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Maggie Whitley

joy in motherhood, homemaking, faith & simple living

You are here: Home / inspiration / for fun / {morning coffee: Sharing from the heart.}

{morning coffee: Sharing from the heart.}

June 22, 2012 · 25 Comments
Filed Under: for fun, the pup, Zack

Good morning beautiful girl! In the most optimistic way, I am SO GLAD today is Friday! It means the end of a great work week + the start of a fun weekend. I’m going to soak up lots of Zack time tomorrow :) We’ve both been working so so so much, I can’t wait to sleep in just a tiny bit before spending the entire day together. It’s supposed to rain, so maybe it’ll be a snuggle on the couch movie marathon kind of day? We’ll wind down by enjoying a long dinner together — what should I make???, and then call it a day. Sunday is a BIG DAY for me! My friends Mary + Matt asked me to be their daughter June’s godmother so we’ll be celebrating her Baptism in the morning.

* * *

So if we were sitting down for morning coffee, you know I’d ask you to share your heart. And I’d share my heart, too — cuz that’s only fair ;) I’d tell you about #SheReadsTruth + tell you reading the Word every day is seriously blessing me so so much. I’d share that I’ve slowed down a bit more, which really means I feel like I’m able to ultimately do more because I’m doing less. Makes sense, right? I’d share that this week’s shop update has been really fun! I was really bold with the amount of Tote Bags + Market Totes I listed in the shop, but you are snatching them right up [thank you!] and/or are sharing them on Pinterest + Twitter [again, thank you!].

I think my most favorite scripture from #SheReadsTruth was from yesterday’s devotional. We are studying Cindy Beall’s plan, Living the Surrendering Life — there’s still time to join us! — and my favorite part was reading this excerpt from Matthew 6:27-29,

“Instead of looking at the fashions, walk out into the fields and look at the wildflowers. They never primp or shop, but have you ever seen color + design quite like it?” {The Message}

OH that was so beautiful to read. I shared in my journal that I’ll forever look at wildflowers differently :) It makes me want them everywhere in our home, as colorful reminders that we have nothing to worry about, God WILL take care of us.

If we were sitting down for morning coffee you’d probably hear me talk about our dog, Bauer. He is totally my baby. I am almost convinced he’s part little toddler boy, part doggie. His personality is what kills me the most, he does the silliest things to get our attention, he loves to play hide + seek with our clothes around the house, he sits on steps {look at the below left photo!} + he holds his own leash. He’s the greatest addition to our family :) I would also share with you that in taking more time each week for quiet time I had a great day on Tuesday. We had a busy spring with me traveling to conferences and Zack + I both traveling with Compassion, but things have slowed down a bit and I’ve been able to be more intentional with my time + thoughts. I’ve always envied others that know how to do this and finally asked myself, “why CAN’T you do that, too?” It’s been great! :)

Remember how I had chosen the word INTENTIONAL? I feel happy that I’ve been able to work on that area of my life :) Many of you chose a word too, so… how is that going?

And perhaps one of my happiest memories from the week involves succulents + fresh soil. I’ll be sharing more about this soon! Yep — what I did was a very INTENTIONAL thing. {Zacky babe, you’ll be so proud!} If we were having morning coffee you’d hear me tell you what I did with these things yesterday.

 

So how about you? We’re sitting down for morning coffee, it’s a beautiful cool {almost} summer morning. What would you share from your heart files? xoxo

[Sharing Instagram photos from the week + linking up with Life Rearranged.]

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25 Comments
Filed Under: for fun, the pup, Zack

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Comments

  1. Karen says

    June 22, 2012 at 8:16 am

    If we were having a cup of coffee together, I would share that it has been a long week, maybe in good way. My youngest was diagnosed with apraxia of speech and this past week they say it is global apraxia due to his motor planning issues and sensory issues. I would tell you that I am overwhelmed, but that I would not change anything because he is such an amazing little boy and he has an amazing brother and sister. I would tell you that your bags are beautiful and what an amazing job you are doing. If we were havig a cup of coffee, I would share that I am excited about my “date night” with my incredible husband tonight.

    Reply
    • Leigh says

      June 22, 2012 at 9:27 am

      @Karen,
      Karen, my son was dx with speech apraxia 3 years ago. He also has sensory processing disorder along with other things. If you ever want to chat or someone to listen you can email me.
      Funkyfaithgirl at gmail dot com
      I know it’s a rough road especially at first. It gets easier I promise. I’ll be praying for you.

      Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      June 22, 2012 at 3:07 pm

      @Karen, Hi Karen — thank you so much for sharing your heart here :) Many of my friends say the days go by slowly but the years go by fast. Remember that your son’s life has a beautiful purpose and his addition to your family is purposeful as well. Praying for you! xo

      Reply
  2. Rose says

    June 22, 2012 at 8:36 am

    So beautiful….just stopping by to say hi from instragram friday @ life rearranged.

    Reply
  3. Nicole J says

    June 22, 2012 at 8:43 am

    Sounds like a lot of sweet things happening–even among the busy times! If we were having coffee, I’d probably tell you that I’m excited to move into our new little rental home today and get unpacked after living out of suitcases for almost a month! I’d also probably tell you that I’m dreading unpacking all our boxes…oh well!
    ps. I love your new bags–so fun!
    Have a lovley, lovely day!

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      June 22, 2012 at 3:07 pm

      @Nicole J, OHHH I secretly love to unpack + redecorate! HAVE FUN! xoxo

      Reply
  4. Becky says

    June 22, 2012 at 8:57 am

    thank you so much for sharing that scripture. needed to hear it today! love your blog!

    Reply
  5. Katy (lil' alice) says

    June 22, 2012 at 9:00 am

    if we were having morning coffee, i would share that it’s been a busy first week of summer break. my youngest had football camp & while he was there i spent the 2 hours each day deep cleaning my fil “new”house which was previously owned by someone who didn’t know what cleaning products were. gross.

    it’s been a hot week in michigan, high 90’s and can barely breathe weather. i don’t have a pool this year, my parents took theirs down this year. i am praying for a pool to drop in our backyard or contentment. our neighbors welcome us to theirs, but it’s not the same. hoping to get a pool at the end of the season. but until then, contentment is my word that i’m trying to live right now. i am a very content person by nature, i don’t envy what others have, i don’t have a list of wants because so & so has it. but i want a pool for my kids.

    due to the hotness in the state of michigan, i have not sewn that much this week. orders are waiting to be filled but they are very large type orders. 20 of one thing, 90 of another. plus other orders. but in this season, my kids are on summer break & we are having a great time.

    as i was writing the last sentence it was just revealed to me that maybe i don’t/won’t have a pool this summer because God wants me to be intentional & He is making the time for me to really know my neighbors, who’s pool we go to a lot on hot days. i have had sweet conversations and we are building a relationship with each other & the other neighbors that come to the pool too. there are many new neighbors in my hood & my heart always wants to get to know them & meet with them, and i am. wow….. what a revelation!

    have a great restful weekend.
    katy

    Reply
  6. Annie says

    June 22, 2012 at 9:12 am

    i wish we could SIT down together and have coffee. I’d have sweet tea though. ;) I’d tell you I’m thankful for the #shereadstruth prompting as I’ve been in the word 4 days in a row now. And it feels good. I’d tell you how much I’m thankful for our friendship and our small talk. you seriously have come to mean a great deal to me. you’ve been a friend to me when I needed it the most. i’d tell you I love my ruffles…my purse is seriously FULL of them!!!!

    Happy Friday friend!!!!!

    love you!

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      June 22, 2012 at 3:10 pm

      @Annie, For real — I feel the same about you my dear :)

      Reply
  7. Niki @ Gumdrops & Gloss says

    June 22, 2012 at 9:17 am

    Cuuuuute pup!

    Reply
  8. Charlotte says

    June 22, 2012 at 9:21 am

    If we were having coffee I would say THANK YOU for sharing that verse! The Message really puts it beautifully. Love those unexpected tidbits that turn out to be blessings. Have a great weekend!

    Reply
  9. Megan Lane says

    June 22, 2012 at 9:22 am

    Love that version of the verse about wildflowers. Beautiful indeed. Yay for slowing down and being intentional with your time, that’s awesome Maggie! So happy to see Christ working in your life. You are definitely Inspiring me to become more disciplined with my time in the Word again.

    Reply
  10. Beth says

    June 22, 2012 at 9:50 am

    If we sat down to coffee I would tell you that #SheReadsTruth has changed my life in a good way. I’d tell you that my heart is happy and I feel I’m changing for the better. I’d tell you that I still can’t get enough of my love Gussy Market Tote and that the orange color with polka dots makes me smile so hard. I’d tell you that I’m proud of my husband and relieved he isn’t as stressed as he was last summer so we’re able to simply enjoy the summer more. And I’d tell you that I’m happy it’s the weekend and that I’m looking forward to praising God with my Christian music group at service on Saturday.

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      June 22, 2012 at 3:12 pm

      @Beth, A less stressed hubby = awesomeness! Sometimes the work can wait, but enjoying life *right now* cannot! xoxo

      Reply
  11. Victoria says

    June 22, 2012 at 10:07 am

    If we sat down for coffe I would probably tell you about my crazy, anxious spirit that has not been very CONFIDENT ( my word) lately! Rather than being confident, I have moved to SETTLING. Just going with the flow and waving my white flag but infear rather than confidence.

    I wouldn’t talk long though…I woukd be ready to share HAPPY things too. Like beautiful flowers, fun plans, and funny stories from the week….That awkward guy at the grocery store for one!

    Happy weekend to you!

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      June 22, 2012 at 3:14 pm

      @Victoria, Oh I love a good awkward story ;D

      And I hope you can update your word from Settling to Confident… Remember that guilt + fear aren’t things we’re supposed to feel. Those don’t come from the Lord :)

      Reply
  12. Brenna says

    June 22, 2012 at 10:49 am

    Gussy, thanks for sharing that devotional!! I have been in need of a good devotional and I think that is just what I need to be reading!!! Thanks for sharing!! Good luck with everything, you are such an inspiration of following what you are passionate about and trusting God in it all :)

    Reply
  13. Zack Whitley says

    June 22, 2012 at 11:26 am

    If we sat down for coffee (can’t believe we missed it this morning!), I’d tell you that I’m proud of what you’ve built here, what you’re a part of, and the woman you’ve become since we started this crazy life together.

    Then I’d casually mention that this sounds pretty good for Sunday dinner:
    http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2011/05/make-this-today/

    Reply
    • Gussy Sews says

      June 22, 2012 at 3:22 pm

      @Zack Whitley, YEAH, a big boo(!) to missing coffee this morning. However, we missed because we were out with friends last night and were too tired to get up early, so it’s almost worth it ;D I’ll meet you on the porch Saturday morning!

      Reply
  14. Sarah says

    June 22, 2012 at 11:55 am

    If we were having morning coffee together, I’d share that I am counting the moments until Costco opens at 10 to know if we left my little Lulu’s stuffed Lambie there yesterday. I can think of little else. Because if Lambie isn’t there, I’m going to have to buy one of those big ugly Angry Bird pillows for her. Wildflowers they ain’t.

    Happy weekending!

    Reply
  15. faith says

    June 22, 2012 at 7:51 pm

    If we were having coffee, i`d tell you that i love everything you make, I always get compliments on your ruffle headbands! I would tell you that i am starting an indie …whoa, scary! I would share that my husband and i are also searching for a church home after not going regularly for quite a while now. I would also share how great my husband is to me and how much i love him! That`s all:)

    Reply
  16. Leigh says

    June 22, 2012 at 10:46 pm

    If we sat down in a quaint coffee shop, I’d have my quad latte. I’d sip it slowly since I want to breathe in my rare girl time. I’d tell you the She Speaks Truth was exactly what I needed. That it is my saving grace for what I needed now. I’d tell you that since your trip in May, God is using you in such amazing and big ways and I’m proud to be your friend. I’d say that I had a hard week as a mother. That parenting and discipline is one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. I’d admit that I failed as a mom many times this week and am not proud of it. I’d admit that sneaking in smooches with my hubby just makes my day and that I’ve been losing sleep waiting up for him at night when he gets home. I would tell you that God’s moving things in our lives and that I’ve never been closer to my husband.
    You’d share of the amazing weather and walks with Bauer. I’d be jealous of the quiet times you get. But still cherishing my childrens laughs. We’d part happy we’d shared our hearts, but quenching more time together. For it’s in sharing our hearts and souls about the Lord that we truly connect.
    xo Leigh

    Reply
  17. arplockhart says

    June 23, 2012 at 8:07 am

    If we sat down to coffee I would probably be acting like a teenage girl that just met their hero :) you can sew on a zipper without fear! I would tell you that we were just about the same age and have been married for the same amount of time. I would thank you for allowing God to use you to touch the lives of so many woman, including mine. I would tell you that She Reads Truth has changed my life and been the motivation I needed to get into His word everyday. I would also tell you that I am a doggy mommy too ;) We would talk about our baby boys personalities and the silly things they do and that snuggly doggy love that can make you feel better no matter what is wrong.

    And when we were done, I would beg you to take me to your super top secret fabric shop… My stash can always use an addition or two! I can promise you it would be a blast!

    Reply
  18. Laura says

    June 24, 2012 at 5:07 pm

    I love love love that about the wildflowers. I think about that a lot when I’m outdoors – how there is no gardener taking care of the trees and the flowers and the streams and the animals in the wild- but everything works out just like it should. Amazing to think about. Hope you are having a happy weekend!

    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
“We are preparing to wind down for the school ye “We are preparing to wind down for the school year with just a few more weeks of intentional table lessons. We will then transition to a lighter learning schedule during the summer months. Today I am grateful for the books and resources I’ve read that have helped keep me in my own lane. (Visit my blog to see a personal favorite.)

Even now, three years in, I appreciate the reminder to stay on the path that was designed with intentional thought just for me.”

✨ see #maggiewhitleydotcom for the full post ✨
I took off my “comparison / contemplation” gla I took off my “comparison / contemplation” glasses last month and it’s been soooooo good. See also: sooooo hard (because life is never and/or). I’ve been writing more, reading more, spending more time outside. Talking to friends faces and smelling their detergent. My heart feels lighter. I’m sharing a few updates on my blog if you’d like to read? 🌾🤓blog reading & writing is a much better pace for me. You too? Link in profile.
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. 

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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
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