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

"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

Happy Blog Birthday, Ellen's Musings! 😄

*hops on humming Happy Birthday to You . . .* I cannot believe my blog is 3 years old!!! The occasion is fully worthy of a giveaway, which is exactly what I have planned. 😄

Image credit: Sawyer Marie

THE PRIZES:

*A signed paperback copy of The Whispers God Gives

*A small notebook with the color of the cover similar to that of my devotional book

*A $10 Starbucks gift card

HOW TO ENTER:

Simply drop a comment below telling me how long you've been reading my blog, what your favorite post has been, or what posts you'd like to see from me in the future! Bonus entries if you follow my blog via Blogger (although being a follower is not a requirement to enter), give me a follow on Goodreads, leave a review for my book on any social media platform, or share the news of this giveaway with a friend. If you do it all, you'll get a total of five entries. Please note that, due to shipping costs, this giveaway is only open to US residents. Sorry, international friends ☹️

Have fun and good luck! This giveaway ends on Monday, December 20, and I will announce the winner the following day!

Blessings,

Ellen

The Need to Evangelize // My First YouTube Video!

I've recently been taking a speech course for school called Secrets of Great Communicators by Jeff Myers, and tonight video-taped for the first time my full-length speech focusing on the NEED TO EVANGELIZE (with my family as the audience). I'm so excited to be able to share it with you all on my mom's brand-new YouTube channel! Enjoy. 😄

Blessings,

Ellen S.

Winners!

Congratulations to Martha Abilene and Libby Powell, the two winners of my book birthday giveaway! 🥰🥳😃 Please send me your mailing information ASAP via my email address (found in the comments below). I can't wait to get your prizes shipped out!!

Thanks to everyone who participated in the giveaway! I enjoyed seeing all your entries. 😀 And an extra-special shout-out to all who not only took the time to read but also review my book over the past year. Your support has meant a lot. 💗

Keep shining for Him, my friends!

Blessings,

Ellen S.

April 21, 2021 // Book Birthday Giveaway!

I can't believe it's been a whole year since I published my book, The Whispers God Gives, on Amazon! I've loved seeing how God has used this devotional in my life and others' . . . even allowing me to give out copies around my neighborhood as a way to witness for Him. <33

Picture taken from a recent photo shoot w/ my sweet sister, Ruby Jane. =)

It's time to celebrate with another giveaway! After all, what's a book birthday without presents?!

Full credit for this image goes to Sawyer Marie.

There'll be two winners in this giveaway, each receiving a signed copy of The Whispers God Gives. Enter simply by dropping a favorite Bible verse in the comments below; one verse = one entry, and you can earn up to a maximum of three (3) entries total. Please note that international friends are welcome to participate in this giveaway, although if they win they'll get the PDF version instead of paperback. Winners announced this Saturday, Lord willing. Have fun! 

Blessings,

Ellen S.

December 15, 2020 // Giveaway Winner Announced!

Congratulations to Annalise O'Brien for winning the giveaway!! 🎉🎉🎉 And thanks to all who entered for helping make this two-year blogiversary an epic one. 😄 @Annalise, you'll find my contact information below. Please slip me an email ASAP with your mailing address and book of choice (either There Was Always Laughter In Our House or More Tales from Memory Creek Ranch), so I can get your prizes shipped out! 🤗

This day brings back soooo many special memories. Sitting at the dining room table, Sadie (then eleven months old) in her highchair, watching me as I typed up my first post. When that was done and the URL ready to be shared, I promptly (and virtually) squealed the news to some email buddies, who've stuck by me and cheered me on ever since. *beams* 

In two years' time, Ellen's Musings has exceeded a hundred followers total through Blogger and email. Three thousand comments have been submitted, accepted, and posted. Over two hundred posts published . . . two hundred more in drafts. 😂 It's been an amazing journey, one only God could orchestrate. I've met many, many wonderful people and have received so much encouragement and support from you all. Each new comment brings a warmth to my heart. 💗 You guys are truly the best! 

"May my meditation be pleasing to Him, for I rejoice in the LORD." Psalm 104:34

Blessings,

Ellen S.

Two Years Old // Blog Birthday Giveaway!!

Tuesday, December 15, 2020, will officially mark the two-year anniversary of Ellen's Musings. Soooo, to celebrate, it's time for a giveaway . . . quite possibly the biggest in the history of this blog. 😄 *alllll the confetti*

Watch the video below to find out what the prizes are, then read on for instructions! 

Ways you can enter:

💜Follow Ellen's Musings (via either email or Blogger)

💜Drop a comment with one (or all) of your favorite celebration emojis 🥳

💜Tell a friend or post about this giveaway on any social media site (IG, FB, Pinterest, your blog, Goodreads, etc.)

AND/OR

💜Watch the giveaway video 😀

You have from now until Monday, December 14, to submit your entries for a chance to win. Please note that this giveaway is open to USA residents only. 

Have fun and good luck!

Blessings,

Ellen S.

And the Winner Is . . .

I'm so excited to be announcing the winner to my fifty+ followers giveaway! I received a lot of entrants (and a total of over sixty entries!). Thanks to all of you for your enthusiastic support. I enjoyed reading every comment and raving over the brilliant ice cream flavors you guys chose. ;D This was super fun, and I hope to do it again sometime soon! (hmm, maybe when we reach one hundred followers?)

Okay, yes, I'm rambling, and I know y'all are eager to find out who won. Keep scrolling!

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The single blessed winner of the giveaway is . . . 

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REBEKAH ASHLEIGH!!!!

Congratulations, Rebekah! Please send your mailing address to my email (found in the comments below) ASAP. I can't wait to ship out your prizes! 

Thanks again to each one of you for helping celebrate this memorial occasion. For following along and making this whole thing possible. <3 Virtual ice cream and cake for everyone!

Blessings,

Ellen S. 

Fifty Followers + Giveaway!!!!!!!!!!!!!

IT'S HERE. The day of celebration, intense excitement, and plenty of confetti. 

And since we're partying online, there are NO social distancing rules or the need for goopy hand sanitizer or face masks. This area is completely safe and virus-free. ;D 

All are welcome to join the fun, so be sure to stick around for a while, leave a few comments, and enter the giveaway!

Oh, and in case you don't know why we're celebrating . . . 

Thanks to you guys, ELLEN'S MUSINGS OFFICIALLY REACHED FIFTY FOLLOWERS ON THURSDAY, JUNE 11TH, 2020.

*squeals* *bounces on toes* Is this amazing or what? Honestly, I feel so tickled. *grins* And, seeing as how the whole thing wouldn't be possible without all your encouragement and support, I think there's only one appropriate way to show my thanks . . . 

IT'S GIVEAWAY TIME.

(full image credit for this amazing graphic belongs to my sweet blogger/email friend, SawyerMarie)

So, what're the prizes, you ask? A . . . 

beautiful, handmade necklace 

AND

 a signed copy of The Whispers God Gives.

I'm so super excited about this and can't wait to see who'll be the single blessed recipient of these awesome goodies!! (and if you've already read The Whispers God Gives, you can always enter to win a copy for a friend. 😉) 

Alrighty, time for the rules! This giveaway runs from Wednesday, June 17, to Wednesday, June 24, and is open to USA residents only. There are four different ways to enter. You can  . . . 

❤Follow my blog (via either email or Blogger)

❤Comment below and tell me what flavor ice cream you like best ('cause, you know, even for those of us who have dairy sensitivities, a celebration is never complete without ice cream) 😉

❤Share this giveaway with a friend or on any social media site

AND/OR 

❤Review The Whispers God Gives on Amazon, your blog/IG/FB, or Goodreads. (for every one you do, you'll receive an extra entry.) 

Welp, that's it! Don't forget to comment and let me know how many entries I should credit you for. 😊 

Have fun and good luck!

Blessings,

Ellen S.

Author Copies!!

All right, the last post of book spam . . . for now. ;D My The Whispers God Gives author copies were due to arrive last Thursday (May 14th), but then they got lost in the mail and their ETA was moved to next Tuesday (May 19th). Thankfully, however, they arrived THIS AFTERNOON and I have a beautiful stack of books to gaze at. *heart eyes* And to all those whom I've promised a signed copy, stay tuned! I really, really hope to get your packages put together and shipped out by this time next week. =)

Blessings,

Ellen S.

More Fun News To Share!!

Last week, my family placed an order for copies of The Whispers God Gives on KDP, but, as they're not expected to arrive till mid-May, we went ahead and purchased a copy directly from Amazon. 
Today my sweet sister, Sadie, and I headed off on a rather rainy trek to the mailbox . . . where we discovered that my book had arrived!
I'm sooooo excited! The cover is every bit as beautiful as I'd hoped (thanks to Amy J. for the design and Mom for the lettering), and I know God has big plans in store for this little collection of simple yet heartfelt devotions.  

To all of you who may have purchased a copy of my book (in either paperback or Kindle format) . . . left a review . . . posted a comment . . . slipped me an email . . . THANK YOU. Your support and encouragement means so very much to me. Praying for you guys! <3
Finally, to close this post, a pic of lovely little Ruby, now three months old and growing like  a weed! She's healthy and so, so beautiful, and I am beyond grateful for God's constant providence. :-)

Blessings,

Ellen S.

PAPERBACK COPIES ARE LIVE ON AMAZON!!!

I'm soooooooo excited to say that paperback copies of The Whispers God Gives are now LIVE on Amazon!! Click HERE to check it out. *more confetti* *happy dance*

Blog Tour Day #7: RELEASE DAY

Hello, m'friends, and welcome to the seventh (and final) day on the The Whispers God Gives blog tour! *showers you all in confetti and chocolate* 
To say I'm a little excited right now would be a huge understatement. 
My precious book baby is now officially released to the world.
It seems so utterly surreal, and truly, all the praise goes to my Savior. He worked in my life and brought about something I wasn't sure would ever happen. For every devotion, His love sustained me. He covered my hands with His own and led each word I wrote. I am beyond grateful, and so super excited to see all He has in store for this devotional book.

(special thanks to Kaitlyn K. for the pic!)

Last night, soon after eight o'clock, I made my way downstairs with the computer tucked in one arm. My family had gathered in the living room, and they welcomed me with an enthusiastic drum roll (aka beating hands against floors, couches, knees, and whatever else might be handy). Even little Sadie, sitting on Dad's lap, joined in. From the kitchen, two balloons reading "Congratulations!" bobbed back and forth over a vase of pretty yellow and pink flowers (a writing gift from my two very most favorite people in all the world). 
The long-awaited moment had come, and there was no squelching the butterflies in my belly.
I opened the computer, signed into the account, and hurried to my project. There it was, all ready to go. Back cover description, key words, copyright . . . 
My mouse hovered over the final step: the "publish my print book" button. Deep breath.
The siblings pressed in around me. Dad drew out his phone to snap a couple quick pics. Mom beamed so much you'd have thought she was publishing the book instead of me.
And then, with a final prayer, I clicked the button, and it was done. My book had been sent in for review and is predicted to appear live on Amazon within the next 72 hours (so keep an eye out, y'all!). 
Anyone who preordered the Kindle edition of The Whispers God Gives should have received their e-book copies this morning. I'm happy to say it's also now available for Kindle Unlimited readers and open to reviews/ratings on Amazon. Head on over and check it out! 

Thanks so much to each one of you for joining me on this tour. You guys are simply the best, and I've felt so encouraged by every comment you've left on my posts.
Now, go out and continue to shine your lights as living witnesses for Jesus Christ. Listen to God's whispers and follow Him in everything, even when the mission He sets before you seems impossible. You're never too young to make a difference. And with God on your side, you shall do valiantly. (Psalm 108:13)

Blessings,

Ellen S.

To end this post and wrap up the whole blog tour, here're snippets from a few of my amazing ARC readers' reviews . . .

"The Whispers God Gives" should be on every teen girl's bookshelf. It is relatable and a blessing to anyone who might read it. Ellen is a superb writer, and her intriguing stories in each devotional chapter captivates you and helps you understand the message she gives even clearer. You can see the love and guidance our Creator has for us through each passage. I truly felt whispers from God as I read this book, and I will say it again . . . "The Whispers God Gives" is a blessing. ~Izzy West

Each of the lessons in this 30-day devotional holds an everyday illustration—baby sister + soggy pretzels, food allergies, Band-Aids, rolling office chairs. The lessons contain life occurrences and just all-around wisdom that every teenager can relate to—the betrayal of a friend, the impact of words, jealousy of others' stronger faith, personal mission fields. Ms. Senechal's short, sweet, to-the-point devotionals pack a punch for just a few hundred words per day! ~Kaitlyn Krispense

Ellen has a brilliant gift of writing clear, engaging devotions filled with deep truth. Firmly rooted in biblical truth and personal experience. ~Sandrina

In my private Bible study/time dedicated to the Lord, I don't usually read devotionals. I prefer theology books that unpack key Biblical concepts by authors like Spurgeon, Sproul, etc. This is one of the only devotionals that drew me in and kept me interested all the way through. It was also one of the only devotionals that felt real and avoided cheesy messages. Ellen tackles some tough battles that many girls go through like body-image shame, betrayal in a friendship, hurt/bitterness when losing a friend, chronic physical pain, and anxiety attacks. I was impressed with her vulnerability and courage in addressing these topics. However, through all of this, she is weaving themes and messages from her everyday life. What makes this devotional feel relevant is Ellen's honest depiction of the themes she is passionate about. She doesn't reach for topics that she doesn't relate to but beautifully illustrates with the truths she has experienced. ~Emma Starr

Blog Tour Day #6 - AND THE WINNER IS . . .

Congratulations to Laura D. for winning the second giveaway!!! Please send your mailing address to my email (found in the comments below) ASAP. Lord willing, my author copies will be arriving soon, and I can put your goodies together! :D I pray God uses these thirty simple yet heartfelt devotions to bless you in your walk with Him. <3
Once more, thank you all SO MUCH for joining me on this tour! It's been heaps of fun, and I've loved reading each and every comment y'all have left. 
Stay tuned for tomorrow, where I plan on wrapping up the tour and sharing the long-awaited news: my book has been released. (I can hardly wait!!!!!!!!!!!)

Blessings,

Ellen S.

ARC Reviews Coming In!!!

I'm so excited!! Two of my ARC readers have already sent in their ratings/reviews. My sweet friend, Sandrina, posted hers on Goodreads, so go on over and check it out! (And if you have a Goodreads account, be sure to give her review a like!) Kaitlyn K. also spread the news on her Instagram feed. 

The release date is drawing soooooo close, y'all!! Who else is excited??? ;D

Release Tour Day #4: The First Giveaway

Welcome to day #4 on the release tour . . . the first giveaway! *throws confetti*

Are you new to the tour? Click HERE to see what the excitement is all about, and HERE for more info on my book. :D

Lord willing, there'll be one giveaway happening each week till the release of The Whispers God Gives. Two weeks = two giveaways, two winners, and two sets of prizes.

I'm super excited about this. Let's get started!

Thanks to my precious mama, the prizes for this first giveaway include a . . . 

*signed paperback copy of The Whispers God Gives

*homemade bookmark

*handmade necklace

and

*two scripture cards

Do these prizes look amazing or what??? ;D 
Now, the big question: how can I enter?
Mom and I had fun choosing the four different ways you can enter the giveaway. Each option is worth one entry:

❤Follow Ellen's Musings (via either email or blogger)

❤Spread the news about this giveaway on any social media site or with a friend
❤Follow my Author Page on Amazon

❤Comment below and share a whisper God has given you at any point in your walk with Him

You have from now until April 14th to submit your entries for a chance to win.

At the end of that time, Lord willing, one blessed winner will be picked to receieve all these awesome goodies, and I'll announce the second giveaway. 

Please note that this giveaway is open to USA residents only.

And . . . that's it! Have fun, and good luck! Be sure to comment and let me know how many entries I should credit you for! <3

Blessings,
Ellen S.

"The Whispers God Gives" (Kindle Edition) is Available for Preorder

For anyone out there who planned on purchasing the Kindle edition of The Whispers God Gives, it's now available for preorder on Amazon. Click HERE to check it out! *happy dance*

Release Tour Day #2: Back-Cover Summary and Snippet

Hi friends! Welcome to day #2 of the release tour for my devotional book, The Whispers God Gives.
While I don't plan on doing a full-blown blog tour, I would like to have something new to share with y'all about my book at least once every week. And if any of you want to go ahead and spread the word about the release of my book baby, by all means feel free. ;D 
I uploaded the FINAL version of The Whispers God Gives to KDP this morning, and my mentor/editor/formatter, Mrs. Marlow, just sent the Kindle file, all ready for publication. (Eeks! It seems so real now!)
Lord willing, reviews and giveaways will be coming soon!!! For now . . . 

Today on the tour, I'm sharing the back-cover summary for The Whispers God Gives . . . and, at the bottom of this post, a fun snippet. =)
Special thanks to Mom, Dad, and Susan Marlow for their help in making this summary shine.

Hear God whisper as you read!

Have you ever found yourself questioning God's will for your life? Are you battling things nobody else seems to relate to? What about bitterness after losing a friend? Perhaps you've scoured the Internet and came up dry because you couldn't find anything that spoke directly to your teen or pre-teen heart.

If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, this book is for you.

In The Whispers God Gives, teenaged author Ellen Senechal speaks from her heart and from God's Word. She longs to share what she couldn't find no matter how hard she looked - a clean, wholesome Christian devotional that's short, sweet, and to the point. A book centered around strengthening your relationship with God your Savior, Counselor, and Friend in thirty days.

Let God's whispers begin!

And, of course, the snippet. :-)

INTRODUCTION

If you’re reading this, it’s because God has given you breath in your lungs and a heartbeat. He’s brought you this far. Perhaps you’ve entered your teen years or are about to leave those years behind. Possibly, you’re a tween, and you’re looking for words of comfort, peace, and advice as much as any teen. 

Whatever the case, it is my prayer that God uses these devotions to speak to your heart. The Whispers God Gives offers glimpses of how God can use what feels like the worst moments in your life for His glory. You will read how God used my experiences with friends and anxieties. You will also step into my “teen moments” in regards to appearances, people-pleasing, and the usual “Life is so unfair!” cry. 

I urge you to read these thirty devotions as you deem fit. Don’t feel pressured to read one each day. Read them instead as God is calling you. These devotions are in no particular order, so be encouraged to pick and choose the ones that meet you where you’re at right now.

So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.  ~2 Corinthians 4:16-18
The Whispers God Gives © 2020 Ellen Senechal

What do you think? Are you excited for the tour and release? Will you be entering the giveaway(s)? Let's talk in the comments below!

Exciting News!

Friends, I am like . . . beyond excited right now. You won't believe what came in the mail yesterday!

But oh, I'm getting ahead of myself. Let's take this one step at a time and start way back at the beginning of this whole adventure.

As some of you can no doubt remember, I took nearly the entire month of March and almost all of April off the Internet last year. It was a hard challenge for me, but definitely so very worth it. 
You also may recall that since I've returned, I've hinted time and time again at a "special project" I had in the works. 

Yep, you guessed it. Now is the time to break the news and reveal to you all just what I've been up to since March of 2019.

Are you ready for this???? *throws confetti* *dances around*