Honoring Christ in the way I dress (Repost)

I originally published this post in November of 2021, and I recently felt led to repost it. I pray it can be an encouragement to someone today <3

Since day one, I've been Sadie's "Mama Ellie." My little sister is younger than me by almost 14 years (Mom found out she was pregnant with her two weeks before my 13th birthday) and we look alike to an unbelievable extent. She has big, brown eyes like mine and she knows how to make the best use of them at her age. Mom complied to a request from her one time simply because Sadie's pleading spilled over into her eyes, and later on Sadie decided to take advantage of that. Sitting in the "timeout chair" after doing something wrong, she focused on Mom and said, "Look at my eyes! Can I get down?" (It was adorable, but no, the strategy didn't work.) 

As a big sister to her as well as six other siblings (four of whom are also girls), I have a wide range of influence on them in my dress, speech, and actions. The other day Sadie and I got into a discussion about my clothes. I told her God gave girls skirts and wants us to look feminine, which was why I was putting a skirt on that day, and she answered in all seriousness, "Jesus gave me pants!" I wasn't expecting that response and tried to hide my smile as I thought of how best to explain to a three-year-old that yes, God allows us to wear pants, but at the same time He created us as girls and He wants us to look like girls and protect our purity. 

Our conversation soon backfired on me when, the next morning, I came downstairs for breakfast still wearing my pajamas: flannel "fuzzy" pants and a T-shirt. "Ellie," Sadie said, "did God make you a girl?"

Scrounging around in the fridge for the milk, I answered, "Yes, of course He did." I thought we cleared this up yesterday. Where is she going with this?

"But you're wearing pants."

Uh oh.

Let it be known now that I wear pants to bed; I wear them when I go jogging; I wear them especially during the winter, when it's cold, or when I'm biking; I don't think there's anything wrong with wearing pants, provided my heart motives are in the right place. I'm at the age where, led by the Spirit, I can make these decisions for myself. But I have sisters who are thirteen, eleven, seven, three, and one years old, and I want to be a role model for them now in this area.

In a day and age where girls are told to "be who they want to be" and let every curve of their body be exposed, it's vitally important that my sisters know the truth. It needs to be reestablished to them (and every young woman) that they're beautiful, they were created by God as girls, they're worth waiting for, and the only ones who should see and know everything about them are God and their future husband. No item of clothing (pants, skirts, dresses, shirts, etc.) should be worn to draw attention. If it's practical, then by all means, yes, wear it. 

The pastor from a church we attended this past year thought Mom and Dad had raised us according to some kind of cult based off our views on modesty and family, which is so not true! I want others to see a difference in me because of Christ. I want to honor Him with my body and with my clothes. That doesn't mean I don't struggle with temptation, because I do. There are times I want to "fit in" and feel tired of trying to stay modest when it seems no one else, not even other believers, hold the same convictions I do. 

I don't condemn those who are different than me. I was once turned off from someone's blog when it felt like the blogger slammed me for being okay with wearing pants, and that is not what I'm trying to do in this post.

Clothes don't make the Christian; the heart does.

"Do not let your adorning be external--the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear--but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious." 1 Peter 3:3-4

Christian young ladies, we need to be confident in who we are in Christ. Our bodies are His temple; we're called to honor that. Today, let's examine our hearts and make Spirit-led decisions regarding every area of our life, including our clothing, to bring Him glory.

What're your thoughts on modesty? Do you have sisters for whom you need to set the example? Comment below!

Blessings,

Ellen S.

Monday Musings // Volunteer Work, Pumpkin Cookies, Pedal Boats, & the Zoo

Good morning, all! So, no promises, but I would like to try to do a Monday Musings post every other week. 

Midway through the month (and almost a full week after my brother, Luke, and I walked 22 miles), Luke, Marah, and I served at a western-themed benefit dinner hosted by our church. Slicked up in jeans (or, in Marah's and my case, jean skirts), white button-up shirts, boots, and bandanas, we poured drinks, took orders, served food, and chatted with the other volunteers. It was a lot of fun and a great opportunity for us to come out to serve, support a good cause, and shine Christ's light! Of course, as I said already, it was about a week after Luke and I had walked 22 miles, so the blister on my heel was nearly rubbed raw by my boot by the time the evening was over, but that detracted only minimally from my enjoyment.

Luke, Marah, and me.

The next day (Saturday), my family enjoyed a morning out pedal boating, fishing, playing at the park, and watching Fern chase after a goose (that last was pretty funny 😂). We also tangled with a wasps' nest (*shudders*) and Mom and Ruby got stung. Thankfully, although it was the first time either one of them had ever been stung by a wasp, neither displayed any signs of being allergic. We got them an ice pack and "sting relief" pads and then headed home, picking up apple cider slushies from a local farm on the way.

My beautiful mama 💜

That same afternoon, we again made snacks for the fellowship period at our church. Mom made pumpkin bread, Marah sugar cookies, Lucy blueberry muffins, and me pumpkin chocolate chip cookies (or "pillows," as my siblings like to call them). Yum.

These cookies are one of my siblings' favorite seasonal treats. They also won me first place at our county fair a couple years back. If you would like to try them, go HERE for the recipe (note: the only thing I change about the recipe is that I use one cup of chocolate chips instead of two).

A week and a midterm exam (for me) later, we went to the zoo, which was lots of fun! We hadn't been there in six years, and the last time we went it was super hot; this time, we chose a cooler day. How amazing to read about and observe more of God's masterful and unique handiwork! Orangutans, panda bears, cheetahs, tigers, rare and exotic birds, fish, and plants . . .  

Well, that is it for now, but I hope to come back with another post in a couple weeks, so stay tuned!

Did you enjoy reading this post? Do you plan to try making a batch of pumpkin pillows? When was the last time you went to the zoo? Comment below!

Not just surviving, 

Ellen S.

Monday Musings // I Walked 22 Miles

What is this?? A Monday Musings post?? I just checked, and I haven't done one of these posts since September of last year. *gasps*

Last week was busy, busy, busy. I had my first literary analysis to write on top of all my other usual assignments for my two college courses, and I made it my mission to get all my work written and submitted by 6:30 PM on Friday because I had big plans for the weekend.

First, my brother, Luke, and I saw the Kendrick brothers' new film Lifemark at the theater from 7:00 to 9:00 Friday evening. The movie was good, although not my favorite of theirs (Overcomer will probably forever hold that title). 

The movie was not political, but it was inspiring and very pro-life. It had a lot of sentimental moments (more so than any other of the Kendrick brothers' films), but also some humor (thanks to Nate, LOL). If you enjoy movies that are clean, Christian, based on real life events, carry a strong moral message, and will quite possibly make you cry, check out Lifemark. 

The timing of this movie night was perfect, as Luke and I had committed to walking 22 miles to raise funds for our local CareNet pregnancy center the very next day (Saturday). I will be honest - that was a long, hard walk, especially the last 4 miles, when we were running dangerously low on water (I had only a few sips left in my bottle) and our legs and feet were on fire. Brutal is the only word I can think of to describe it. We were not even sure if we could make it . . . at times I thought my body would give out on me. We had no intentions of giving up, however. We watched for benches, and when those seemed few and far in between, we sat on the ground until we had caught at least a smidgen of our second wind. Then we climbed back to our feet and resumed walking, cheering at every mile marker we passed. 4, 3, 2 . . .

I had read during my devotions that morning that God delights in the person "who keeps an oath even when it hurts" (Ps. 15.4, NIV). I had told all my sponsors I was doing 22 miles; when I signed up for the walk, I said I would do 22; and so, I planned to keep my word . . . even though it hurt. 

Partway through our last mile, Mom, Dad, and the kids (oh, and Fern) met up with us. Seeing them gave me a renewed sense of purpose and energy, and I jogged a short distance before ending. As I write this post, my feet are blistered and sore and my legs and lower back are achy and stiff, but boy! it was worth it. We raised a lot of money (more than I had counted on), and it was all for a very good cause. Some pictures from Saturday . . . 

We walked the entire trail (11 miles), then walked back (another 11 miles). Here I am at mile 16.

With 5 miles left to go, Luke ran out of water.

4 miles left to go, and I was emotionally and physically exhausted. Every muscle in my body that could hurt, did.

Finishing strong!

And here we are at the end, almost 7 hours after we started walking, feeling tired and sore . . . but so accomplished!

Did you enjoy reading this post? Have you missed my Monday Musings? Do you want to watch Lifemark? Have you walked 22 miles in one day before? Comment below!

Blessings,

Ellen

Updates // I am a College Freshman!

Today, Monday, August 22nd, officially marks the first day of my college freshman year. *mind blown* It feels like just yesterday I was wondering when I would ever grow up and go to college . . . and now, that day is here. It's crazy, and while I am feeling some nervousness, mainly I am excited about what's ahead and trusting God to see me through. Philippians 4:6-7, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God," has been my go-to verse since the start of 2022, when I was enrolled in two of the most stressful courses of my life as an early college program student with Regent. Surely my first literature class won't be half as stressful, right? xD

I am still in absolute, utter awe that God has brought me to this point. I am officially an English major (whoohoo!), I get to do all my classes from home, and recently I have taken some pretty big steps in my job. Over the summer I trained to help students with their reading and study skills as well as their writing, making me now not just a writing tutor, but an academic coach. The work is awesome, and I love it. <3 <3 <3

Looking ahead, I realize the 4-year journey will be challenging, but also rewarding. And because God has opened the door and made it clear to me that this is what He wants me to do, I plan to give it my all. 

In everything [King Hezekiah] . . . sought his God and worked wholeheartedly, and so he prospered (2 Chronicles 31:21).

Friends, college might not be what God has in mind for you right now, but no matter what it is He has called you to do, just remember: you have a purpose, you're being used in some amazing ways, and you are loved by a God who will do nothing less than love you perfectly. 

As His workmanship made in His image,

We. Were. Made. To. THRIVE.

Not just surviving,

Ellen S.

"Midnight's Budding Morrow" // Book Review

The following is a review for a marriage-of-convenience book, a genre of which I have recently discovered I am fond. Older readers (I would recommend 18+) might find this genre to be enjoyable, as well.  

I have read some especially good marriage-of-convenience books over the past year, but for now, I am going to highlight just one of my favorites, which is Midnight's Budding Morrow by Carolyn Miller. I give it 4/5 stars for the brilliant writing style, endearing characters, and of course, engaging plotline. The back-cover summary:

Can real love grow between a wallflower and an unrepentant rogue? Sarah Drayton is eager to spend time with her best friend at her crumbling Northumberland castle estate. Matrimony is the last thing on her mind and the last thing she expects to be faced with on a holiday. Yet she finds herself being inveigled into a marriage of convenience with her friend's rakish brother.

When James Langley returns to his family's estate, he can't be bothered to pay attention to his responsibilities as the heir. War is raging and he wants only distraction, not serious tethers. But his roguish ways have backed him into a corner, and he has little choice but to obey his father's stunning decree: marry before returning to war, or else. Suddenly he finds himself wedded to a clever and capable woman he does not love.

Sarah craves love and a place to belong, neither of which James offered before returning to the battlefront. Now everyone around her thinks she married above her station, and they have no intention of rewarding her for such impertinence. It isn't until her husband returns from war seemingly changed that she begins to hope they may find real happiness. But can she trust that this rake has truly reformed?

When tragedy strikes, this pair must learn to trust God and his plans. Will they be destroyed . . . or will they discover that even in the darkest depths of night, the morning still holds hope?

MY REVIEW:

From the moment I saw this beautiful cover and read the synopsis, I knew it was going on my (immediate) to-read shelf. This book was nothing like what I expected, but I still really enjoyed it. 

First off, I loved, loved, loved how truly Christian this book was! Plus, considering the content, it was still super clean and, with the exception of James' impassioned kiss in the ballroom (before he and Sarah married), it did not make me cringe. There was a twinge of mystery, and of course, deep, riveting moments that held my heart tight and wouldn't let go. If you are fond of romance, strong Christian morals, and characters that can pull you into their world and make you sad, angry, and happy by turns, I would strongly recommend that you consider Midnight's Budding Morrow!

WHERE YOU CAN FIND THIS BOOK:

Amazon || Goodreads || The author's website

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kregel Publications in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Have you ever read any marriage of convenience books? Did you enjoy them? Does this book sound like something you'd be interested in reading? Comment below!

Blessings,

Ellen

The End of July // Time to Catch Up

The past couple of months have been busy ones for my family. I turned 18 in May (yay!), we were sick for all of June (a nasty, nasty bug from which I am still recovering), Connor and I did 30 hrs. of virtual classroom time for driver's ed, then we got our permits . . . 

(we've practiced driving for approx. two hours now, and I continue to feel quite terrified behind the wheel of a car. but I have found that listening to music greatly increases my focus while on the road.)

. . . Mom and I enjoyed a short vacation in Lancaster, PA, where we spent hours perusing the antique and book stores, saw DAVID at Sight & Sound Theater, and just enjoyed some down time in good ol' Amish/Mennonite country.

. . . my parents celebrated 22 years of marriage (*happy dance*), and I surprised them with a batch of homemade pineapple upside down cupcakes that ended up turning out really, really good (*more happy dancing*). I made the cupcakes again later on in the month for the fellowship period at our church.

to begin, I layered melted butter, dollops of brown sugar, and sliced pineapple pieces in a cupcake tin . . .

next, I stirred up the batter, poured it into the tin, and stuck the tin in the oven, then munched pretzels and exchanged a thumbs-up with my little kitchen buddy, Ruby. 😍

finally, after pulling the cupcakes out of the oven and letting them sit in the tin for an additional five minutes, I flipped the pan over and plop! plop! plop! out they all fell, looking golden, moist, and delicious. bon appetit! 
(okay, moment of honesty . . . it was more like one missed the parchment and hit the floor, pineapple-and-buttery-sugar side down, and many of the rest that did land on the parchment landed upright, which meant I had to flip them over and press back on the pineapple pieces that had fallen off. still, the end result was the same . . . melt-in-your-mouth yumminess.)

. . . I am also working 11 hours a week now and I LOVE my job SO MUCH. I praise God often for bringing me to this point of my life. College classes start up again on August 22nd, so I will have to begin balancing school and work, but I am ready for the challenge. Trusting God to see me through 💗

Fern is continuing to grow. She weighs 11 pounds now and has learned a few commands (sit, lay, jump up, stay . . . we're still working on that last one). It feels as if now that we have a dog, we are suddenly connecting with almost everyone in the neighborhood where we've lived for fourteen years!

My friend, Emma, and I spent a morning out. It was a lot of fun. We browsed a local flea market, ate lunch, splurged on a purchase of macaroons (for my siblings) and a couple of the random, pretty, little knickknacks that made us smile.

My family and I visited the Museum of the Bible again (we went for the first time four years ago and enjoyed it then, but because the kids are older, it was even more enjoyable this time around).

And . . . I think that's it! Comment below and tell me what your favorite part/photo from this post was, and/or what you've been up to in my absence! I would love to hear.

Not just surviving,

Ellen S.

I Graduated from High School!

Last week I celebrated reaching a huge milestone: graduating from high school. A few days before that, I opened my own bank account, and earlier on in the month, I started my first job. I get excited to think of all the ways I have witnessed God's hand in my life over the years, and especially now as I embark on this newest chapter and He reveals to me just how He has been using certain things (like school) to get me exactly where He wants me right here, right now. Lord willing, I will be working my job through the summer, doing driver's ed, enjoying time with my family, and then . . . entering college as a full-time student in the fall to get my degree in English. But none of this would have been possible without God and my family. God has been paving the way for me; He has given me a drive and a focus; I am seeing all my hopes and dreams come to life right before my very eyes. And all I can say is thank You, Jesus. 

Thank you also, Mom and Dad, for teaching me and leading me; for not giving up on me, even on my more difficult days. Thank you for your support and love. Thank you for all you've done that has allowed me to thrive, to learn and grow and seek to have a heart like Jesus. Your impact has gone a long, long way into shaping me into the person who I am today. I love you both so much <3

If you are a high/middle/elementary student struggling to finish . . . if you think the dull, boring subjects don't matter or your efforts aren't worth it . . . think again. Someday you, too, will be able to look back and see the fruits of your endeavors. Someday you, too, can reflect and think on all the ways of how God used even something like school to grow you; how He provided and brought you through it. And if you're a homeschooled student like I was from kindergarten through high school, consider yourself especially blessed that your mom (and/or dad) recognizes your purpose and potential enough that they have decided to personally pour into you. Treat them with the respect they deserve; come to them for help when you need it; and definitely let them know you appreciate them. Your family gives you the support no one else ever could.

Well, farewell for now. I hope to come back soon with a book review, though, so stay tuned.

Not just surviving,

Ellen S.

We Got a Dog?!

I never thought I would be writing these words . . . honestly, getting a cat last year seemed more believable than what has most recently transpired in the Senechal household.

And this means that yes, you read the post title correctly: we. got. a. dog. She's a sweet, 12-week-old Cavapoo puppy named Fern. We brought her home last Saturday and are working on potty/crate training her. So far there's been no accidents (there's always somebody available to hustle her outside when she starts showing signs of needing to go), so . . . yay!

Isn't she adorable?

Time to brush that beautiful, curly fur!

In a family as big as ours, she definitely gets plenty of exercise, snuggles, and playtime! Our walks/short jaunts with her are the best.

Next on the agenda is to teach her to obey basic commands ("no," "come," etc.). If you have any tips to share on raising/training a puppy, by all means feel free to drop a comment (or two!) below; I'd love to hear from you. 😄

Blessings,

Ellen

Say I Won't

In November of 2021, I was away from home doing volunteer work when my phone beeped, alerting me to a new message. It was Tuesday, which meant the Regent University newsletter was out. I took a lunch break and, over two slices of cinnamon bread and a bag of oyster crackers, I read through the email. I skimmed quickly through the majority of the photos and announcements, but then a section of the newsletter seemed to fairly jump out at me, and my heart skipped a beat. The section was titled Tutor Interest Meeting, followed by this description: "If you are a strong writer and passionate about serving other students, come learn how to join the University's tutoring team. We welcome both undergraduate and graduate students as well as both on-campus and online students..." I screenshotted the section and texted it to Mom with the question What do you think? Mom was fully on-board with the idea, and so I signed up to attend the virtual meeting. I wasn't sure if they would be okay with a 17-year-old who was not even yet a full-time student tutoring, but I figured it wouldn't hurt to find out more about the position . . . especially because I knew immediately that with all my heart, I wanted this job. Before and after the meeting, I prayed about it, and God was already working in mysterious, wonderful ways. 

In order to tutor, I had to complete my ENGL 102 class with an A as well as take an 8-week training course. When I went to register for these courses, I encountered unexpected problems. I was told I couldn't take the tutoring training class as an early college program/high school student, and I certainly couldn't take it until I had done ENGL 102. Not ready to give up, I submitted a petition to the university and witnessed God's hand in my life once again when it got accepted. Now not only was I allowed to take the training course as a high school student, but I could also take it alongside ENGL 102. And thus began eight of the most academically challenging weeks of my life as I formatted and wrote papers, posted and responded to dialogue posts with my peers, researched the women's rights movements (for a 12-page research paper that I had less than a week to draft), etc., facing both discouragements and victories along the way. I will be honest and admit that there were a couple times when I wanted to drop one or both courses; when I told myself I couldn't do it; when I complained or wondered if I was wrong, if this wasn't what God had called me to do. And I will also tell you that along the way, I learned a lot. Spiritually and academically. I learned that tutoring isn't like editing in that I can't do the work for the student; I learned how to cite a source in true MLA format, as well as APA and Turabian;  I learned how to write a polished research/argumentative paper; and I learned that to thrive, I need to persevere in Christ's strength alone and do my absolute best with whatever He sets before me to do (have I mentioned that "thrive" is my word for the year?). Philippians 4:6, "do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God," took on a whole new meaning for me. 

Also during this time, I came across a song that is now my go-to called "Say I Won't" by the contemporary Christian band MercyMe. One of my favorite lines from that song? Keep saying I won't, and I'll keep proving you wrong. Regent originally told me I couldn't take the training course, and I couldn't do it with ENGL 102; but through the strength and provision of God alone, I proved them wrong. I did both courses at the same time and flourished. Around me, adults are saying teenagers can't apply themselves, can't do hard things; but through the strength and provision of God alone, teens can prove them wrong.

Following the completion of these two courses, I applied for the job, and in the next couple of weeks, I got an interview. Two months and several steps into the application process later, I finally received their decision. My family was just loading up into the van after a morning spent strawberry-picking at a local farm. With my hands sticky from berry juice and baby wipes, I pulled out my phone and saw the subject line of a new email: Welcome to the Writing Lab Tutoring Team! To say the least, I was. so. thrilled. I started cheering and hollering, "I got it! I got it!" I played MercyMe's song on the radio as we headed home, listened to the lyrics, and cried as I reflected on all it had taken to get me to this point. God had had His hand in the whole thing, that was for sure, and I had worked so hard, but it was so worth it. I filled out the paperwork and am planning to start tutoring tomorrow. For now I am working 6 hours a week, but I am hoping that as I grow more comfortable in my job, I can do more.

Typing this post out now, I am still in awe. I have a job doing something I absolutely love to do. It's in line with my major and my future career. And I have God alone to thank for it.

Thank you, Jesus, indeed.

Prayers for strength and grace and that I will shine Christ's light in the workplace would be greatly appreciated. And I hope that this post served as a reminder to you that when others tell you that you can't do something hard or important, through God, you can prove them wrong and bring our Savior glory.

I'm gonna run; no, I'm gonna fly.

I'm gonna know what it means to live, and not just be alive. 

Not just surviving,

Ellen S.

Congratulations, Winner!

Congratulations to Sadie S., the winner of my 2-year book birthday giveaway! Please contact me ASAP through the email address listed in the comments below to claim your prize! If I do not hear from you by Thursday of next week (May 5), I will have to pick a new winner.

Congrats again, and thanks to all who entered!

Blessings,

Ellen

"Yosemite at Last" and "Stranger in the Glade" Book Reviews

Yosemite at Last: And Other Tales from Memory Creek Ranch

Christian YA reads that are clean, wholesome, and truly "Christian" are steadily becoming harder to find, so I am especially thankful for those few that I have the privilege of adding to my shelf . . . like Susan K. Marlow's Circle C Milestones series, and particularly Yosemite at Last: And Other Tales from Memory Creek Ranch, the fifth book in the series.

While I have read and enjoyed all of Mrs. Marlow's books to date, Yosemite at Last will probably always be my favorite.
This book was originally self-published as Tales from Memory Creek Ranch, but it was re-published by Kregel Publications on March 15, 2022, with a new title, a fresh cover, and yes, even some brand-new, never-before-seen-in-print stories!
The previous book in the Circle C Milestones series, Courageous Love, left readers hanging regarding Andi and Riley's courtship year, wedding, honeymoon, and married life. Even with the addition of the self-published Tales from Memory Creek Ranch to the series, Andi and Riley's honeymoon adventure alone was not given justice since it was only briefly mentioned in one of Andi's journal entries as being uneventful. With Andi involved, how is it possible that anything can go uneventfully, much less a honeymoon in the wilderness? Hence, the all-new story "Yosemite at Last" (after which the re-published book is titled) is sure to be a favorite for long-time Andi fans and new readers alike as it expands on the couple's disastrous, week-long honeymoon trip . . . complete with the perfect ending scene that makes the whole story worth reading.
Besides getting to see more of Andi and Riley's wedding and reception and trek along with them on their honeymoon, readers will also find out more of what happened during the year Riley and Andi courted (including a hilarious account of how Riley learned to dance), welcome a new member to the Prescott family (!), and meet a specter from Andi's past with whom she and Riley must offer a second chance (a story that continues to tug at my heart every time I read it). This book can be read as a standalone, but to enjoy it to the fullest I would recommend reading the rest of the Milestones series first.

Believe me, Yosemite at Last: And Other Tales from Memory Creek Ranch is a book you won't want to miss!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kregel Publications in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Stranger in the Glade: And More Tales from Memory Creek Ranch

Life has not calmed down for the Prescotts since the last installment in the series (Yosemite at Last: And Other Tales from Memory Creek Ranch). Some of their newest adventures include having old friends (and enemies) reappear, finding a stranger in their hidden glade, Andi learning a few fresh lessons on forgiveness and gratitude, a rabid raccoon sneaking in during the dead of night, and Andi and Riley experiencing the biggest surprise of their lives when they try to enjoy a relaxing visit with Kate and the kids in San Francisco. These adventures test Andi's faith and help her mature as a wife and mother.

Some of my favorite stories were "Winter Ice for Summer" (one of the FOUR new stories since Kregel re-published the book), "Nanny Riley" (this story still makes me smile, even two years since it was first released . . . and especially now with fresh short scenes and details woven in), "A Night to Remember" (also new - and confirms that hands down, Riley is my favorite fictional male character ever), and "San Francisco Suprise" (you'll find out why I like this one when you read it *winks*).

I  would 100% recommend this book to long-time Andi fans who've enjoyed the former five books in the Circle C Milestones series (Thick as Thieves, Heartbreak Trail, The Last Ride, Courageous Love, and Yosemite at Last).

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Have you read either one of these books? Do you want to? Are there are any clean Christian YA reads you would recommend? Comment below!

Blessings,

Ellen

"The Whispers God Gives" is Two Years Old!

 Today two years ago my thirty-day devotional book, The Whispers God Gives, was released to the world. I went back and reread my post from that day and started feeling excited all over again. *grins* To celebrate, it's time for a giveaway!

Full credit for this image goes to Sawyer Marie.

The prize: a signed paperback copy of The Whispers God Gives.

How to enter: simply drop a comment below letting me know you're entering. BONUS ENTRIES if you . . . 1). also tell me why you want a copy of my book, and/or 2). follow Ellen's Musings!

Final details: this giveaway runs from Thursday, April 21, to Tuesday, April 26. The winner will be announced at the end of that time. Due to shipping costs, this giveaway is open to U.S.A residents only (sorry, international friends).

Good luck!

Blessings,

Ellen

First Post of 2022 // In Which I Explain My Absence

Helloooo, blogging world! I've missed you guys. Happy New Year! (A little late, I know.)

To quickly sum up what's been going on in my life over the past few months (and perhaps satisfactorily explain my absence from this blog) . . . 

• We caught COVID (the omicron variant, which was miserable while it lasted but not the worst thing ever)
• Since December, I have had Bible study almost every Thursday evening with some wonderful young ladies including my sister, Marah
• I took two 8-week college courses that were challenging but oh, so rewarding
• By God's grace alone, I managed to write a 12-page research essay draft in less than a week for one of those aforementioned courses
• Snow
• Warm weather
• More snow
• More warm weather!
  
• New books!
• As an awesome early 18th birthday from my parents, my mom took me to my second Casting Crowns concert . . . this time with pre-show experience tickets so that, before the concert, we could have a Question-and-Answer (Q&A) session with my very most favorite band ever!
• I watched the movies War Room and Fireproof (both of which were fantastic, but I especially liked War Room and rewatched it with my mom the following day)

Now, for the pictures!

Reviews for this book and Stranger in the Glade coming soon!

I am making my way through this book for the Bible class I am currently taking. I am only a couple chapters in, but it is already promising to be a good read!

An afternoon in the bookstore! I left with a copy of Elinor by Shannon McNear, Secrets of the Heart by Al and Joanna Lacy, and A Christmas Promise by Thomas Kinkade and Katherine Spencer.

Two Weeks by Karen Kingsbury was an . . . interesting book, and one I would not necessarily recommend, but nonetheless I enjoy reading my books over a good meal . . . like warm sourdough French toast. Mm!

Mom and me at the concert!

Q&A with the band!

In our seats :-)
(the auditorium filled up fast shortly after I took this picture)

We arrived early enough to see them setting up the stage for Casting Crowns' song Crazy People before the concert started! This song was one of my favorites from that night.

Mom and me sporting our matching "Healer" shirts (souvenirs from the concert) and jean skirts :-) 

How have you been?? Did you have a favorite picture from this post? Do you like Casting Crowns' music or listened to any of the songs from "Healer," their newest album? Have you read the two updated Tales books? Comment below!

Blessings,

Ellen S.