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

Musing #108 - The Funniest Story You'll Ever Read

Six years ago I entered Mrs. Marlow's first-ever Circle C Writing Contest. I entered in the ages 6-9 category with a story called "Taffy is Missing!" I didn't win, but I had tons of fun. Looking at that story now, I can't help but laugh. It. is. so. historically. inaccurate!! To find out for yourself just what I mean, you'll to have to read my entry (pasted below). I didn't fix any typos or do the editing I now so earnestly desire to do. ;-) So, #keepingitreal. And I mean, we all have to start somewhere, right? LOL
NOTE: you have my permission to laugh. 

Taffy is Missing

Ellen Senechal

"Mom! Mom!" Andi cried as she ran inside the house. "Taffy wasn't in her pasture when I came for her!" Andi panted.

"Is she in the barn Andrea?" Mother asked.

Andi shook her head. "I'm telling you mom, she's missing!"

"Who's missing?" Justin who'd just come into the house asked.

"Taffy!" Andi yelled.

"Don't yell dear," Mother said.

Justin sat at the table with a plate of pancakes. "Taffy is old enough to jump the pasture fence," Justin declared.

Andi screamed, "Taffy is gone for good!" Andi started crying.

Mother sat down on a chair and pulled Andi up on her lap. Mother gave Andi a tight hug and said, "Don't cry honey. Once breakfast is over, you and Justin can go look for her."

Andi cheered up at the thought.

After breakfast, Justin and Andi got up on Star, Justin's Horse. Off they went into the woods. Andi held tight to a brown bag of lunch for her and Justin. Star trotted slowly through the woods. His hooves made a crackling noise as he trotted across fallen leaves on the ground.

Suddenly, Justin made Star's trots into gallops. Andi laughed. She had fun galloping with her biggest and best brother! Star galloped to a big rock where Justin stopped him and hopped off. Andi got off too.

They sat beside the rock and opened up the bag of lunch. Inside there was: a lump of sugar for taffy, carrot sticks, apples (one for each), peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, and a bottle of grape juice for each. Andi ate her sandwich and grape juice but saved her carrots, apple, and sugar for Taffy. Andi and Justin got back up on Star and galloped away.

"Justin!" Andi cried. "Is that...is that...Taffy?!?!?!" Justin looked. He turned Star in the direction Andi was pointing at. There a golden, not pale golden, horse stood. He was tied to a tree. The horse had a brown mane instead of white, and he looked younger than Taffy. The horse whinnied.

"Nope.  Not Taffy," Justin said. Justin was right. Even the whinny sounded weird. They hopped back up on Star and galloped away.

About an hour later, Andi got hungry and thirsty. She was also tired. Justin took her to Woods Creek. Andi drank some creek water then ate some of her carrot sticks. After she had her fill, she got up onto Star and into Justin's lap. There she slept contentedly.

A half hour later, Andi woke up. Star was galloping, and Justin steered him. Andi rubbed her sleepy eyes. 

Star kept galloping. Justin whistled for Taffy, and Andi called for her horse. Suddenly...crunch!  Something was moving in the bushes! Star stood still. Andi jumped off Star and ran to the bushes.

It was Taffy! Her hoof was caught in the bushes' thistles. Andi thought fast. She called for Justin who came running. Justin tried removing the thistles. Andi fed Taffy her sugar, apple, and leftover carrots. Taffy ate it all for she was very hungry. Finally, Justin had removed all the thistles. Andi looked at Taffy's hoof. It was bleeding and swollen.

"She won't be able to trot or gallop," Justin said.

"We must help her." Andi started to cry. Her horse was hurt!

Justin got up on Star and said, "I'll go get Chad. He knows about horses. You stay here with Taffy."

Andi watched as Star galloped away with Justin. Tears leaked out from her eyes. "Taffy is hurt and now mean-bossy Chad is coming!" she said to herself. Andi patted Taffy's nose.

Taffy whinnied. She was hungry. So was Andi. Andi put her hand into her pocket and pulled out an Oreo she had saved. She slowly nibbled it. Andi finished her Oreo then reached into her pocket again. She pulled out seven red-yummy-looking cherries she had found by Taffy's pasture. Andi gave Taffy four of the yummy cherries then ate the other three. After their snack, Andi and Taffy fell asleep. 

The next thing Andi knew she was being picked up. Justin was carrying her. Justin placed Andi into a wagon with Taffy. Then Justin got up with Chad in the front seat and clutched a giddy-up to the two horses Janes and James. Janes and James pulled the wagon. 

Andi was happy. Things were alright! Andi laid down and went back to sleep.

The End.

Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches? Bottles of grape juice? OREOS?? XD I'm so thankful to be able to say I have improved in my writing and in the accuracy of my Andi stories since 2013. ;D

Comment below and let me know your thoughts on this unique little musing! 

Musing #107 - The Simple Writer's Tag

I've decided to make my own tag. I've never done it before, but there's a first time to everything, right? ;D This one is called "The Simple Writer's Tag," and these are the rules:

1. Link back to the person who started the tag
2. Answer the ten "Simple Writer's" questions
3. Tag as many writing friends as you'd like!

*Here is where I would post "The Simple Writer's Tag" graphic . . . if I had one. Sadly, however, I'm not a graphic designer ☹ If the tag circles back to someone who does design graphics, feel free to invent one of your own!*

The questions:

1. How do you like to write, by typewriter, pen, or computer? Computer!

2. Do you prefer to write in the first or third person? Definitely first. :-)

3. Do you enjoy doing one POV or multiple POVs? Depends if I'm going for short story or full-length novel.

4. What's your favorite genre to write about? Christian.

5. Who is your strongest writing supporter? My mom!! (and everyone else in my big family, and my friends, and my favorite author . . . yeah, I have a ton of writing supporters, but none as amazing as my mama 😉)

6. What is one thing that gives you inspiration to write? Well, believe it or not . . . food. Just hearing the name of something tasty spurs me to the computer. (the characters may or may not eat a lot in my books . . .)

7. Do you like revision? Uh, yes and no. During revision, when my book is marked up in red and there're comments running all along the sides, I want to scream. Why can't a book be perfect the first time around?? But in the end, I'm quite thankful for revision . . . and I do so love editing others' files. :-)

8. Poems or stories? Stories!! 

9. Can you listen to music while you write? Yes, yes, YES! Who can write without it??

10. Present or past tense? Present is so much more fun! 

Now it's your turn!

I tag:

Sandrina
Emma
Lilly
Lily Cat
Brooklyn
Izzy
Brooklyne
Libby May
Laura
Sawyer Marie

. . . as well as anyone else who'd like to do this tag, whether on their own personal blogs or in the comments below. 
Can't wait to see your answers!

Blessings,
Ellen

Reasons Why You Should and Should Not Follow My Blog

Recently I’ve noticed something going around on the blogosphere that I feel should be addressed, and that’s the subject of followers. Too many people come on and follow a blog for the wrong reasons. Sometimes they’ll do it so that you will come and check out their blog. Then, when you don’t play the game, you’re unfollowed. Or what about those who follow your blog and constantly compare themselves to you? Rather than being built up by the content that you post, they’re torn down.
Thus, this post, titled “Reasons Why You Should and Should Not Follow My Blog.” You may not agree with everything I share in this post, but that’s all right. We’re each entitled to our own thoughts and opinions, and I respect that. In the same way, please respect what I believe. If you’re of the same opinion as me, that’s great. If not, that’s fine too.

So, let’s begin!

First:


REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD NOT FOLLOW MY BLOG

·   Your walk with Christ is hampered by what I share

·   You tear yourself down when you read my posts by comparing your writing to mine, your relationship with Christ to mine, etc.

·    You think you’re obliged to follow me because I’ve followed you or left a comment on your blog

·    You want more followers for yourself

REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD FOLLOW MY BLOG

·    Your walk with Christ is strengthened by what I share

·    You’re encouraged by the content on this blog

·    You want to stay updated on the blogger’s new baby sister, or on the projects she’s currently at work upon (😊)

·    A friend has recommended following my blog

·    You’ve prayed, you’ve thought, and you’ve stalked me for a bit, finally deciding that yes, you’d like to follow me

So here are the reasons I could think of. If you have any more you’d like to offer for either section (should not or should), be sure and comment below. 

Now this is not to say that I don’t want to find other bloggers out there. I don’t mean that at all. Actually, I love encouraging new bloggers, dropping comments, and adding blogs to my follower’s list. But instead of following me for the wrong reason, I’d prefer that the blogger would simply leave a comment, telling me, “Hey, I recently started a blog. Would you mind checking it out? Here’s the link . . .” I’ve had a number of you do this, so thank you. 😊 

Okay, there’s my soapbox. Thanks so much for reading, and I’d love to hear your thoughts on this as well! You’ll find the comment section below.

Signing off for now,

Ellen

Musing #106 - Bookmail!! (and Reviews)

Yay! I received my copies of Jem Strikes Gold and Jem's Frog Fiasco yesterday and added them to my overflowing Andi-and-Jem shelf last night. That means . . . it's review time. :-)

JEM STRIKES GOLD

Jem Strikes Gold was a fun read, and I give it four stars. I sat down with my seven-year-old brother and three of my sisters as soon as the book arrived and read aloud the first chapter. They were hooked, and I look forward to sharing more with them. I'm not the biggest fan of books centered around bullies, but I do like the lesson you can learn from this: be still and do the right thing, and God will take care of you. (Read the book, and you'll see what I mean.) 
I recommend Jem Strikes Gold for girls and boys ages 6 and up. 






JEM'S FROG FIASCO

Really enjoyed this one; I rate it five stars. Even my one-year-old sister benefited from this book! She carried it around, studying the cover and pretending to read, then brought it to Mom. Pointing to the frogs on the cover, she said, "Ribbit, ribbit!" Mom asked her to find other things in the book as well, and my sister enjoyed showing off the numerous illustrations to us both. :-) It was so sweet!

Anyway . . . more on the book: Jem takes on the job of catching frogs for the cafe owner in Goldtown, but his sister, Ellie, seems to get in his way all the time. Finally, after a big fight between the two, Ellie disappears. Where is she? Jem determines to find her and bring her home. 

Like Jem Strikes Gold, I recommend this book for girls and boys ages 6 and up. Through this book readers both young and old will learn the value of siblings . . . as well as the effect ugly words can have on people. 

So tickled to see my name in here as "Mama Coulter." ;-)

                                                                                                           

Are you excited for these books? Have you read Susan K. Marlow's "Goldtown Adventures" series? Let's talk in the comments below!

Musing #105 - More About My NaNoWriMo Project

Interested in knowing more about the novel I'm writing for NaNoWriMo? Read on for the synopsis, excerpt, genres, current word count, and a moving song that fits one of the main characters!

BACK-COVER SUMMARY:


Life is so hard to fight alone, and that’s the problem young Sophia English faces as she steps upon the soil of America for the first time ever. Having originally left her homeland with her beloved husband only a short while ago, she had never thought it would happen this way: that a freak accident would change her life forever . . . and leave her stranded on a land she knows nothing about. Sophia struggles to understand the reasons behind it all. Amid the tears and questions, her heart is stirred up with a hope: Is there truly Someone out there Who cares for her, is with her every second of her life? Or is this “Jesus” all a made-up fantasy tale? After all, if Jesus were real, why had He let all these bad things occur in her life?

EXCERPT:


“Mrs. English?” Knuckles rap on my door. “Mrs. English, we’ve arrived.”
I look up, snuggling my shawl closer around me. I watch as the door to my cabin trembles from a crew member trying in vain to get it open. 
“Mrs. English,” I cringe at the desperation in his voice, “please come out.”
Not yet, I return silently. I don’t want to see my husband’s land. I gaze again upon the pillow beside me. The pillow that, in my imagination, still feels warm from my husband’s head. The head that laid there just hours before the accident . . . two weeks ago. 
The last thing on earth I want to do is set foot on the land we always talked about together. The land where he told me we’d be happy together. The land where he told me we’d – 
I shake my head to clear the thoughts, the memories, but they only press harder at me. I shut my eyes, and a single tear leaks out. Why’d you leave me, John? Why’d you break your word? I need you! I simply can’t live without you. I can’t!

GENRES:

Young Adult, Christian

CURRENT TOTAL WORD COUNT:

17,051 words

SONG:

Did you enjoy this sneak peek? How's your NaNoWriMo project coming along? Do you think you'll make it to 50,000 words? Let's talk in the comments below! 

Musing #104 - "What If I Gave Everything?" ~ Part 1

I sit down in my chair and reach for the speaker that sits on my desk. "You want some music?" I ask my one-year-old sister, who answers, "All 'ight!" I smile and press down on the button. A moment later, and the bluetooth speaker comes to life. I connect it with my device and click the Pandora icon. It isn't long before the music begins to slip through, starting with one of my favorites, "You Are Good" by Nichole Nordeman, and evenutally turning to a song by Casting Crowns that (believe it or not) I've never heard before called "What If I Gave Everything?" Interested, I perk my ears, and my sister begins to nod her head to the beat.
The words immediately catch me:

All my life I longed to be a hero
My sword raised high, running to the battle
I was gonna take giants down
Be a man you would write about
Deep in my chest, is the heart of a warrior

So why am I still standing here
Why am I still holding back, from You
I hear You call me out into deeper waters
But I settled on a shallow end
So why am I still standing here

I was so afraid, what it might cost to follow You
I'd walk by faith if I could, get these feet to move
But I don't wanna live that way
I don't wanna look back someday
On a life that never stepped across the line

So why am I still standing here
Why am I still holding back, from You
You've given me a faith, that can move a mountain
But I'm still playing in the sand

Building little kingdoms that will never stand
I hear You call me up, into deeper waters
But I settled on a shallow end (shallow end)
I'm so tired of standing here
What if I gave everything to You

What if I gave everything
What if I stopped holding back from You
Starting now, I'm stepping out onto deeper waters
What if I gave everything
What if I stopped holding back from You
Starting now, I'm stepping out onto deeper waters
I wanna see some mountains move

Ready to give everything
Say goodbye to standing here.

The song draws to a close, and, in response to the final verse, my sister crows, "G'bye!" I smile, still contemplating the words and how they apply to my life.
God used this song to show me two things, one of which I'll be sharing in this post. The second tidbit will be coming later (so be sure and keep an eye out for "What If I Gave Everything?" ~ Part 2).
As followers of Jesus, we're called to share the good news and spread the Gospel everywhere. As followers of Jesus, we're supposed to be brave and speak up for what's right. But as weak humans and vile sinners, we draw back, finding our seats on the "shallow end" of the ocean God is pulling us to, choosing instead to play in the "sand" - what's familiar, comfy, easy. 
We're holding back, holding on tight to the things that don't matter.
God never promised that being a Christian and telling others about Him would be easy, but He did promise that He would be with us through it all. 
And yet, when He nudges us to reach out to unbelievers, we plant our feet. We close our lips, clamp down on our calling. 
It's time to stop holding back. It's time to jump right into that deep water - time to share our faith, see mountains move. 
Are you ready to give everything? Say "goodbye" to standing here, and plummet forward?
Go ahead - He's got you.