facing your fear and doing something fantastic so I’m proud of you.]

    Reply
  12. Isasssara says

    March 5, 2012 at 10:36 am

    I don’t think you need to worry about God knowing you were joking, it sounds like he has a sense of humor too! It is always interesting the difference between our thoughts on how a prayer will be answered and how God actually does it. I was determined to change what family meant to me, I wanted to change my name, be MY own person…I went to get the papers from a friend hat worked at the state…guess what? That is the DAY I met Rob. Yep, God said ” okay girly, you want a name change, you want to design a family…here you go! All you have to do is trust me.”
    I think he thinks when we are joking, too many times we are worried, or scared or in need…He loves us regardless. I know I get joy when my kiddos say funny things. :0)
    Can’t wait to he more.

    Reply
  13. natalie says

    March 5, 2012 at 10:40 am

    this was awesome to read and it seems that not only are you so stinkin’ adorable and amazingly crafty but your heart is starting to take the cake for me. This was encouraging to read and love when I see God working through others to bring lory to Him. man this is going to be a good week!

    Reply
  14. Lauren says

    March 5, 2012 at 10:41 am

    we sponsor a little boy through compassion in Tanzania!! I wonder if you will be near him!! Oh I wish I could go too and love on him!!! You are going to have an amazing time – it will be life changing!! I hate flying too – it’s my greatest fear… in the last calendar year I boarded a plane 14 times (!!!!) after not flying for several years! That’s what God does! We flew to Ethiopia twice, Illinois, Georgia (all by myself) and now we’ll be flying to Ghana… twice… sometime in the next year! Are we crazy? Yes. Are we following God? Yup. Wouldn’t have it any other way! ;)

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      March 5, 2012 at 10:54 am

      you’ll have to email me his name so i can meet him and send you a photo!!!! :)

      Reply
      • Lauren says

        March 5, 2012 at 10:59 am

        Yes! I’ll email you his info. If I mailed you a tiny package would you be willing to take it to him? I mean just tiny… like pictures and maybe a shirt or something. ;)

        Reply
        • Gussy Sews says

          March 5, 2012 at 11:00 am

          I would be HONORED to share that with him :) yes yes

          Gussy Sews
          PO Box 300544
          Minneapolis, MN 55403

          Reply
  15. Mariah says

    March 5, 2012 at 10:56 am

    WHOA. So exciting!!! This is absolutely wild! You know, if you pick up any extra fabric while you’re over there… :)

    Reply
  16. Lauren says

    March 5, 2012 at 11:02 am

    THANK YOU!!!! YAY! Oh I am SO excited!! :D

    Reply
  17. Southern Gal says

    March 5, 2012 at 11:17 am

    Amazing news, Maggie! And the fabric part gave me goosebumps. Seriously, how awesome is our God?

    I hope you find a church home soon.

    My daughter went to Botswana when she was a senior in high school. Changed her life forever. She was able to hand out Operation Christmas Child shoe boxes while there too, which was a huge surprise and blessing since she’s packed those things since she was 10 and worked in the warehouse in NC. She and her husband sponsor two Compassion children.

    Africa is a long way, but it’s going to be so worth it.

    Reply
  18. Cindy says

    March 5, 2012 at 11:20 am

    Isn’t this going to be a trip of a lifetime! I’ll pray for you guys!!
    About the book~ sounds like it might be just what my 15 year old (16 in April) stepdaughter needs and might just love. I’m going to buy it for her for her Sweet 16. Thanks!!!

    Reply
  19. Kelli says

    March 5, 2012 at 11:25 am

    I can’t wait to travel with you and Nester. I’m kind of hoping that your crafty awesomeness rubs off on me a little, although given the fact that I can’t sew a button on a shirt (not an exaggeration) (I shouldn’t admit that publicly), there’s a good chance I’m a lost cause. HOWEVER, I look forward to gleaning a lot more from your lovely ladies as I just love your hearts ( or lover them…that IS funny ).

    I feel like I can so identify where you are right now as we are seven months out from a big move and man are we struggling. Can’t find a church. Can’t find friends. Feel isolated and alone and frustrated and…

    I’m praying for all of us as we prepare to embark on this adventure that the Lord has laid before us. Not to our glory but to His! :)

    Reply
    • Lisa McGriff says

      March 5, 2012 at 1:54 pm

      I’m 5 1/2 weeks from the biggest move of my life, Dothan, AL to Valparaiso, IN…. I’ll be praying for you and please be praying for us. I’ve never lived anywhere but Dothan, so this is 820 miles of MAJOR! But through this sweet precious blog I’ve already been lead to one sweet lady whom I hope to one day call my “friend”.

      Reply
      • Kelli says

        March 5, 2012 at 2:09 pm

        Of course, Lisa! Moving is hard. It doesn’t seem like it should be, but it really is. But I will say that despite all the struggles and heartache, God has been so faithful in both little and big ways and my husband and I are constantly in awe at how He loves us.

        Prayers for you as you prepare to move. :)

        Reply
        • Gussy Sews says

          March 5, 2012 at 2:13 pm

          this thread makes me HAPPY! Kelli, thank you so much for reaching out to Lisa! xoxo

          Reply
  20. Marilyn says

    March 5, 2012 at 11:30 am

    We, too, sponsor a child in Tanzania. I’m really excited to hear about your experiences in our sponsored child’s homeland.

    Reply
  21. Amanda says

    March 5, 2012 at 11:55 am

    Isn’t it amazing when we are willing to let God work in our lives??!!!Compassion. Can’t wait to see what you make.

    Reply
  22. mom whitley says

    March 5, 2012 at 11:58 am

    Maggie and Zack, God knows all of our hopes, dreams, shortcomings and fears and he loves us anyway!!!! It is coming up on one year since our trip across the world (14 1/2 hour flight! ) to the Philippines, it was never on my list to go somewhere like that, but when he made it crystal clear we were to go, I knew it wasn’t up for discussion.
    What an honor to be chosen by God to use your talents to glorify him. I can hardly wait to see all that he has in store for you both.
    Phil 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, present your requests to God, and the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ
    Jesus. Love you both dearly. Mom

    Reply
  23. Ashley Mays says

    March 5, 2012 at 12:05 pm

    I am SO excited for you. This trip to Tanzania will be one of those landmarks in your life, something you look back on as a life changer in such an awesome way. I went on a trip last summer to Guatemala with Compassion. As a sponsor and an employee, I can honestly say God has 100% changed my life through Compassion. I can’t wait to hear all about your trip as you process on the blog!

    Reply
  24. cambria says

    March 5, 2012 at 12:07 pm

    You know I’m one of your biggest fans! And I this makes me an even bigger one. I know you are nervous, but I know you can do this and take so much away from it! I’m proud of you!!

    Like I told you the other day, the two weeks I spent in South Africa changed my life and I know this will change yours too.

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      March 5, 2012 at 3:52 pm

      ::oh the tears::

      this is just so sweet of a comment… you are amazing and it’s helped so much to have supportive friends say, “YOU MUST GO!” ~ you made it easier to say yes :)

      Reply
  25. Anya says

    March 5, 2012 at 12:36 pm

    Oh I am so excited for your upcoming trip, that is such an amazing opportunity! I can’t wait to hear all about it. Oh, and can I make an early request? If you pick up some of that handmade fabric….I would love a wristlet made out of it… perfect for summer, right? ;) Thanks!! Haha!

    Reply
  26. Sarah W says

    March 5, 2012 at 1:04 pm

    Oh Maggie, my heart did a little leap when I read you’ll be coming to Africa in May! I’ve served as a missionary in Botswana (Southern Africa) for the past 8 years with my husband. We will be leaving Africa in next month as the Lord is calling us to some work in Asia, but my heart will forever be buried in the soil of this great continent. And let me tell you……you’re life will never be the same. This place is so special that it grabs hearts and never lets them go. My heart hurts in deep places knowing that we’re not coming back to Africa for awhile. :( I am thrilled that you and Zac get to experience that together. I look forward to following your journey!

    As for that LONG plane ride……well I will say it’s no fun but you’ll get through it. Like I tell people….eat, movies, rest, eat, movies, rest and boom 24 hrs later your there! :) ha! I think sometimes it’s those shorter ones that seem like they take forever to me now…..the long ones I just settle in and know I am not going anywhere for awhile. Again, you’ll have Zac there too. I’ll be praying for you both as you prepare for your trip…..no doubt it’s going to be amazing!!!! Big Hugs from Botswana……way on the other side of the “pond”. :) Sarah :)

    Reply
  27. Peggy says

    March 5, 2012 at 1:21 pm

    That is so incredible! Do you want to hear something amazing??? Our church has a group of men going to Haiti to build a church. You see last October at our missions conference a missionary we support from Haiti spoke. One of the needs was for a bit of property for a church building. Soon afterwards we were informed that an anonymous person in our church purchased a parcel of land plus building supplies and donated them. The only request was that we supply the work crew. My husband wanted to go but we found out it was going to be during the school year (April/May time frame) & the finances were just NOT there. Do you know what happened? A claim for damaged household goods was deposited into our account. It covers the purchase of the trip!! We had no idea it would come anywhere near the amount!!! And we have lived two years without the damaged items without missing them… Isn’t God good!!!

    Reply
  28. Annie says

    March 5, 2012 at 1:26 pm

    The Lord is going to bless you in mighty ways! I can’t wait to hear all about it!

    Reply
  29. Jennifer Hutchinson says

    March 5, 2012 at 1:47 pm

    AHHH! I am so so happy for yall!! You will have a mind blowing time, I can just feel it!!!! YAY! Take lots of pics to inspire all of us to join with Compassion also!!!

    Reply
  30. Lisa McGriff says

    March 5, 2012 at 1:53 pm

    I’m 5 1/2 weeks from the biggest move of my life, Dothan, AL to Valparaiso, IN…. I’ll be praying for you and please be praying for us. I’ve never lived anywhere but Dothan, so this is 820 miles of MAJOR! But through this sweet precious blog I’ve already been lead to one sweet lady whom I hope to one day call my “friend”.

    Reply
    • Lisa McGriff says

      March 5, 2012 at 2:16 pm

      sorry this was suppose to reply to someone else’s post…

      Reply
  31. Sarah-Anne says

    March 5, 2012 at 1:54 pm

    Oh friend I am beyond thrilled for you & Zack! God will use two as a couple in amazing ways I am sure <3

    Reply
  32. Christine Gough says

    March 5, 2012 at 2:36 pm

    I opened up your post on Google Reader and saw the word, “Tanzania” and being a reader of Shaun’s blog knew immediately what that meant. So excited for you. So excited your husband can go too. Thrilled to see how God uses this experience in your lives and your marriage. Congrats on hearing the call, albeit a scary and hard one, and saying yes. YIPPEE.

    Reply
  33. Shelly W. says

    March 5, 2012 at 3:28 pm

    So Awesome!! I just love seeing what God does in our lives when we really open ourselves up to Him. I cannot wait to see the fruit of this trip. You’re amazing. :)

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      March 5, 2012 at 3:50 pm

      …no you’re amazing ♥

      Reply
  34. Amanda {at} Royal Daughter Designs says

    March 5, 2012 at 3:48 pm

    This is beyond Wonderful! Really – what an incredible opportunity for you! My husband has been to Africa 3 times and his life was forever changed. I can’t wait to follow your story – will you be able to post and update while you’re there?

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      March 5, 2012 at 3:50 pm

      yes yes yes! we’ll be blogging every afternoon, zack will be making videos and sharing them here as well :) we’re going for an entire week — yay! can’t wait!!! :)

      Reply
  35. Ashleigh Baker says

    March 5, 2012 at 4:02 pm

    Oh my friend. I’ve been living in an online quiet and when I step gingerly back over to check up on all of my people, this is what greets me. And so I let my eyes fill because I know this is huge and I know it’s wonderful and you will be forever more beautiful because of what it does to your heart, and subsequently, in ours. I love you so.

    Reply
  36. Sonya says

    March 5, 2012 at 4:29 pm

    I got chills reading this! So excited for both of you!

    Reply
  37. Mindy Harris says

    March 5, 2012 at 5:28 pm

    this story just made my day a million times better. i love the Lord’s sense of humor, and wow, what a perfect story he is weaving.
    it just doesn’t get any more perfect! i know that the flying part scares you; we have you covered in the “praying for that” department.
    lots of love. admire your willingness to obey. ROCKSTAR GIRLIE FOR JESUS! woop woop!

    Reply
  38. Elizabeth says

    March 5, 2012 at 7:04 pm

    Maggie, what amazing news! I am SO excited to see what God has planned for you in this trip! Doesn’t it feel like it is His *perfect* timing that just when you recently posted about friendships and feelings of loneliness {which I have been meaning to email you about!} that this piece of the puzzle will play a big part in your journey?! Eeek, I am truly excited for you and will pray for your trip, your safety and for you to be both blessed and a blessing to others!! Oh and how exciting is the possible fabric opportunity?! Wow, God is good!! You are amazing and a total inspiration!!
    Lots of LOVE! Xoxo
    Elizabeth

    Reply
  39. Kirsten says

    March 5, 2012 at 11:48 pm

    absolute coolness! I sponsor a little girl in Burkina Faso through Compassion – it would be amazing to go and see her one day =) hope your trip is a blessing to you and those you minister to!

    Reply
  40. Nadir@StitchSense says

    March 6, 2012 at 7:32 am

    How exciting! I’m so happy for you & proud that you’re not only obeying the call to go but facing your fear too. That takes GUTS girl! I’m sure it’ll be the trip of a lifetime! Good thing is you have a few months to be prayed up before you go :-) Also have you looked into a Vineyard church? I’ve been going to one for the last 4 years & it has *changed my life*, I’d highly recommend trying one out.

    Reply
  41. Kate says

    March 6, 2012 at 6:38 pm

    wanting to wish you the best on your trip. we’ve actually sponsored a little girl from Tanzania. I do hope to get there some day, but in the meantime, I am looking forward to living vicariously through your experiences. XOXO

    Reply
  42. Morgan Poppe (The Scarlet Poppe) says

    March 6, 2012 at 8:55 pm

    Maggie,
    I’ve been following your blog for quite some time. As a young (or at least I think I am) christian, business woman, it totally warms my heart when you share your faith through your business. So many others are being reached by Jesus through your posts. Cannot wait to follow along as you and your hubby take this journey together. God is moving in such an awesome way!
    Best of everything!!!

    Reply
  43. HopefulLeigh says

    March 11, 2012 at 5:30 pm

    I’m so excited for you, Maggie! What an amazing opportunity.

    Reply
  44. Jane @ The Borrowed Abode says

    March 15, 2012 at 2:15 pm

    I LOVE that you’re going to explore the option of using your business to help others, in such a specialized and targeted way.
    Also, I do hope that you have a wonderful trip. It is sure to be exciting, inspiring, and also just refreshing! I always return from travels more inspired in regards to my business, even if the trip has nothing to do with work.

    Reply
  45. Tara says

    April 26, 2012 at 6:34 am

    so I totally know this is late and old knews, but oh man! That is so awesome! THAT IS MY DREAM! is to go to Africa and help the kids there, in any way I can!

    Reply
  46. Fredson says

    March 18, 2014 at 5:26 pm

    This is wonderful Ali and I will post you all over foocbeak,.. get ready to have an increase of viewers.. its high time we began seeing the OTHER side of Africa, other than poor starving skinny kids.. Gosh, who knew Africans have Gold, Ice Cream and 5 star hotels?.. Big UP man.. and oh, by the way, I’m girl and i think you are very handsome.. If you ever visit the US, hit me up.. (OK fine, the last part was a joke, but almost all of my friend think u r HAWT! but still GOOD JOB ON THE VID!

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Insert Appropriate Title Here says:
    March 5, 2012 at 9:46 am

    […] If you were here last year you might remember me talking about the trip my sister took with Compassion and other bloggers to The Philipines.  Many of my (in)courage friends have gone in the past and for this trip, there are some amazing writers that I’m so honored to get to travel with, one of which is my dear friend, Maggie Whitley from Gussy Sews. […]

    Reply
  2. {halp! …looking for your tips} says:
    March 12, 2012 at 6:01 am

    […] here’s what my schedule looks like right now: sewing, blogging, general biz management, project plan with cambria, fabric shop, scheduling more time to meet with friends, walk + play with bauer, family time {zack + alyssa [our cuz lives with us, yay!]}, cook dinner, sleep. prepare for tanzania. […]

    Reply
  3. {working hard is so great.} says:
    April 16, 2012 at 10:31 pm

    […] we’re leaving for tanzania in less than 3 weeks. i reviewed our itinerary while we’re gone and it includes like 12 […]

    Reply
  4. {preparing for Tanzania + what is my purpose in this life?} says:
    April 26, 2012 at 6:01 am

    […] and i went to the doctor’s tuesday morning to get our shots for our upcoming trip to Tanzania. that’s in Africa, which i learned of recently ;D i have been so nervous about the […]

    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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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
Current backyard status: stunning in wonder ❄️ Current backyard status: stunning in wonder ❄️✨
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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