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Maggie Whitley

joy in motherhood, homemaking, faith & simple living

You are here: Home / family / I want to remember…

I want to remember…

January 23, 2015 · 8 Comments
Filed Under: family, inspiration

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I’ve really been into podcasts lately and last week I shared a few of my favorites. But, I have a new favorite on my list: Grace Talks|Inspiration & Encouragement for Women by Edie Wadsworth (her blog is Life in Grace). Because podcasts are strictly audio I’m inspired in a totally deeper way, especially compared to reading a blog post (with photos). This has been a huge welcomed change for me, mostly because it’s so easy to hitch a ride on the Jealous Train when online.

Something I didn’t expect to happen as a podcast listener is for me to change so much as an individual.

I usually listen to podcasts during naptime a few days each week. They’re a really wonderful way for something new to spark inside me, especially if I need a perspective-change. Being at home with two babies is one of the most difficult tasks I’ve ever had, probably because I love our children so much and want the best for them. It takes a lot of intentionality and consistency to raise children well. So, podcasts have quickly become my naptime BFF.

I want to remember this chapter of life I’m in. Like all past chapters, it’s fleeting; it won’t last long, and I’ll often remember it as easier than when in the thick of it. My current chapter of life is one where affirmation for myself as a parent will come to me in the future. My current chapter is one where I get to live out the awesomeness of parenthood. My current chapter is one where I get to nurture, feed, and encourage my children on a daily basis.

For Christmas 2014 I received a red leather journal and it’s one of my favorite gifts. (I’ve gotten smarter as I’ve gotten older, and any gift that helps me refine who I am or better serve my family/friends is what I wish for.) Within this journal I write down my prayers, ideas and daily musings. But I’ve also been taking notes on the podcasts I listen to.

In Edie’s first podcast, A Life of Calling, she describes our calling as “that thing I do when I daydream”, which is such an interesting perspective. How many times do we daydream about X but actually spend our lives doing Y?

It used to be such a struggle for me that I hit pause on my handmade businesses so I could focus on my family — but after I spent some time reflecting on what Edie shared I now think differently.

Isn’t what I daydreamed about exactly what I’m doing with my life? Taking care of my babies, creating things (remember when I shared how I used to paint rocks with nail polish as a kiddo?), and my best friend is my super handsome husband. So what that I’m not designing new product or sewing ruffles. OF COURSE I miss that chapter of my life, but I don’t see it as fully closed. Besides, I’ve happily accepted that creating can happen in the kitchen, in the nursery or in our neighborhood. A bonus, for sure.

I have many struggles and one of them is (has been? could this really be behind me?) wondering what my purpose is. I often thought I had to continue with my handmade shops in order to feel like a creative person, when really I’m still living a creative life I’m just also surrounded by my children.

I want to remember these times as great times. And the next time I need to be inspired in a deeper way you betcha I’m going to find myself a podcast to listen to, because I know I’ll need to be and I know there’s one out there ;)

* * *

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8 Comments
Filed Under: family, inspiration

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Comments

  1. Kari says

    January 23, 2015 at 6:13 am

    Maggie!!! Can I tell you something? My daydream is what you do every day. I want to badly to be a stay at home mom, and be able to create. I am such a creative person, but do not find the time during the day to let it all out. I am a teacher and mom to {almost} 4 year old twin girls. By the time I do my daily things, I am zonked out. My absolute dream is to be able to stay home.

    While I am sure it is difficult, keep in mind (I KNOW that you do) that you are so lucky, and life is grand! You are doing an amazing job!

    Reply
    • Maggie Whitley says

      January 27, 2015 at 9:16 pm

      Thank you Kari! ♥

      Reply
  2. Liz says

    January 23, 2015 at 7:52 am

    Maggie, I am totally into podcasts, too! I love that I can put my earbuds in, not wake the kids, and get stuff done with my hands! I also love hearing their voices. There’s something about it that makes me feel like they’re talking straight to me. :)

    Reply
    • Maggie Whitley says

      January 27, 2015 at 9:16 pm

      OHHHH, who are you listening to right now?

      Reply
  3. Christine says

    January 23, 2015 at 8:46 am

    Maggie,
    You are doing something creative with your life. You are a very inspiring person. Your book in creativity is not ending…your just in the middle. You are going to create something everyday, even if it is not with your self it is with your children. Believe it or not your children are watching with their tiny little eyes everything and learning from you. That is beautiful. To be a stay at home mom and creating memories day in and day out. Once they get a little older, perhaps even age to go to school you will have time to create with your hands again. Even if you are itching to do it now! Just keep taking notes and this too shall pass. Listening to podcasts are a great idea! Maybe you should create one of your own! You already have a fan here!! Just remember: don’t just dream, do and don’t ever give up what you love doing. Thanks for sharing today
    Christine

    Reply
    • Maggie Whitley says

      January 27, 2015 at 9:18 pm

      This is such an encouraging comment… wow… thank you so much for taking the time to write me! I’ve found journaling not only helps me keep track of my ideas but also helps me process what I’m feeling/thinking. Sometimes the things I write down turn into real, tangible things in my life. Other times they are a passing thought and I continue onward. Thank you for being a light!

      Reply
  4. Hubbs says

    January 23, 2015 at 10:47 am

    You are the most creative person I know. I could not be more proud of you or blessed by you.

    Keep up the good work, dream girl.

    Reply
    • Maggie Whitley says

      January 27, 2015 at 9:19 pm

      #BLUSH

      Thanks babe.

      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 🧺🌿💓✨

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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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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!

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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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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? ✔️🧺👏🏻
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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
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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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