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Maggie Whitley

joy in motherhood, homemaking, faith & simple living

You are here: Home / inspiration / Thirteen thoughts in November.

Thirteen thoughts in November.

November 29, 2019 · 8 Comments
Filed Under: inspiration

Feeling so proud of all the writing I’ve accomplished this month. Here are my recent blog posts, in case you missed them: the colors of motherhood, learn how to watercolor with your children (includes a 25% off discount code), and a Gussy Sews holiday pop-up shop update.

Bookmarking this beautiful movie! We watched it over the weekend. I can’t stop thinking about the decor style of the era (London, 1946), the earthy homes, the simple beauty of it all (teacups, wild flowers, large picture windows, wallpaper), the sound of Juliette’s typewriter, her many notebooks, seeing a young woman put her heart into her writing and the culmination of flourishing relationships. Have I convinced you to watch it?

Thinking really intently on this quote, “There is no such thing as creative or non-creative people, only people who use their creativity and people who don’t,” — Brene Brown. I would really love to hear your thoughts on this. And I have to know, do you consider yourself a creative, and why do you feel this way? If you answered yes, what do you “create”? Please do share.

Noticing how many people use our neighborhood library, which is where I go every Monday to read & write for a few hours. Our library is gently “full” each time I’m here. I just love that. When I was younger, my dad would take me and my brother to the library after dinner. This was an anticipated rhythm for us when our mom worked in the evenings. It’s good to see how much enjoyment others receive from the library. I’m glad we have this in common :)

Smelling damp dirt and leaves as they begin the compost process that fall and winter bring. The smell of a season changing is one I love. It’s the smell of earth knowing it’s time for change; a reminder that change is good, important even. Yard work is one of my favorite chores, did you know this about me?

Loving the tender reminder during worship at church to surrender ourselves before the Lord, to sing with a posture that’s before the Lord, to relax my shoulders and listen with open hands. When my hands are open, I’ve noticed my ears are open to hear the Truth, my heart is open to receive the Truth, and that’s when things begin to change. The Lord has done a mighty work in me these last few years, helping me to listen way more often, to close my mouth and ask for the Holy Spirit to help me through a conversation. If I were to write down all that the Lord has done for me this would not be a short list.

Wondering how the decorations on Christmas will need to be arranged with Landon on the move ;) Although, he has learned to leave my house plants alone, and I have a lot of plants, so maybe the tree will be no different? Fingers crossed.

Enjoying the warmth a cup of tea provides in the evening. When I’m warm on the inside, the weight from cool bedsheets make falling asleep even more splendid.

Wishing a fairy would come over and fold our clean laundry. I have four baskets ready for her. Where is she??!

Reading (savoring) two books: The Call of the Wild + Free and Becoming a Woman of Influence. Also considering these books for my January and February book club meetings: Courageous Creative (a 31-day interactive devotional) and Mere Motherhood

Cooking easy meals these days. BUT! Sunday I roasted brussel sprouts and served this flank steak recipe for dinner. Five out of the six family members loved it. And spoiler, it wasn’t the baby who opposed the meal ;)

Making an effort to paint my nails weekly. Since writing this post I have done an A+ job. I’m really into this polish color right now, with a silver glitter nail on my ring finger.

Praying for more courage & clarity. More courage to dream, more clarity with transferring what I’m feeling in my heart to actionable steps in my head.

* * *

Tell me in the comments, which movie has left a positive impression on your heart? What are you reading? (I always want to know…) How do you feel about the smell of dirt and leaves? How often do you visit your library? Do you have a favorite Bible verse?

xx, Maggie

PS. read past “thirteen thoughts” posts: February 2019, May 2018, April 2018

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8 Comments
Filed Under: inspiration

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Comments

  1. Betsy says

    November 29, 2019 at 11:30 pm

    Keep writing!! I so enjoy reading what you write. I do consider myself a creative…that all people should be. God was so creative in making each of us, how could we not then create?
    I don’t always create with yarn or sewing, but cooking some, and baking too? I am glad I am aware that we are all made to be creating! Thank you for the reminder.

    Reply
    • Maggie Whitley says

      November 30, 2019 at 10:41 am

      Betsy! I continue to pray for my blog and the community here, as I love to write and encourage. I love hearing from other women, so thank you for leaving a comment. Would you pray for my blog too? I want to honor the Lord and offer an inspiring place with tangible, real-life prompts for women, mothers, homemakers.

      Reply
  2. Morgan says

    November 30, 2019 at 8:56 am

    Read Mere Motherhood!! I couldn’t put it down.

    Reply
    • Maggie Whitley says

      November 30, 2019 at 10:42 am

      Hi Morgan! This is our February book club selection. I can’t wait! How did you hear about the book?

      Reply
  3. Katie says

    December 29, 2019 at 5:15 am

    I love these posts! I go to the library about 3 times a week! Saturdays with my oldest, Wednesdays with my youngest for story time, and Thursdays for myself for an hour of quiet time. The library has saved my life :) And I LOVE The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society – both the book and the movie. I rewatched the movie on Christmas and it filled my heart.

    I miss you on Instagram. I hope all is well and you’re just taking a much needed social media break! I can’t wait to see what you and your family have been up to!

    Reply
    • Maggie Whitley says

      December 30, 2019 at 12:17 am

      Katie, you are a library extraordinaire! I love just how often you utilize your library :) so great. I should read TGLaPPPS, mmmmm yes I should.

      And the social media break. Yes. Much needed. Long overdue. Calling it a personal refreshment doesn’t do it justice. It’s been, put simply, transformational for me.

      Thanks for your comment and checking in. I sure appreciate you!

      Reply
  4. Nicole says

    December 31, 2019 at 2:41 pm

    Thank you for writing Maggie! I always trust your wisdom and love your joy for motherhood and book suggestions. We messaged on Instagram about 6 months ago on adding a 4th baby to our family in a small house similar to yours and your encouragement meant the world to me. We are now expecting #4 in August 2020! Thank you for being a blessing to other women!

    Reply
    • Maggie Whitley says

      December 31, 2019 at 11:17 pm

      This is just… simply wonderful. Thank you for sharing your news about your precious new baby. I pray you will enjoy the journey as a larger family. Love is an envelope that covers all, and this envelope contains all that we value. What a joyous season for your family :)

      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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