The Merry and Bright Tag // Poem: "God's Great Gift"

Hey all! I have an especially fun post for you guys today. :-) Ellie R. tagged me for this last Sunday. Thanks, Ellie! 

THE RULES:

1). Thank the person who tagged you
2). Make sure to include the "Merry and Bright" pic in your post
3). Answer the following questions

1. Favorite movie to watch at Christmastime:

Uhh . . . none? Sorry, y'all, but I am not a movie-watcher. If "Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" counts for a Christmas movie, I suppose you can put me down for that. ;D 

2. Some Christmas songs I enjoy:

"Oh Come, Oh Come Emmanuel," "God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen," "Away In a Manger," "What Child is This?", "Silent Night," "It's Called Christmas" . . . 

3. Some books I love in winter:

Any that distract me from the cold weather outside. LOL 

4. Some Christmas goodies that make me smile:

Peppermint Chex mix, homemade cinnamon rolls, pretty pieces of thin mint bark . . . to sum it up, any tasty treat my mom chooses to make. :D

5. Some Christmas-y words that make me happy:

Jesus, advent, prayer

6. Some things I look forward to every year:

The Christmas Eve service at our church; giving gifts to close friends and relatives; running baked goods to our neighbors and watching their faces light up; sending packages; writing letters; taking a break from school (LOL) . . . 

7. Favorite Christmas memories (that happen every year)

Baking with my family, doing advent, holding candles and singing carols at our church, and visiting a local farm to drive around and see their lights

8. Memories to be made this year

Hm, not sure I have any. :-)

I tag: whoever wants to do this. :D

And now, in celebration of our precious Savior's birth, a Christmas poem for you all (and yes, this is a repost from last year).

God’s Great Gift

Love came down to die for us
It did not come by plane, car, or bus.
It was a Heavenly Being, a Righteous One,
Who came in the form of a Baby Son.
He was born by a woman and laid in a cradle of hay
So that we might all come, and have hope while we pray.
His Father sent Him down to die for the sake of all,
There is no sacrifice like this, that He obeyed the call,
Leaving His palace of splendor, His gates of gladness,
To come down to this earth, this earth full of sadness.
Christmas is the twenty-fifth of December;
This is the day on which we all remember
That Jesus Christ is our loving Savior, our selfless God,
Who leads us now with staff and rod.
Really, Christmas is not just one day a year,
But a joyous thought that could bring us all cheer,
If only we stop oft and think on such a glorious thought.
God’s sacrifice saved this earth from the trap in which we were caught.
Every day is Christmas, in a way, and Jesus deserves to be praised,
For He, the Righteous, Holy One, was born, and killed, and raised,
To give us hope and endless life,
To give us a promise amidst the pain and strife.
Who has greater love than He,
Who gave His Life for you and me?

Merry Christmas!! Jesus loves you!! 

Blessings,

Ellen S.

Two Posts on the Blogosphere God Used to Touch My Heart

Guys, it's the Christmas season. Can you believe December 25th is less than a week away? I've been following some of the Christmas talk going around on the blogosphere, and there were two posts especially that God used to touch my heart. I'm going to link to them below, and I encourage you to visit them ASAP. Both are truly eye-opening and great reminders of what Christmas Day is all about! 

ONE OF THESE DAYS || Brooklyn K. @ Five Shekels
HEART OF CHRISTMAS || Faith @ Stories by Firefly!

One Full Year of Blogging // Final Day of Book Exchange

AGH! I can't believe I just wrote that. ONE. FULL. YEAR. OF. BLOGGING??? Is it possible??
So much has happened since that night I posted my first musing. It hardly seems real. Casting Crowns concert, internet break, a new sister . . . Not to mention all the amazing people I've been privileged to meet here on the blogosphere. :-) 
At this time last year, I thought self-publishing my In His Hands book, writing for author Susan K. Marlow, and starting up a blog of my own would be the biggest things that ever happened to me. Then, when 2019 wrapped around, I realized how wrong I was. Wow, did I ever! Experiences I hadn't hoped to have for years suddenly surrounded me, plunging me deeper into my walk with Christ, and I can feel Him guiding me every step of the way. Truly I am clay in the hands of the Potter. (Jeremiah 18:1-6) His hands are around me, shaping, molding, tweaking, pulling . . . and holding. I am His. <3
Blogging has taught me a lot about surrender, trust, patience, and people. Not for the world would I give up the lessons I've learned. In the times that I doubt, God reminds, "For Me, Ellen. You're doing this for Me." My mission behind this blog? To bring God glory. I long to encourage other teen girls in the faith as they pursue the gifts they've been given. And I thank You, Jesus, for allowing me to do this.
Guys, thanks for being here for me, for sticking by me as I poured my heart into this blog. Whether you're a follower or an anonymous viewer, I appreciate you and the support you give. May you never forget how much you're loved. <3

p.s. It's the final day of the book exchange, and there's still time to enter! Click HERE for more details. I have enough participants to say the exchange is definitely a "go," but I'm open to receiving entries until 8:00 PM (EST). 

Fun Ideas for the Holidays!!

So, my blogger friend, Laura, @ Flowers in My Basket shared some amazing gift ideas on her blog last week; be sure to check out her post HERE. Inspired, I decided to share with y'all a few  of my family's favorite holiday treats - gifts, recipes, etc. Enjoy!

 This idea came from an IG post Mom saw a couple years ago. Fill a basket with chips and soda, stick in a sign, and set it on your porch for all those who deliver to your home. It's SO cool to see the deliverymen carry up a package, then return to his truck with a bag of chips and/or a can of soda in hand. Our first taker this year was our Papa John's pizza deliverer. ;-) The second and third were two men doing UPS deliveries. 

Peppermint Chex mix!!! My family LOVES this treat. It's an easy recipe that makes for a great family project! 
First, have several family members open and peel a whole bag of the "Peppermint Hershey's Kisses," while another ‎member measures out five cups of Chex rice cereal into a bowl. Put one cup powder sugar in a bag, and you can crush candy canes and add those too if you want (we do). Place the Kisses in a bowl and stick it in the microwave for 45 seconds, pull it out, stir, and put back in for another 15 seconds. Now, slide it out and pour the contents over your bowl of Chex. Stir it all in, until every Chex piece is covered. Here comes the need for teamwork. Have someone (in my case, my wonderful younger siblings) hold open the bag of sugar while you dump in the cereal. Seal the bag (make sure there's air inside!) and SHAKE! Once it's all thoroughly covered, dump it all into a bowl and ENJOY!

Shaking the sugar and Chex together (my favorite part)!

Our morning Advent book. :-)

 Mm! Sweet-smelling potpourri. We have three (no, four) new neighbors this year, so, one night after stirring up fresh Chex mix and potpourri, the sibs and I ran around making deliveries. ;-) 

And . . . a totally random photo. I love my peanut butter Puffins, and of course a bowl of cereal is not complete without a lovely new book to read. :D 

Yep, just a few ideas. Which one is your favorite? Tell me in the comments below!
More photos & recipes to come!! Oh, and don't forget about the book exchange; I'm open to entries until December 15th @ 8:00 PM (EST).

Day Two on the Kregel Tour // "My God Loves Me Bible"

Hello, m'friends! Welcome to the second and final day of the Kregel tour; today I'm reviewing My God Loves Me Bible. Again, please be aware that I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

BACK-COVER SUMMARY:


This colorful book unpacks the wonderful truth that each child is loved by God.

God speaks His love through every single story of the Bible. What a beautiful message for little hearts to hear!

With eighteen Bible stories from creation through the life and resurrection of Jesus, "My God Loves Me Bible" shows children that they are precious beyond measure in God's sight.

Each Bible story is supported by Scripture to bring out the truth it reveals. The stories are told both through words and colorful scenes and visual details young children will love.

With this Bible in their hands, they will say with joy, "God loves me!"


My God Loves Me Bible - written by Cecilie  Fodor and illustrated by Gavin Scott


Ooh, this book. The quality, the value, the text, the pictures, the precious messages portrayed . . . the handle on the side that makes it easy for little hands to carry this book around.  😍 Call me a big kid if you will, but I loved this book! The text is sweet, simple, and sure to leave a lasting impression on the heart of the reader, young or old. The illustrations are well done and always a bonus. I enjoyed rereading all the many little Bible stories included, as well as benefiting from the lessons they taught. I wouldn't have a single problem sharing this book with my sibs, or 100% recommending it to a friend.
The only downside to this book (for me) is, like "My Bedtime Bible Prayers," the pictures of Jesus that are added. However, it's not enough to make me drop a star or even a half star. 5 stars all the way!!

Kregel Blog Tour // "My Bedtime Bible Prayers"

Hello, dear viewers! Happy Tuesday! Today I have a fun post for you all (and for me, too). I'm participating in my first-ever blog tour; today is a review for one of the books on tour, tomorrow for the second. Special thanks to Kregel Publications for sending me free copies of My Bedtime Bible Prayers and My God Loves Me Bible in exchange for honest reviews.
So, first up: My Bedtime Bible Prayers. Let's begin!

BACK COVER SUMMARY:

My Bedtime Bible Prayers is creatively designed to encourage Bible reading and prayer as a natural part of any nighttime routine.

Inside are 44 prayers, each based on a Bible verse and Bible story, along with a takeaway question. The whimsical illustrations featured throughout depict both Bible scenes and contemporary life. With this caring guidance, children ages 6-8 will learn to share their hearts and thoughts with God--while also discovering how much He loves them!


My Bedtime Bible Prayers - written by Karoline Pahus Pedersen and illustrated by Gavin Scott

Although this book is said to be for children ages 6-8, I recommend it as being fully geared for ages 4+. With simple text, sweet Bible verses, and fun questions, My Bedtime Bible Prayers is sure to be a hit for all your young ones. Even I, a teenager, found it to be an enjoyable read. Great for parents (or big siblings) who long to have five minutes' devotion time with their kiddos before kissing them good-night.
A number of the prayers were remarkably well-written and perfectly suitable for your little ones. However, there were some that didn't quite rub me right and I'd be happy to skip over if/when I read aloud these prayers to my sibs. I'm also not the biggest fan of having pictures of Jesus in a children's book, as small kids can easily be led into thinking that these pictures truly bear resemblance to what Jesus looks like. One particular illustration, in an effort to show kids that God can do anything, depicted our Savior as being able to lift an elephant using one hand. Overall, however, omitting the drawings of Jesus, I really liked the illustrations. They were whimsical and perfect for children of all ages. The text of the book was beneficial as well - short, reassuring, and to-the-point - but there was one prayer that caught me off-guard. It ran, "You [God] don't mind if we are silly, noisy, or sit on the dresser," and has a picture to go with it of a girl on top the aforementioned piece of furniture. Since we all know that parents generally prefer that their children not climb on things - especially tall, clunky dressers - I personally don't think this is a good example to throw out, because sitting on the dresser and disobeying your parents is not honoring God. 
My overall rating: 3.5 stars.

Wrap-Up Post: Nuggets of November

Whew, November was a busy month. Between NaNo projects, school, Thanksgiving, new books, finding a fifteen-passenger van to fit our big family, and a fun NaNoWriMo workshop, my days were full. I was sure, however, to get plenty of pictures to share with you all. :-) So (in no particular order), here we go . . .

You've gotta have the pumpkin pie! ;-)

Several fun trips to Roy Roger's with Mom. Beef sandwich and fries for her; salad for me.

<3

Late nights working at NaNo. Please tell me I'm not the only one who sits up past ten (in pink, fuzzy-pant pajamas, no less) in an effort to reach the word count for the day. 

15,000 words! A new record. ;-)

At the workshop I attended, each participant was required to write a story (in as few words as possible) about a leaf. :-)

Ah, this girl. *all the heart eyes* She so takes after me. (And yes, that's my bed she's lying on, and my notebook and pen she's using.)

See, what'd I tell you? A bookworm and writer all the way, just like her big sister. ;-)

Here she is with the two new books I recently received from Kregel Publications. Reviews coming soon!

Sisters = Best Friends Forever. <3

Gorgeous!

God's creation is simply amazing.

A 2nd Thanksgiving dinner at my grandma's. :-)

 ~ NEW BOOKS! ~ 

Need I say I was very excited about this time? ;-)

Mom, Ruby Jane, and me. <3

(Photo taken October 13th.)

And, to finish it off, a few songs I love that I heard for the first time in November:

He Is Lord by Elevation Worship
The Very Next Thing by Casting Crowns
Father by Jeremy Camp

How was your November? Did you do Camp NaNoWriMo? Do you have a favorite photo from this post?

Let's talk in the comments below!

50,000 Words!!!

I'VE REACHED THE END OF THE WRITING CHALLENGE . . . AND MADE IT TO 50,000 (FIFTY THOUSAND) WORDS!!!! I can hardly believe it. Splitting the word count between several different novellas and short stories (both finished and unfinished), it took a whole lot of perseverance, late nights, and moments of "AGH! What do I write??" but . . . here I am, an official NaNo winner. :-) To God be the glory! 

Happy Thanksgiving!! :-)

Well, it's here again, m'friends - Thanksgiving Day. What do you all do to celebrate? We usually prepare a wonderful feast of homemade rolls, roast turkey (and sometimes ham), cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, stuffing . . . yeah, all the good stuff (*wink*), and enjoy it as a family around our great, big dining room table. ;-) This year we did our Thanksgiving shopping a week ahead of time, picking up all the essentials . . . and a 19-pound frozen turkey I've officially dubbed "Turkey Charlie." :-)

Picking out ol' Charlie from our local supermarket. Boy, was he ever heavy!

Sometimes my family and I will sit around during/after the Thanksgiving meal and rattle off several things we're thankful for from the past year. Any guesses as to what I'm thankful for from 2019? Health, family, and true friends who stick by me through the ups and downs of life are top on that list. Next come the first-ever Casting Crowns concert I got to attend, the NaNoWriMo challenge I took on during the month of November, my forty-day Internet break from earlier this year, and so much more!! Continually I see God's hands in my life, and I am so abundantly blessed. 

Did you enjoy this post? Do you ever name your Thanksgiving turkeys? What're some of the things you're thankful for from this past year? Let's talk in the comments below!

Book Exchange, Anyone?

Hey guys! So, as you all may or may not know, my first-ever blog anniversary is coming up. (yay!) On December 15th, 2018, I published my first musing and since then have been privileged to write over one hundred more. Recently, I've been brainstorming up ideas on how to celebrate the birthday of "Ellen's Musings." Giveaway? Challenges? Games? Then, the other night Mom launched the idea that blossomed into this post:
How about a book exchange, where one girl sends another some fun book or book-related gift? How fun is that? 😊
Here's how it works:
From now till December 15th, all those who are serious about doing this and have their parents' permission, simply slip me your contact information and mailing address. In mid-December I will pair up one girl with another (who knows - you may even get me for a buddy! *wink*) and they will exchange any type of book or book-related gift. It's fun, easy, and a great way to make new friends! A few extra notes to be mindful of . . . 

*this exchange is open to U.S.A. residents only (so sorry, international friends!) 
*to keep things fair, there's a $10 minimum for the gift(s) you buy to exchange
*all exchange items must be packaged up and mailed out by December 31st, 2019
*you do not have to be a follower of Ellen's Musings in order to participate
*I'd like to have at least ten participants, so feel free to spread the word and invite others to join in the fun!!
*If you have any questions, feel free to ask them in the comment section below!


And . . . that's it. Have fun, and I hope to hear from you soon!

Blessings,
Ellen

Musing #109 - Another Tag

I've seen this tag going around the blogosphere and I thought, "Oh, boy, that looks fun," so . . . I stole it. ;-) It's called the "Music Tag" and the instructions are as follows:

1. Write ten songs that come on shuffle (no skipping).
2. Write your favorite lyric from each song.
3. Tag some people.

All right; hitting the "shuffle" button . . . now!

First one is . . . 


If We Are the Body || Casting Crowns

But if we are the body, why aren't His arms reaching? Why aren't His hands healing? Why aren't His words teaching? And if we are the body, why aren't His feet going? Why is His love not showing them there is a way? Jesus is the way.

Revive Me || Jeremy Camp

All my ways are before You. Let Your hand lift up my head . . . Revive me, so that I may seek Your Word. Revive me, according to Your loving kindness.

God of Every Story || Laura Story (I personally love this one . . .)

He's the God of every story, He sees each tear that falls. We may not understand but one thing is certain. He is faithful, He's a faithful God . . . When our world is shaking, He holds us in the palm of His hand . . . You're the God of every story, no matter what I'm going through. I may not understand, You are God and I am just a man. 

What If I Gave Everything || Casting Crowns

Sorry, but I can't pick just one lyric - or even several lyrics - for this one. I love EVERYTHING about this song. :-)

Give You Glory || Jeremy Camp

Again, great song. No one lyric that jumps out at me.

Sing, Sing, Sing || Chris Tomlin

Son of God, You are the One, You are the One we're living for. You are the love that frees us, You are the light that leads us, like a fire burning.

Mighty to Save || Laura Story

Everyone needs compassion, a love that's never failing . . . everyone needs forgiveness, the kindness of a Savior, the hope of nations . . . Savior, He can move the mountains . . . Author of salvation, He rose and conquered the grave. Jesus conquered the grave. 

One Awkward Moment || Casting Crowns

Okay, so this whole song is absolutely amazing, but God has used several lyrics in my life especially.

Who are you to say you've got shipwrecks of your own, you're too young in your faith?  . . . You're scared that what you don't know might push her away. But don't cave to the weight of the fear that you're feeling, 'cause she's standing right here and you're here for a reason . . . Your hurt, your scars, God will use to open up her eyes; one awkward moment . . . you've walked in her shoes, you've heard the lies, you know the pain, but He's still the Truth, He's still the Life, He's still the Way. 

(NOTE: to find out why some of these lyrics in particular mean so much to me, you'll have to stay tuned for a little update on the extra special project only hinted at in earlier posts.)


Do It Again || Elevation Worship (such a fan of this one . . . is it just me, or have I said that a lot in this post??)

I've seen You move; You move the mountains. And I believe I'll see You do it again. You made a way where there was no way. And I believe I'll see You do it again. 

Better Is One Day || Matt Redman

Better is one day in Your courts, better is one day in Your house, better is one day in Your courts, than thousands elsewhere. (Powerful, isn't it?)

I tag:
anyone who'd like do this tag, whether on their own personal blogs or in the comments below. 

Can't wait to see your answers!

Blessings,

Ellen