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You are here: Home / inspiration / recipe / 8 new books to share with you…

8 new books to share with you…

April 14, 2020 · 6 Comments
Filed Under: books, for fun, recipe

I’m eager to share with you a few of the books I’ve read the last few months, along with what I’m currently reading. When I open a book and process the written words of truth, goodness & beauty, I am edified. My mind expands and my heart settles into a state of peace.

As a mother of four young children, ages 7 years, 5-1/2, 4 and almost 2, I’ve found my hand naturally reaches for books in the following categories: Christian living, homeschooling, and memoir. These are the categories that fill me with much-needed truth, goodness & beauty. They pull me from my own seemingly despair and remind me, we are doing the good work of mothering together.

Tell me, what is your relationship with books? Are you a reader?  What shapes your reply?

Reading has been a wonderful companion throughout my life, ever since I was a young girl. But even if that’s not the story you’d tell of your life, you can begin enjoying and reading books today. Having grown up “a reader” isn’t a prerequisite to enjoying reading now. Here is a wonderful book list to help you get started.

With a gentle commitment, I average finishing two books each month. There are many highs & lows during my mothering and teaching our children, but what I’m beginning to notice about myself is this: books remind me I am capable of accomplishing great things. With patience, I can enjoy the time needed for the story to unfold.

During my recent time offline, in which I spent three months writing purely for myself (glorious! freeing!), I finished reading a small stack of books. May I share the titles with you? ;)

RECENTLY READ BOOKS:

Beholding and Becoming: The Art of Everyday Worship by Ruth Chou Simons

Mere Motherhood: morning times, nursery rhymes, and my journey towards sanctification by Cindy Rollins

The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living by Meik Wiking

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer & Annie Barrows

For the Children’s Sake: Foundations of Education for Home and School by Susan Schaeffer Macaulay

Educated: a memoir by Tara Westover

CURRENTLY READING:

The Brave Learner: Finding Everyday Magic in Homeschool, Learning, and Life by Julie Bogart

Becoming Mrs. Lewis: The Improbable Love Story Between Joy Davidman and C.S. Lewis by Patti Callahan

our Easter Sunday frittata (helpful baking instructions found here)

Now, in the spirit of sharing “things” that edify, may I also share with you some of the meals I’ve made recently? I’m always eager to find new recipes, or even simple meal ideas, that satisfy my family of six.

Not only am I looking to soothe our hunger through a meal, but I want to awaken our sense of taste. Food is something we can delight over, which is especially comforting during this season of intense laboring & heart training. Not just for my children, but for myself, too ;)

The five meals I’m sharing below can be modified to fit your family’s preference. Just keep an open mind, and think through what would serve you best.

RECENTLY PREPARED MEALS:

asian chicken wraps with peanut sauce

bell pepper nachos

mediterranean couscous salad

shepherds pie with cauliflower topping

garlic butter herb chicken with asparagus

 

You know I’m going to ask: what are you reading these days? Have you read any of the books on my shared lists? What does mealtime look like in your home? Which “sense” do you enjoy awaking?

xx, Maggie

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6 Comments
Filed Under: books, for fun, recipe

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Comments

  1. Ange says

    April 18, 2020 at 9:57 pm

    I’m reading Life Giving Parent by the Clarksons, The Way I heard it by Mike Rowe, and I sneak a few pages of Jean Fleming A Mother’s Heart. It’s such a good book, I reread it often. My husband and I are slowly working through the Chou’s new Foundation book. And of course all the read alouds with my gang of four boys(8 and under). I go through times of feasting on books then sort of burn out. I’m trying to learn to Pace myself. Great article!

    Reply
    • Maggie Whitley says

      April 21, 2020 at 11:09 am

      I just love the wisdom and encouragement the Clarkson’s share with the world, don’t you?! Thanks for taking a moment to share what you’re reading :) xx

      Reply
  2. Julia says

    April 27, 2020 at 7:14 pm

    I’m currently reading through:
    None Like Him by Jen Wilkin
    Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow
    The Finishing School by Valerie Woerner
    Identity Theft by Melissa Kruger & more
    The Little Veggie Patch Co. by Fabian Capomolla & Mat Pember
    And listening to Bonhoeffer by Eric Metaxas on audiobook from my library

    I really need to stop starting so many at one time ‍♀️

    Reply
    • Maggie Whitley says

      April 27, 2020 at 8:19 pm

      This is a fantastic list! So many intriguing titles, I’ll have to look them up. Thank you for the comment, Julia. Hope you’ll stick around. xx

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Life around here + FAQ - Maggie Whitley Designs says:
    April 28, 2020 at 8:40 am

    […] around here looks like reading a lot of books. Here’s a short recap of what I’ve read recently, plus what I’m currently reading. My children are reading all the books on animals, dolls, […]

    Reply
  2. What do you consider "a good book"? - Maggie Whitley Designs says:
    July 23, 2020 at 11:56 am

    […] April I published a post of book titles worth sharing, and to me these are all “good books”. But the longer I thought about this shared list […]

    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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recent posts:

  • On writing regular letters. January 19, 2021
  • The books I hope to read this year. January 12, 2021
  • Merry Christmas! Plus, adding a little warmth to my home. December 21, 2020
  • Life around here! December 15, 2020
  • 10 “field trips” ideas for your homeschoolers (Detroit & beyond) September 2, 2020
  • 7 books we are reading aloud this year August 19, 2020
  • A fall-themed homeschool resource! August 12, 2020
  • Studying the Bible July 30, 2020

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TOPICS I WRITE ABOUT

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JOY in motherhood & homemaking 🧺🌿💓✨

maggiewhitley
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. 📖✨🤍
We’re driving home in the dark of the winter nig We’re driving home in the dark of the winter night after a beautiful, hard & intentional couple of days working on a project ✨I’m committed to work on this this year; 2021 is already great. 🤩🤐😘
Ohhhhh, this year. Ohhhh, specifically these last Ohhhhh, this year. Ohhhh, specifically these last 3 months. I’ve had more anxiety than ever, and it’s seriously putting me on my knees in prayer —almost daily. My mind and chest aren’t unfamiliar of the attacks, but the grip it’s had on me since September has been so strong. The attacks are painful. But... Worship music has been one of my main healers. 🎶I know God is close to the broken-hearted (Psalm 34:18), and singing this truth really soothes me. Social media has been a big trigger for anxiety for me. I don’t want to “miss out on my life”, which is why I’ve hugely stepped back in posting and scrolling. 

One song in particular comes to mind:

“We step into Freedom. 
We step into all you have for us.” -Bethel Music & Jenn Johnson

There IS freedom from the anxiety attacks. For me: music, scripture, eating healthy, vitamins, rest, crying, prayer, honesty — these things help tremendously. Also getting up and MOVING when my anxiety sits on me like a boulder, that helps too. 🖤

Another soothing truth is from the end of Psalm 34:19 — “many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the lord delivers him of them all.”

Seriously. Thank you lord. Thank you for music and for rest and for the words in your book. I need them. I need You. I need Your freedom. I trust you’ll deliver me.
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We piled in the car this morning for a nature walk We piled in the car this morning for a nature walk. When I finally walked out and sat down, they shouted, “THE QUEEN! EVERYBODY CHEER FOR THE QUEEN!” (yes, they really call me that...☺️💓☺️)

I brought our basket of mittens and gloves and hats. The older two brought RC cars. Bauer the dog came along; we had a wonderful time on our walk.

The afternoon was harder, but overall the day was sandwiched between two really sweet time slots.

Bedtime tonight was wonderful. We read two chapters from our read aloud and Max lost another baby tooth.

This job I have, it really wears me down AND fills me up. It’s a constant take away AND fill up. Even when the moments feel so fitful, I know the story is rich. 

🕯🌙 Hello, sweet slumber. You’re carrying my babies away to a peaceful land. Goodnight, my children. Goodnight.

#motherhood #motherhoodunplugged #motherhoodissanctifying #naturewalk #michigan
There’s a woman on Instagram I check on every co There’s a woman on Instagram I check on every couple of weeks because she is so sparkly & cheerful. She shares little pep talks, she wears fuchsia lipstick. She says, “like so, like that” when she’s explaining something. She’s a hoot. I love the joy that bursts from her eyes when she talks. In her own unique ways, her perspectives pull back the fog I often find myself in. I’m a weary mama, and her energy and gentleness feels nurturing, though I haven’t met her... I would love to meet her. 👩🏽‍🤝‍👩🏼I’m inspired by the snippets of life she shares online. Thank you, Tabitha for sharing your light. 🕯💓💄🌿@iamtabithabrown
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The sound of Julia Robert’s calming voice is playing in the background of our playroom. Yesterday we finished another read aloud, Charlotte’s Web, so today my children are watching the movie. Knowing in-detail the lessons they are learning, along with reading books together, definitely adds to the joy of motherhood; the joy of teaching my children and being with them for so many hours each day. We experience so much together. Even when things feel chaotic at home, when I can’t call something by the correct name they still long to be near me and work alongside me. Tired has been a dear companion to me for the last seven years, but my children are gentle with their responses.

💞💬More on my blog! #maggiewhitleydotcom
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Keeping my hands busy (making wooden bead garland Keeping my hands busy (making wooden bead garland for our tree; link posted to Stories) and my mind inspired (watching HGTV). I really enjoy the quiet of the evening after a full, rich day. God is so kind to give this to me today. What have you received today? 🎄💫📿
This guy is my steady; my Zack. This is a latergra This guy is my steady; my Zack. This is a latergram from October, from one of our many fall adventures with the kids. We had so many fun day trips, I don’t even remember where this was taken 👏🏻⭐️. I’m gonna guess Cranbrook Gardens.
This morning I sat on the front porch and read my This morning I sat on the front porch and read my book & drank coffee. The birds were with me, nearly a hundred of them. Fluttering from rooftop to treetop to hiding inside the bushes. So beautiful and calm. Mother culture... the path to joy in motherhood & homemaking.
Well kiddos, we had a great summer together! 🥳👏🏻🛴⛱🍦🤸🏼‍♀️🎨🎹🏊🏻‍♂️🧺🎠📚📺🍿🌿🌷☀️🚲

Thanks for coming along with me to the pool, nature trails, the park, hosting friends in our backyard, reading adventures, popcorn & movie night, art, planting flowers, planting a garden, bike rides, neighborhood walks, lake swimming, and supplying the ice cream truck w/ roughly $84 this summer. 

I loved our time together! 🥰🧒🏼👩🏻👧🏼🧒🏻

And the great news is this: we have autumn to enjoy together, too! 👏🏻🌾🍃🍂 so thankful.
Even if you don’t have students learning at home Even if you don’t have students learning at home, these ten “field trip” ideas will give your day a boost. 

When your mind feels foggy, step outside. When your home feels too small or too big, step outside. When the bickering is loud or your internal criticism is high, step outside. 

Give yourself (and your family) the joy of an adventure away from the home. 

🌾Visit my blog for the full post, link in profile or #maggiewhitleydotcom
It’s come to my realization there’s plenty of It’s come to my realization there’s plenty of time these days to craft a letter when I wash dishes, take my kids on a walk, or take care of our garden. All that silence, it makes my internal monologue even louder 🤣. 

Many times we are out & about in the neighborhood and I think, “oh the flowers surrounding your porch are lovely!” Or, “wow” (to the elderly man) “you have such a great smile, thanks for sharing it with us!” Wouldn’t it be great to jot that down in a card and send it through the mail as well?

We are always in need of community & kind words! 🌷💬

I remember many years ago, when nearly pregnant with another baby and our personal finances were THE PITS, my best friend came over with $500 cash. Just to bless us. She also included a personal note. Of course, I’ve always known how special personal notes are, but this card really meant so much.

And so I’ve decided as the year-end nears: wouldn’t it be nice to send a letter a week for the final 20 weeks we have left in 2020. Me thinks so 🙂. 

Community & kind words: I’m coming for you!

PS. wanna join me in sending 20 cards by Dec. 31?
🖤working on our school room, mid-process update 🖤working on our school room, mid-process update! this wall is inspired by @mygrandparentschair 👏🏻 

I saw her feature in a recent issue of “Better Homes & Gardens” and I was all 🤩🤩over her foyer. I’m using 1/2” black masking tape (mistake-making friendly) instead of paint, also renter friendly. 

Working on this project has been so good for my mental health. Doing > worrying.
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