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# Ellen Chauvin | Soaked & Sprouting

Soaked in God's Word, Sprouting Seeds of Faith

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## Posts

- [Awestruck by God's Glory](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2026/07/awestruck-by-gods-glory/) - Have you ever seen a sunset so breathtaking that words could not describe it? The colors are so vibrant that mere words can’t do it justice. Who has words when your heart and soul are filled with wonder, and you are awestruck? In several nuggets of scripture, the writers show us the awe and wonder
- [Bible Bites: From Beginning to End, God is with Us](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2026/06/bible-bites-from-beginning-to-end-god-is-with-us/) - Do you like appetizers? My husband and I do! Some evenings, instead of a nice meal with meat and veggies, we will throw together some of our favorite appetizers. Small bites that are so scrumptious, they satisfy our hunger. Scripture has appetizers, too! It’s those small connections you see that make you go “Ahhh, that’s
- [Thirty Years Strong: Anniversary Stories](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2026/05/thirty-years-strong-anniversary-stories/) - This month marks thirty years—count ‘em, THIRTY YEARS—that John and I have been married. Who woulda thunk it? Last week, I regaled you with stories of our wedding and honeymoon. This year, I’ll share an anniversary story or two! I hope you enjoy them as much as I love telling them. Wedding bells rang for
- [Celebrating Thirty Years: Wedding Stories](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2026/05/celebrating-thirty-years-wedding-stories/) - John and I will celebrate thirty years of marriage this month! My, how time flies when you’re having fun! Why, it seemed like just yesterday when… …I explained ever so lovingly to my sweet Daddy that I would like to have my two brothers walk me down the aisle when John and I married.
- [Growing Older, Growing Deeper: The Case for Spiritual Preparation](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2026/03/growing-older-growing-deeper-the-case-for-spiritual-preparation/) - There’s something to be said for bladders that surprise us: we must be prepared. After running errands one day, I rushed into the house, determined to get to the toilet before I had an accident. Of course, I needed to sneeze, and I knew this would cause a catastrophic explosion of my bladder. I made
- [Bathrooms and Jesus](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2026/03/bathrooms-and-jesus/) - Bathrooms and Jesus. That’s a combination you would never put together, right? Let me tell you how I got here: Recently, we attended my husband’s fiftieth high school reunion. If you haven’t made it this far in life yet, let me tell you, it’s an interesting time. It’s also a time when you don’t want
- [14 Ways to Love Your Husband, Part 1](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2026/02/14-ways-to-love-your-husband-part-1-4/) - Valentine’s Day is fast approaching. This week and next, I’ll share with you some suggestions I’ve learned over the years for loving your husband. I’m not perfect at this. Matter of fact, I’m writing it as a reminder to myself: These are things I need to put into practice, or continue practicing, in my marriage.
- [14 Ways to Love Your Husband, Part 2](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2026/02/14-ways-to-love-your-husband-part-2-4/) - Valentine’s Day is almost here! I’m sharing some hints on loving your husband. The list is endless, so I’ve narrowed it down to fourteen. Feel free to pop over to Part 1 for the first seven helpful hints. 8. FORGIVE Let’s face it. Guys sometimes don’t think like we do. My sweet husband was concerned
- [From Homesick to Home: Stranger](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2026/01/from-homesick-to-home-stranger/) - NOTE: This is the blog that started it all. I realized I was a stranger, just like Abraham. I was Longing to Belong in the aftermath of my Mama’s death. Writing this blog led me on a journey through grief and to the other side, the better side. God showed me the better things He
- [Stop Doing, Start Becoming](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2026/01/stop-doing-start-becoming/) - Frank Sinatra and his contemporaries are some of my favorite singers. However, Frank Sinatra had it wrong on Strangers In The Night. He says, “Do be do be dooooo.” Take a listen here, if you’re not familiar with the song (especially at around the 2:20 mark). The words should say “Be do be do beeee.”
- [Resolved to Reflect, Reorient, and Revive](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2026/01/resolved-to-reflect-reorient-and-revive/) - Teach us to number our days carefully so that we may develop wisdom in our hearts. Psalm 90:12 CSB Years ago, when I stopped working, it surprised people that I adjusted so well to retirement life. I always told them, “I had a plan.” I didn’t simply jump into retirement without giving thought to what
- [When Grief Steals Christmas Joy](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2025/12/when-grief-steals-christmas-joy/) - December 25th will mark the fifteenth Christmas without my Mama. By far, her death was the hardest circumstance in life that I have ever gone through. It’s a hard thing to lose a mama. Mom's death threw me into a pit of grief that I didn’t think I would ever crawl out of. I wasn’t
- [The Lights and THE Light](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2025/12/the-lights-and-the-light/) - It was a Christmas Eve tradition: Mama would dress my brother and me in our candy cane striped pajamas (my brother denies the pj’s, but I’m 95% certain we had them. I think we had matching caps too!). Daddy would pack us in the car, and we’d drive through beautiful neighborhoods and look at Christmas
- [A Picture (or two or three) of Thankfulness](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2025/11/a-picture-or-two-or-three-of-thankfulness/) - It’s the season to be thankful. But you’ve forgotten all that happened this year, and can’t be very specific with your gratitude. Has this ever happened to you? For me, it’s ALL. THE. TIME. Because of this, I’ve been putting together a Monthly Memories page, attaching it to the end of each month in my
- [The Value of Remembering](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2025/09/remember-when/) - They were chit-chatting like teenagers, whiling away the time in the waiting room. But they weren’t schoolgirls, or even young mothers. They were at least eighty years old, taking a long walk down memory lane, reminiscing about their glory days. I could hear snippets of the conversations from around the corner: “One time, at mama’s
- [Seven in Scripture: From Creation to Revelation](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2025/07/seven-in-scripture-from-creation-to-revelation/) - July is the seventh month. My birthday is on the third “seventh” (3 weeks, 21 days) of the month. And I will be sixty-SEVEN years old. Biblically speaking, the number seven represents completion and perfection. Now, I’m not saying I’m perfect, or even complete, but it’s great to have a birthday with Biblical numbers of
- [Horrors!](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2025/06/horrors/) - Isn't it odd that ordinary, everyday things cause us to ponder our lives? Case in point, my neighbor. What she did horrified me. “John, Ellen, y’all come see what I have!” My neighbor called to us. I strolled over, thinking she would show me one of her beautiful roses budding out. Well, I can tell
- [Want to Grow Spiritually? Imitate!](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2025/04/want-to-grow-spiritually-imitate/) - Those seconds you’re stopped at a traffic light seem interminable unless you see something remarkable. That’s where I spotted them. Their car turned, crossing in front of me. It was obvious they were mother and daughter. Their conversation was animated. There was a reflection in their mannerisms and facial expressions. It was in the tilt
- [The Big Six-O Noooooo!](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2018/07/the-big-six-oh-noooooo/) - This is a milestone year for me. I will turn sixty on July 21! SIXTY. The Big Six Ohhhhh Nooooo! Really? When did that happen? It’s hard for me to imagine, since in my heart I still feel like a little girl. A little girl with grandkids. A little girl with a granddaughter who is
- [A Rock & A Hard Place](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2025/03/a-rock-a-hard-place/) - Have you ever heard the phrase “caught between a rock and a hard place?” It was a common saying growing up, and my parents used it many times. It means a person is cornered between two extreme situations, neither is better, and any choice will be terrible. It’s a difficult, uncomfortable situation. How about “hard
- [Loving by Dying](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2025/02/loving-by-dying/) - 4 a.m. The bed shivered like a scared, stray dog. Only it wasn’t a dog. It was my husband, racked with chills, sick as a dog. I slid my body next to his and wrapped him in warmth. Finally, the chills subsided, and he slipped into a fitful sleep. Laying there, I thought of our
- [Lovebirds Walking Hand in Hand](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2025/02/lovebirds-walking-hand-in-hand/) - “I feel like I’m being given a test on the Fruits of the Spirit, and I’m failing,” I lamented to my friend, while on the road to the pharmacy. “Which part are you failing?” “Patience. I don’t think I’ll pass with flying colors. Maybe a D plus, but no better.” “Why, what happened?” I explained
- [The Right Way to "RE"](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2025/01/the-right-way-to-re/) - #During the final weeks of December and the first weeks of January, my inbox overflows with helpful tips and tricks. They all want me to review the past year. Some even suggest going back over my whole life. A Waste of Time? Goodness! Won’t this be a time-waster? Yes and no. And why do I
- [The Wrong Way to RE](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2025/01/the-wrong-way-to-re/) - This year I am tardy to the New Year’s party (once again!). Instead of rushing into a brand new year with goals a-blazing, I’ve walked in quietly, watching and listening. I’ve decided NOT to feel rushed because I haven’t set goals or intentions for the year (yet). Why? Because the prospect of “re-ing” is overwhelming.
- [The Great Christmas Pillow Debate](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2024/12/the-great-christmas-pillow-debate/) - The debate (or disagreement) began several years ago. It’s because of all my Christmas pillows. I have six or seven (depending on your point of view) scattered around the house (I’ve cut back this year!). One pillow stays out all year. I say it technically ISN’T a Christmas pillow. My husband disagrees. The pillow in
- [Rejoicing in Rescue](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2024/12/rejoicing-in-rescue/) - The haunting melodic chant washed over me. Lyrics slowly told the story of people mourning in captivity and exile. How could this be a Christmas hymn? It didn’t seem joyful at all. But then…the refrain burst forth: Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel shall come to you, O Israel. Although the melody may have a disquieting effect on
- [Thankful for Artisans who Create](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2024/11/thankful-for-artisans-who-create/) - November begins at a leisurely pace and then escalates exponentially, rolling right into the December holiday rush. That’s why I like to take a minute to enjoy pictures I’ve taken throughout the year. Rather than spending time writing new blog posts, I browse through my pictures, slow down, and reflect on the memories. They remind
- [Thankful for All God's Creatures](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2024/11/thankful-for-all-gods-creatures/) - November begins at a leisurely pace and then escalates exponentially, rolling right into the December holiday rush. That’s why I like to take a minute to enjoy pictures I’ve taken throughout the year. Rather than spending time writing new blog posts, I browse through my pictures, slow down, and reflect on the memories. They remind
- [Soul Food: Feasting and Fasting](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2024/10/soul-food-feasting-and-fasting-2/) - Fasting. I have a love-hate relationship with it. Mostly hate, because, well, I live in the land of awesome food. South Louisiana: where fine food is revered, and there is no lack of good and tasty fare. Breakfast consists of donuts, beignets, french toast (Pain perdu), waffles with maple syrup or (heavens!) waffle bananas foster.
- [Soul Weary? Plan a Sabbath Rest](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2024/10/soul-weary-plan-a-sabbath-rest/) - Fatigue. I felt it in my heart. But why? Perhaps it’s the news at night. None of it is good. There are wars and rumors of wars—the political stories weary me. And the reporting itself is, well, less than. I’m tired of trying to decipher the nonsense the anchors and reporters spout. “There was much
- [Is Your Quiet Time...Quiet?](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2024/09/is-your-quiet-time-quiet/) - “You’re quiet. Are you mad at me?” “I haven’t heard from you today. Is everything ok?” "No one is saying anything. I wonder if I should peek. Maybe I’m the only one with my head still bowed." It’s funny how silences bother us. At a home prayer meeting recently, our pastor advised us that there
- [Silent Walking](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2024/09/silent-walking/) - Silent walking can help you hear the voice of God
- [Look Up & Look Out](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2024/06/look-up-look-out/) - Look up & look out. Focus on Jesus during storms.
- [Set in Stone](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2024/05/set-in-stone/) - I am much more flexible since I’ve retired—or so I thought. It turns out I still like a solid plan. I like to know what’s going on. My eye begins twitching when my well thought out arrangements change at the last minute. After all, my plans are like the Ten Commandments—set in stone! Change It
- [A Reminder to Remember](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2024/02/a-reminder-to-remember/) - “Honey, do you still love me,” I asked my husband, after over two decades of marriage. “Well, of course. Why?” “You used to carry a picture of me in your wallet. Then I got replaced by the grandkids. And that’s ok. But now? It’s THE CAR!” My hubby is a gearhead guy. A Mustang man.
- [It's A New Day!](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2024/01/its-a-new-day/) - Ellen, you did it again! Why do you always mess up? Tears spilled, blurring my vision, as I berated myself. Why can’t you hold your tongue, not lose your temper? Alone in the car on this early morning, I was angry at myself - for my anger! And for not taking my cares and concerns
- [Christmas Memories: A Need So Great](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2023/12/christmas-memories-a-need-so-great/) - Christmas Memories: A Need So Great
- [Christ's Birth in Pictures](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2023/12/christs-birth-in-pictures/) - Christ's birth in pictures.
- [Israel: Pray for Peace](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2023/12/israel-pray-for-peace/) - Pray for peace in Israel, land of milk and honey
- [Give Thanks & Inspire Others with Encouragement](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2023/11/giving-thanks-with-encouragement-2/) - Look around, notice the struggles of others. Give them a pat on the back. Give thanks & inspire others with encouragement.
- [Thankful for Trials](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2023/11/thankful-for-trials/) - Restless, that’s what I was. It was so hot outside this past summer, that even the mosquitoes weren’t moving. But I needed to get out of the house. I grabbed the camera, and went on a field trip in my own yard. Funny, the things you see when you open your eyes! This first thing
- [The White Stone of Revelation](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2023/10/the-white-stone-of-revelation-2/) - We each received a white rock. At a conference. At dinner. Crazy, right? The speaker at the conference told us to write on our stone. She was dynamic and had a wonderful message. But afterwards, we couldn’t remember exactly what our words on the rock were supposed to represent. I checked around with a few of
- [Going Home & Coming Home: Exodus and Ezra](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2023/10/going-home-coming-home-exodus-and-ezra/) - This month marks the tenth anniversary of this blog! Ten years! God has been so faithful to provide. To celebrate, I am playing "re-runs" of some of my favorite blogs. I hope you enjoy them - again ? ~~~~~~~~~~~~ This blog post is a "Bible Bite" - a short and tasty tidbit from God's Word.
- [Bucee's & Elijah](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2023/09/bucees-elijah/) - “There it is! That’s our exit! And look, it has a giant Bucee’s! Now we can grab a quick bite to eat before the conference.” “More important, we can take a bathroom break!” Bucee’s (pronounced BUCK-ez) is the absolute best road trip stop EVER. The bathrooms are clean. They have a variety of foods: fast
- [Short & Tweet: Birds Objecting, Holy Spirit Directing](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2023/08/birds-objecting-holy-spirit-directing/) - Ahhhh, mornings. I’ve come to love them since retirement. Slow, quiet and peaceful. Jesus, coffee and me. But not this morning. Gazing out the window, Bible in hand, I saw several birds doing fly-bys under my front porch. Odd. Next, I heard their squeaking and screeching. What on earth? Bluejays, wrens, cardinals and a mocking
- [Short & Tweet: Birds Needing, Jesus Feeding](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2023/08/short-tweet-birds-needing-jesus-feeding/) - In the cool of the house, peeking from behind the curtains, I saw her. With diligence, she prepared breakfast for her little one. He was hiding in the camellias, but I saw him. His feathers were downy soft, not yet formed. There were no tail feathers, meaning he couldn’t fly away if there was danger.
- [Short & Tweet: Birds Sleeping, God Keeping](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2023/08/short-tweet-birds-sleeping-god-keeping/) - Plopping down on the bed in the guest bedroom, I looked forward to a good night’s sleep. What should have been a five hour trip turned into over six. Driving through Baton Rouge tends to mess up any and all schedules. On one trip, the GPS even had the nerve to ask if we’d like
- [Older Women](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2023/07/older-women/) - The house woke up slowly this morning. I heard every groan it made. The refrigerator popped like a firecracker, the ceiling fan creaked and squeaked, reminding me of a roller coaster going uphill, straining to get to the top. The ice machine slowly whirred into action. My body woke, too, when I shifted into a
- [Tears in a Bottle](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2023/04/tears-in-a-bottle/) - You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book. Psalm 56:8 NLT This is not the life she dreamed for herself. She imagined life with a loving husband by her side. A man who knew her intimately and wanted to share life
- [Restoration](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2023/03/restoration/) - This saying graces the top of my desk. I can see it when I study God’s Word and when I write: “If you stay on the surface, you’ll never find treasure.” It reminds me that I need to dig deep into scripture and find all God’s treasures. I love a good “aha” Bible story -
- [Healing in His Wings](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2023/03/healing-in-his-wings/) - Dust hung in the air as He walked with purposeful strides, talit flapping like eagles wings. She saw Him coming. She had spent everything on doctors and medical care. Still, there was no healing for her body. She was condemned as unclean. No one wanted to be near her. Everyone was fearful they might accidentally
- [Silent Night: A Christmas Story of Peace](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2022/12/silent-night-a-christmas-story-of-peace/) - December 14, 2020 Silent night, holy night. I’m not sure I’ll ever hear this beautiful Christmas carol without thinking about this day two years ago. The sweet instrumental notes of Silent Night drifted from Pandora. I found myself humming along with the song. Then, these words caught my attention: Sleep in heavenly peace, sleep in
- [Shoots of Hope Sprouting from Ashes](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2022/12/shoots-of-hope-sprouting-from-ashes/) - The sugarcane fields are bare and burnt. Excess cane leaves, consumed by the fire that clears the chaff and waste, are a heap of ashes. Rows and rows of blackened, fallen stalks scream “No hope! No hope!” They burned, consumed by flames, with no expectation of life or usefulness again. The harvest is over. Ah,
- [My Debt is Paid: A Christmas Story](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2022/12/my-debt-is-paid-a-christmas-story/) - My last Christmas at home. I wasn’t sad or bittersweet…I was over the top excited! I would be getting married in six months, and would spend the following Christmases with my new husband. Who could ask for anything more? I loved Christmas mornings at Mama and Daddy’s. It was always a free-for-all. Everyone opened their
- [Bible bites: Going Home and Coming Home, Exodus and Ezra](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2022/11/bible-bites-going-home-and-coming-home-exodus-and-ezra/) - This month is the start of the holiday season, where food abounds! So, we’ll be talking tasty tidbits from scripture. You know those little bites of deliciousness that you can nibble on all day. Little bites, small but meaty and oh so good for your soul. Today we’ll be talking about going home and coming
- [Bible Bites: Cornerstones and Capstones](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2022/11/bible-bites-cornerstones-and-capstones/) - November is the month of thanksgiving, gathering with friends and family over a great meal and Bible Bites. Bible what?? Well, I am somewhat of a foodie (not a professional foodie by an means) and love to feast on hearty meals with meat, chicken, fish and roasted veggies. But what I really love are appetizers.
- [In the Potter's Hands](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2022/10/in-the-potters-hands-2/) - I was putty in her hands, turning into a wet noodle when she slowly massaged my sore and aching muscles. Oh, how I needed this after the stressful week I've had! She picked up my arm and rubbed from shoulder to fingertips. I didn’t resist. I didn’t pull back. I allowed her to move my
- [What a Friend!](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2022/10/what-a-friend-2/) - It was a comfortable silence. He was looking at something on the iPad, I was reading a book. From time to time we would look up and smile at each other. After several nights of this, I realized something: We’re not talking. We’re not sharing. I’m not sharing my life with him. My husband. My
- [The Rapture & the Return](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2022/09/the-rapture-the-return/) - “For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the archangel’s voice, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.” 1 Thessalonians 4:16 CSB “JOHN!! What does this verse mean? I thought Daddy was in heaven! This is saying he’s still in the ground…” Years ago,
- [The White Stone of Revelation](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2022/09/the-white-stone-of-revelation/) - We each received a white rock. At a conference. At dinner. Crazy, right? The speaker at the conference told us to write on our stone. She was dynamic and had a wonderful message. But afterwards, we couldn’t remember exactly what our words on the rock were supposed to represent. I checked around with a few of
- [Free to be His Masterpiece](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2022/08/free-to-be-his-masterpiece/) - “Sweetheart, they could have thrown you out of this recovery center time and time again, but they haven’t. They see something in you. You need to see in yourself the things that they see in you!” “I know, Daddy. I’ll try,” she replied, eyes downcast, shoulders sagging. She saw herself through the eyes of the
- [If Apples Had Feelings](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2022/08/if-apples-had-feelings/) - It’s no fun thing to feel left out. Often, it can be downright hurtful. As a child, I was less than athletic. I was the last one chosen for dodge ball, kickball, or red rover. Nobody wants a pudgy little girl who can’t run fast. My mind drifts back to those early years, as I
- [Soul Food: Feasting and Fasting](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2022/07/soul-food-feasting-and-fasting/) - Fasting. I have a love-hate relationship with it. Mostly hate, because, well, I live in the land of awesome food. South Louisiana: where fine food is revered, and there is no lack of good and tasty fare. Breakfast consists of donuts, beignets, french toast (Pain perdu), waffles with maple syrup or (heavens!) waffle bananas foster.
- [When We're Soul Weary](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2022/07/spiritual-health-practicing-sabbath/) - Fatigue. I felt it in my heart. But why? Perhaps it’s the news at night. None of it is good. There are wars and rumors of wars. The political stories weary me. And the reporting itself is, well, less than. I’m tired of trying to decipher the nonsense the anchors and reporters spout. “There was
- [The Birds of the Air](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2022/06/the-birds-of-the-air/) - Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Matthew 6:26 NIV This month, I’m taking a break from blogging to concentrate on other writing projects. However, I thought it would
- [All God's Creatures](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2022/06/all-gods-creatures/) - All creatures of our God and King, lift up your voice and with us sing Alleluia! Alleluia! This month, I’m taking a break from blogging to concentrate on other writing projects. However, I thought it would be fun to share some recent pictures. Today is a variety of animals for you! Happened on this cute
- [The Angry Weed Eater](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2022/05/the-angry-weed-eater/) - The noise of the weed eater wasn’t the gentle, rhythmic sound I was accustomed to. The weed eater was struggling against overgrown weeds. It sounded frustrated. Angry even. Maybe it was because of what I had told my hubby earlier. “Honey, instead of watching the neighbors work on their project, you could actually get something
- [Loving Eternally](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2022/05/3385/) - The apostle Paul really knew how to handle conflict. Just look in the book of Philemon. This book is a very personal letter from Paul. It concerns Onesimus, a slave who had run away from Philemon, his master in Colossae. Onesimus ended up in Rome, possibly hoping to become anonymous in that large city. But
- [What If We Said No?](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2022/04/what-if-we-said-no/) - You’ve heard of Ananias, haven’t you? Your first thought is probably Ananias of “Ananias and Sapphira” fame. You remember: Ananias and his wife Sapphire lied and stole from God. Oh my! Their story is not easily forgotten. But there is a different Ananias in scripture. Better, if you will. We can find his story in
- [The Mercy Seat and B](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2022/04/the-mercy-seat-and-b/) - Bezalel. You’ve read his story in scripture. Like me, you may have skipped right over his name. Cause you know, the challenge of Biblical pronunciation, amen? You know what I’m talking about! I’ll bet you don’t raise your hand to read scripture aloud, until you’ve glanced over it to make sure you can say all
- [Closing the Door on Prayer](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2022/04/closing-the-door-on-prayer/) - Have you ever heard of Rhoda? Noooo, not the one from The Mary Tyler Moore television sitcom. Although the way Rhoda acted, it could have been a Biblical sitcom. I’m talking about the Rhoda is from scripture. We can find her in Acts 12. “He knocked at the door of the outer gate, and a
- [Are You Battle Ready?](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2022/03/are-you-battle-ready/) - The other day, I was wandering through Exodus. No, no, it was not in the wilderness, as you might imagine. It was in the deliverance. Then Moses said to the people, “Remember this day when you came out of Egypt, out of the place of slavery, for the LORD brought you out of here by
- [14 Ways to Love Your Husband - Part 2](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2022/02/14-ways-to-love-your-husband-part-2-3/) - Valentine’s Day is almost here! I’m sharing some hints on loving your husband. The list is endless, so I’ve narrowed it down to fourteen. Feel free to pop over to Part 1 for the first seven helpful hints. Today, let's look at Part Two, or Part Deux as they say in south Louisiana. 8. Forgive Let’s
- [14 Ways to Love Your Husband - Part 1](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2022/02/14-ways-to-love-your-husband-part-1-3/) - Valentine’s Day is fast approaching. This week and next, I’ll share with you some suggestions I’ve learned over the years for loving your husband. I’m not perfect at this. Matter of fact, this post originally published in 2015. I'm bringing it out of the archives, dusting it off, and sharing agin, mainly as a reminder
- [Keep Moving Forward](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2022/01/keep-moving-forward/) - Winter finally rolled into the south - with a vengeance! It was bone chilling cold, windy and dreary. The sun refused to peek out, even for a minute. The day was a burrow-under-the-warm-blanket kind of day. With a good book. Sadly, I hadn’t exercised in days, and my body was letting me know. The aches
- [Are You Weary & Troubled?](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2022/01/are-you-weary-troubled/) - As soon as the phrase was uttered, I recognized it in my own life: Spiritual Fatigue. How many times have I driven my car with the “FUEL LOW” warning flashing? The gas tank was dangerously empty. It needed refilling. How often have I ventured out on a walk in the heat of summer, only to
- [The Dangers of Hollandaise](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2022/01/the-dangers-of-hollandaise/) - At a recent women’s event, we played several fun games. One of the them involved putting a tongue depressor in your mouth and balancing pieces of candy on it. One person at the table was designated to be the tongue depressor holder. Several of us said “Absolutely not! I don’t like a tongue depressor in
- [The Awe of Christmas](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2021/12/the-awe-of-christmas/) - The past year or so, we’ve accidentally fallen into a new Christmas tradition: Watching Christmas movies in the weeks leading up to Christmas Day. One of my favorites is Home Alone. It makes me laugh out loud. Especially when Marv is screaming like a girl while the huge spider crawls on him. HAHAHA! What surprised
- [Giving Thanks with Encouragement](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2021/11/giving-thanks-with-encouragement/) - We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing. 2 Thessalonians 1:3 ESV Wisps of soft white cotton rolled across the road, blown by the fall breeze. The bank of scruffy
- [Up Close & Personal](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2021/11/up-close-personal/) - Do you ever get “songs in the night⁠1” and wake up with the tune and lyrics stuck in your head? Me, too! It happened the other day. I wish it would have been Mandisa's “Shackles”, Mercy Me’s “Shake” or Big Daddy Weave. BUT NO-O-O-O-O-O. It was Bette Middler. Bette Middler?!? Where did that come from?
- [Are You A Sissie?](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2021/10/are-you-a-sissie-2/) - “Gittin’ Old Ain’t fer Sissies!” The bumper sticker made me laugh out loud (or LOL, depending on your age). I had just celebrated my sixty-third birthday, and the aches and pains of mild arthritis, and a pinched nerve at C8, made me realize how true this statement is! To combat the symptoms of aging, I’ve
- [Whose Voice Do You Follow?](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2021/10/whose-voice-do-you-follow/) - “What’s going on? The map is showing a right turn, but she’s saying ’Turn left!’ What on earth do I do?” “It looks like Waze may be talking, and your Apple Car Play maps may be showing a different direction.” My trusted sidekick and traveling companion Carmen - Thelma to my Louise, Lucy to my
- [The Rapture and the Return](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2021/10/the-rapture-and-the-return/) - “For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the archangel’s voice, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.” 1 Thessalonians 4:16 CSB “JOHN!! What does this verse mean? I thought Daddy was in heaven! This is saying he’s still in the ground…” Eighteen years
- [Trusting God When We Don't Understand](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2021/10/trusting-god-when-we-dont-understand/) - (Today's guest post is from my sweet friend Kristine Brown, who has a message of living with Unwavering Trust in an Unfailing God. Not sure about y'all, but this is a message I need to preach to myself over and over again!) Two CT scans, an ultrasound, and an MRI revealed a mass pressing dangerously
- [The Love Language of Cooking](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2021/08/the-love-language-of-cooking/) - Today’s guest writer is my friend Mitzi Neely from Peacefully Imperfect. I love how Mitzi weaves tales of love and faith in with her oh, so good recipes! AND: We are “twinsies” who share the same birthday! Enjoy! As a little girl, I spent a lot of time with my grandparents. Besides telling stories and
- [Why I Can't Pray "Come Lord Jesus" - Yet!](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2021/08/why-i-cant-pray-come-lord-jesus-yet/) - He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming quickly.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. Revelation 22:20 The world is in an uproar as I sit here writing. There is a global pandemic that has killed hundreds of thousands of people. The virus has gone viral. It’s reached every country in the world. Some
- [Against the Grain: Loving my Sandpaper People](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2021/08/against-the-grain-loving-my-sandpaper-people/) - I have people. In my life. They irritate me. It’s hard to be around them. They are a thorn in my side. They are my sandpaper people. Sandpaper People: Those people who are abrasive, irritating or generally rough to be around. They are mine because the Lord has placed them in my life. Forever? Until
- [Digging Deeper with Verse Mapping](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2021/07/digging-deeper-with-verse-mapping/) - Today’s guest on the blog is Stacy Hudson, creator of the Verse Mapping Box. Several years ago, I learned about verse mapping. It appealed to my (very limited) creative side, because I love to use colorful pens while studying God’s Word. When I map out verses, I can use my pretty pens to my heart’s
- [Weave Threads of Rejoicing into Your Life](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2021/07/weave-threads-of-rejoicing-into-your-life/) - I woke up on the wrong side of the bed. Tired. Cranky. Summer sinus cold. John Ortburg, in his book Soul Keeping, suggests thinking of something you are thankful for before you get out of bed each day. He calls this “practicing gratitude”. This particular day, I wasn’t practicing gratitude very well. I was struggling
- [What Do You See?](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2021/07/what-do-you-see/) - It had been a long ride. Only two hours from the beautiful mesas, sandstone arches, and canyons of Moab, UT, the drive into Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado was hair raising, and seemed to last forever. The mountain road leading into the park went straight up. Road signs were reminiscent of The Robot on
- [Milestones and Memories](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2021/05/milestones-and-memories/) - Today marks a milestone! John and I are celebrating twenty-five years of marriage! YAY! One quarter of a century! And, if we make it to the half century mark, we’ll be extremely blessed - and very, very old!! A few things have changed over the years. Some things have stayed the same. We still enjoy
- [Where's Your Focus?](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2021/04/wheres-your-focus/) - Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 1 John 2:15 NASB Confession time: I love my stuff! While I didn’t grow up dirt poor, we did without a lot of things. The things we did have, had
- [Are You a Puzzle with One Missing Piece?](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2021/03/are-you-a-puzzle-with-one-missing-piece/) - Pudgy little hands slowly chose a colorful piece of cardboard. “No, not that one. Not yet. We are looking for all the pieces that are straight on one side.” Teaching my grandchildren the art of putting together a jigsaw puzzle (even a fifteen piece one) was fun! They couldn’t wait to see the finished picture.
- [Hope of Heaven in the Midst of Grief on Earth](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2021/03/hope-of-heaven-in-the-midst-of-grief-on-earth/) - Surely this year will start off better than last year ended. That was my hope as January rolled around. Sadly, things just didn’t work out the way I hoped. It seems as if my family would be walking through another season of grief. Hard, gut wrenching grief. “…that you may not grieve as others who
- [Who is Your Life Patterned After?](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2021/01/who-is-your-life-patterned-after/) - “so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia.” 1 Thessalonians 1:7 (NASB) Last time, we discussed ways to become an example for others to follow. We learned that the Greek transliteration of the word example is typos or tupos, and that it meant “a visible scar, marked by
- [Typos in the Bible!](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2021/01/typos-in-the-bible/) - There are typos in the Bible! True! I found it in First Thessalonians. Now, I can already hear ya, you’re saying the Word of God is inerrant. It never contradicts itself. It is truth and has no mistakes in it. I believe you! But look in this verse: “As a result, you became an example
- [When Grief Steals Christmas](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2020/12/when-grief-steals-christmas/) - It has been almost ten years since my mama passed away. By far, that was the hardest circumstance in life that I have ever gone through. It’s a hard thing to lose a mama. Mom's death threw me into a pit of grief that I didn’t think I would ever crawl out of. I wasn’t
- [Worshipping Like Wise Men](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2020/12/worshipping-like-wise-men/) - Today’s reading: Matthew 2:1-12 I can’t fib here, or skirt around the truth: I struggle with worship. Oh, I can praise God for Who He is: God of love, faithful, healer, jealous, provider. I can thank Him for all He does: answers prayer, protects. But worship? If I praise God for who He is, how
- [Don't Forget Jesus](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2020/12/dont-forget-jesus/) - Today’s reading: Luke 2:41-46 Every year I wait for it. A family down the road decorates their yard for Christmas each year. Every year, they display the larger-than-life wise men, camels, shepherd boy, and lambs, all outlined in bright lights. But they don’t have THE lamb. Every year I wait for them to place baby
- [The Awestruck Wonder of Meeting Jesus](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2020/12/the-awestruck-wonder-of-seeing-jesus/) - Today’s reading: Luke 2:8-20 For the most part, my days are just plain ol’ ordinary. I usually tend to float through them. Sometimes, at the end of the week, I look back and think “What happened this week?” I get wrapped up in the tedious day to day routine. I don’t notice things. And then,
- [Standing in the Presence of God](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2020/12/standing-in-the-presence-of-god/) - Today’s reading: Luke 1:18-19, 26-30 In the story of Jesus’ birth, the angel Gabriel bursts into the lives of two ordinary people: Zechariah and Mary. He had earth-shattering news for both of them: Zechariah would become a father in his old age. His son John would prepare the way for the Lord. Mary would become
- [The Big Secret to Being Content](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2020/11/the-big-secret-to-being-content/) - We’ve been studying contentment this Thanksgiving month. The apostle Paul has given some wonderful advice on being content in Philippians 4. But… What happens… When the music ends… When the habit is forgotten… When the pressures of the season overwhelm me… When the sandpaper people scratch me… When I’m not sitting still at His feet…
- [Practice Contentment](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2020/11/practice-contentment/) - Have you allowed circumstances to rob you of happiness and satisfaction? I’m certainly guilty! Discontent “robs you of your years. Then before you know it, you’ve missed out on the joys in the journey, the growth that comes from battling through the difficulties, the sweet and savory experience of creating the memories.” (Priscilla Shirer, Resolution
- [Praise Changes Perspective](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2020/11/praise-changes-perspective/) - “We would worry less if we praised more. Thanksgiving is the enemy of discontent and dissatisfaction.” Harry Ironside Last week I shared some things that caused discontent and dissatisfaction in my life. So what’s the best way to fight the Monster of Misery? We can discover so much from the apostle Paul’s letter to the
- [Discontent with my Discontentment](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2020/11/discontent-with-my-discontentment/) - Sometimes I struggle with being content. There are certain circumstances in my life that I don’t particularly like. At this time, I can’t change them. I’m held captive in the here and now. Struggling to free my tied hands. Chafing to do something that will bring about the change I feel I need. Frustrated. Discontent.
- [The Day Jesus Bloomed](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2020/10/the-day-jesus-bloomed/) - She came as a cutting from my sister. Just a pencil thin, three or four foot long green thing that may have had one leaf on the end. Not knowing anything about this…this thing, I stuck it in a pot that happened to have dirt in it. I had probably killed the pot’s last resident.
- [The Dog Days of Fall](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2020/09/the-dog-days-of-fall/) - While the majority of the country celebrates the fall season, down here in the south, we are in the midst of hurricanes and heat. There was somewhat of a cool spell, which actually means lower humidity. Temps did fall into the mid-eighties, which was a blessing. If we turn the air conditioner on super cool,
- [How to Keep Your Heart Out of the Danger Zone](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2020/07/how-to-keep-your-heart-out-of-the-danger-zone/) - He fell out of the nest a little early. I watched the baby mockingbird making his way across the yard. He went from one spot to the next, trying to stay safe. Mama bird would bring him food, and attack intruders (me and my husband) who got too close. She also screeched loudly when baby
- [Keep on Movin'](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2020/06/keep-on-movin/) - He was plodding along in the mud. You could see the route he’d taken, straight along the bottom of the ditch. Slow, but determined. Focused on his destination. As so often is the case with turtles, he was taking his dear, sweet time getting wherever he was going. He wasn’t focused on how long the
- [The Don't Wants and Can't Help Its](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2020/05/the-dont-wants-and-cant-help-its/) - {An oldie, originally published in August 2017. I find it has even more meaning today. Will you still yourself during this time, to hear God speak to you?} I find myself in an odd mood - a funk, if you will - that has been hard to shake. Maybe it’s the unbearable heat and humidity
- [A Different Kind of Easter](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2020/04/a-different-kind-of-easter/) - WHEREAS, the measures are necessary to protect the health and safety of the people of Louisiana, NOW THEREFORE I, Governor of the state of Louisiana, do hereby order and direct as follows: …all gatherings of ten or more people shall be postponed or cancelled…until Monday, April 13, 2020⁠1 April 13? Why, that’s the Monday after
- [When Things are Normal](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2020/03/when-things-are-normal/) - Next week, when things get back to normal… That was my thought, while John is working from home. I’m not sure exactly what caught my attention, but it was not the norm for my quiet, retirement days. Maybe it was the time he turned on the television during the middle of the day. What is
- [Waves of Change are Crashing All Around](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2020/03/waves-of-change-are-crashing-all-around/) - The world is changing right before our eyes. Suddenly, what was once normal and ordinary has become abnormal and extraordinary. Change changes me. I don’t handle it very well. It throws me out of the comfort zone I love. My normal, every day routine is a mess. All this change? Frazzles me. I don’t know
- [Recording Your legacy](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2020/02/recording-your-legacy/) - She cried out desperately in her pain. Calling to the Lord, she laid bare her struggles and fears. She acknowledged His faithfulness and sovereignty in her life, even through theses trials. She was clinging to the Lord God as to a lifeline. She was me, nine years ago. Reading back through my prayer journal, I
- [Forever is a Long Time](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2020/01/forever-is-a-long-time/) - Commitment is something I struggle with. Oh, I’m committed to my marriage, for sure. But long term volunteering opportunities, I think and pray hard about. Because, you know, once I say yes, it’s forever. And forever is a long time, amen? When scripture tells me to give thanks to God forever, I struggle some, don’t
- [Balance Keeps You Headed in the Right Direction](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2020/01/balance-keeps-you-headed-in-the-right-direction/) - It’s all about balance. That’s what I learned from my eleven year old grandson. I can hear the doubt in your thoughts: Eleven years old and he’s teaching YOU, a wise sixty-one year old, about balance?? Well, I may be a wise older woman, but this young kid taught me a thing or two. “Granny,
- [Speckled Pups, Sifted Flour and a Recipe!](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2019/12/speckled-pups-sifted-flour-and-a-recipe/) - “Why she’s just as cute as a speckled pup!” I took a look at my co-worker, Amaryllis, but to my fresh out of college eyes, I didn’t see cuteness. Of course, the former editor of the small newspaper where we worked was looking within. I saw only the external. He taught me something that day:
- [Tales of Roosters and Biddies on Turkey Day](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2019/11/tales-of-roosters-and-biddies-on-turkey-day/) - Visiting with an elderly gentleman before service one Sunday night, we got to talking about where we were from. “You don’t sound like you are from south Louisiana,” I remarked. “Neither do you!” He responded, and that led us on a conversation of growing up in Mississippi and Alabama. He told stories of his youth,
- [Are Mushrooms Growing in the Soil of Your Heart?](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2019/11/are-mushrooms-growing-in-the-soil-of-your-heart/) - Restless, that’s what I was. It was so hot outside this past summer, that even the mosquitoes weren’t moving. But I needed to get out of the house. I grabbed the camera, and went on a field trip in my own yard. Funny, the things you see when you open your eyes! This first thing
- [The Rest of the Story...](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2019/11/the-rest-of-the-story/) - I realized this morning that the great words of advice I gave last week - about alleviating anxiety - left us all in a lurch. I was worried about flying, and knew I needed to calm down. I suggested releasing our anxieties to Jesus and resting in Him. Sounds like a good plan, right? When
- [Releasing Anxiety](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2019/11/releasing-anxiety/) - As I’m writing this, I’m preparing to leave home for five days. I’ll be heading to the Hope*Writers Conference in North Carolina. It will be the first time I’ve flown alone since 2014. I have low level anxiety that is threatening to bust out of my seams. What if’s are running rampant in my brain.
- [The Gift of Notice](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2019/10/the-gift-of-notice/) - {My guest today is my dear friend Carmen Horne, author of Out of Words: 31 Prayers of Hope for Your Hurting Heart. Carmen and I met years ago, in an online writer's group. We have shared our writing journeys and encouraged each other along the way. What I love about Carmen is her compassion and her
- [What's in the Bible?](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2019/10/whats-in-the-bible/) - (Guest posting this week is my sweet friend Kristi Woods - Writer, Speaker, Jesus girl!) I stared at my Bible. So many pages–where to start? I needed help with a life issue but hadn’t a clue how to find a helpful answer. This scenario happened several times during my early Christian years. As I struggled
- [Choosing Well](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2019/10/choosing-well/) - This month I am flinging open the doors to my online home. I'm celebrating six years of publicly writing, via this blog, and I've met some pretty amazing people along the way. Janet Hines is one of them. Her soft spoken voice carries such a depth of wisdom, and her story touched me deeply. A
- [Created to Believe - A Word Study](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2019/09/created-to-believe-a-word-study/) - Most of you who know me well, know that I am a Bible geek. A detective of scripture. I love to dig for treasure in God’s Word and share what I find. Nothing sets my heart racing like a good word study… It took some time and effort to learn how to do this. There
- [You Mean I Have to Pray for HER?!?](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2019/09/you-mean-i-have-to-pray-for-her/) - Have you ever felt like taking a gun and shooting someone? WHAT? I gulped and snuck a peek from under the hair hanging over my face. My husband elbowed me furiously. Had the pastor read my mind? Did he really ask that question?? To be honest, Yes. Yes, I felt like that yesterday. How did the
- [When There are No Words](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2019/08/when-there-are-no-words/) - I wish I’d had this book in 1993. Or 2003. Especially in 2011. These are the years that carried heartache and heartbreak for me. Loss that was almost too much to bear. Try as I might, I struggled to process all that was happening. And pray? Well, no. I had no words. Only rivers of
- [Basking in the Son Light](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2019/08/basking-in-the-son-light/) - I never thought I would be traveling down a road named Boogertown. Then again, I never thought I’d tour another cavern. The claustrophobic episode from the last cavern tour left me longing for less, not more, of the down-under experience. However, my family was there and wanted to go into the depths, so I followed.
- [Word Nerd Wednesday: Adonai](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2019/02/word-nerd-wednesday-adonai/) - I readily admit to being a Bible geek. But I must confess, I’m also a Word Nerd. And I’m honored today to be posting at my friend Liz’s lovely online home My Messy Desk, for Word Nerd Wednesday. Today’s word is Adonai. Let's dig in, shall we? The word Adonai is the Hebrew noun meaning
- [Are the "What Ifs" Controlling Your Life?](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2019/05/are-the-what-ifs-controlling-your-life/) - I grabbed the pen, eager to sign up as a volunteer at the local pregnancy crisis center. There were several opportunities available: Provide food for meeting - umm, nope not my area; Wash and fold donated baby clothes - ouch! Laundry! I can’t keep up with mine and my hubby’s, much less add more. That’s
- [Why On Earth Should I Pray?](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2019/08/why-on-earth-should-i-pray/) - The scene played over and over in my mind. Like summer re-runs on tv, it kept looping through my thoughts. I re-lived every word. Could I have said or done anything differently? I had no peace about the situation. I tried to act like an adult by not moaning and groaning about it to everyone
- [Getting Sappy the Jesus Way ](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2019/07/getting-sappy-the-jesus-way/) - Can I tell you a secret? I’m turning sixty-one soon. SIXTY-ONE! Where did the time go? Don’t ever let anyone tell you that time slows down in retirement. It doesn’t. Ot at least it hasn’t yet, for me. This birthday has me struggling just a wee bit. You know, I’m on the downhill side of
- [The Art of Listening](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2019/07/the-art-of-listening/) - His accent was thicker than early morning fog. No matter how I tried to slice through it, I could only grasp about every third word, if I was lucky. It was mentally tiring and very hard work. Unfortunately, my brain was not in a working mood that day. So I stopped listening. I put my
- [Summer Salad Celebration](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2019/06/summer-salad-celebration/) - Whew, y’all, summer has settled on south Louisiana with a vengeance. The golf course behind our house is brown from the scorching heat and lack of rain. It’s drier than my post menopausal skin. Seems like our weather is feat or famine. We either have dry, brown grass and long period of drought, or we
- [When We Don't Know](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2019/06/when-we-dont-know/) - It’s such a beautiful word, isn’t it? Malaise rolls off my tongue, twirling and floating like a soft white feather, landing ever so gently in a field of purple wildflowers. It’s a shame the meaning is so, well, yuk. Malaise means a general feeling of discomfort or illness, whose exact cause is
- [What I've Learned after Twenty-Three Years of Marriage](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2019/05/what-ive-learned-after-twenty-three-years-of-marriage/) - Saturday marks twenty-three years John and I have been married. Twenty-three. Where had the time gone? Because John and I had each been married before, we were in our late, LATE thirties by the time we tied the knot. Our age didn’t stop us from feeling like giddy teenagers. At dinner one night, at the
- [The Journey](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2019/05/the-journey/) - The scripture stopped me cold. I knew EXACTLY what the Israelites were feeling. “Then the people of Israel set out from Mount Hor, taking the road to the Red Sea to go around the land of Edom. But the people grew impatient with the long journey” Numbers 21:4 NLT That’s me to a tee! Impatient!
- [It's True! It's ALL True!](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2019/04/its-true-its-all-true/) - When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last.” Revelation 1:17 (NIV) My Bible study question asked: Why did John fall down as if dead? Oh, there are all the usual
- [Just Limpin' Along](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2019/03/just-limpin-along/) - My favorite pet in the whole, wide world was our cat Smoky. He was a beautiful blue-grey cat with golden eyes. We found him wandering in the ditches around our house, and rescued him. It was love at first sight. One day, he was jumping up against the storm door, trying to catch a bug.
- [Things Distracted Women Need to Know](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2019/02/things-distracted-women-need-to-know/) - Let’s be real here. Transparent. Raise your hand if you ever get distracted during your quiet time with God. Yeah, me too! You would think that I could stay focused since I am spending time with the God of all creation! But no. I look up and see the crooked picture frame on the wall.
- [Who Do You Represent?](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2019/03/who-do-you-represent/) - I didn’t want to write this post. By writing and publishing this you may assume Soaked and Sprouting is a political blog. It is not. But so often lately, politics can lead to prayer. During the state of the union address, I was convicted that I needed to pray for certain people in our government.
- [Take That, Satan!](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2019/01/take-that-satan/) - Have you ever suffered from low prayer esteem? You know, when you have no words to pray, and even if you do find words, they are a poor substitute for what’s deep down in your heart. You feel more like a prayer wimp than a prayer warrior. That’s how I feel sometimes. I imagine that’s
- [Wax On, Wax Off](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2019/01/wax-on-wax-off/) - (DISCLAIMER: The first few paragraphs of this blog are a fictional dramatization based on true events and was drawn from a variety of sources. Names have been omitted to protect the guilty. Any resemblance to actual events or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. In addition, it was written tongue in cheek, with a
- [Peeling Off the Layers](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2019/01/peeling-off-the-layers/) - She used to be puny. Her branches were so thin and weak, they could hardly hold the weight of her flowers. She was pruned wrong in her younger years. Her sprouts were lopped off, all in one chunk. Here in the south, we call it crepe murder. Finally, after years of tender loving care, I
- [When Life is Like a Freeway](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2018/12/when-life-is-like-a-freeway/) - When you hear the phrase “Country comes to town,” are you the country or the town person? Me? Definitely country. My friend Carmen and I recently travelled to the big city of Dallas to meet up with our writer friends. My country side was shining bright!! Y’all. SO. MUCH. TRAFFIC. SO. MANY. LANES. All six
- [Easy Spinach Casserole](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2018/11/easy-spinach-casserole/) - Time to Cook! Two weeks until Thanksgiving! Wow, time sure flies when you’re having fun. Hmmm, but have you been having so much fun that suddenly you are in need of a great side dish to bring to the family table? Are you in a panic, because nothing is as simple as it sounds? I
- [Abide](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2018/11/abide/) - (Today, I’m letting you in on a little preview of Abiding Joy - Pondering the birth of Jesus. It’s a 20 day advent devotion I wrote this past year, after feeling like the Christmas season was RUSHING past me, and I had no time or space to ponder Christ’s birth. I hope you enjoy this
- [Your Heart's Longing](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2018/11/your-hearts-longing/) - (Today, I’m letting you in on a little preview of Abiding Joy - Pondering the Birth of Jesus. It’s a 20 day advent devotion I wrote this past year, after feeling like the Christmas season was RUSHING past me, and I had no time or space to ponder Christ’s birth. I hope you enjoy the
- [Don't Be Frazzled This Christmas Season](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2018/11/dont-be-frazzled-this-christmas-season/) - Only sixteen more days until DECEMBER! Yes! Only sixteen! You know what that means, don’t you? Frasier Fir candles and air fresheners! Ummm, they smell so much better than pumpkin spice! Oh, yeah, there’s also this: Christmas pillows EVERYWHERE! Along with holly and pine garland and poinsettias! Sadly, it also means rushing around. RUSH, RUSH,
- [A Giving Heart](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2018/11/a-giving-heart/) - {This week’s guest post is from none other than my sweet hubby John, who also happens to be the “official” photographer of Soaked and Sprouting. I take some pictures myself, but the really good ones are John’s. I confess, when he told me “There’s something I need to write,” I may have silently snorted. However,
- [The More We Listen, the Better We Hear](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2018/10/the-more-we-listen-the-better-we-hear/) - (Guest posting today is my dear friend Carmen Horne. I love when she shares her heart, what the Lord has been speaking to her! I hope you enjoy it, too!) Can we talk about dressing room mirrors? I can be feeling all cute and slim. Maybe I’ve been cutting back all week and just know
- [While We Wait](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2018/10/while-we-wait/) - I met Mary Kathryn at a writers get together in east Texas. During lunch, someone asked her “What makes your heart sing?” Without hesitation and with her eyes glowing with passion, she replied “I believe women need to slow down and dig deeply into God’s Word.” She was singing my song! It was almost like
- [Wisdom Comes from Listening](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2018/10/wisdom-comes-from-listening/) - For the next three weeks I will be celebrating five years of writing and blogging! Five years. Only God has kept me persevering this long! I love to celebrate this anniversary by introducing friends I’ve met along the way. This week, Dr. Michelle Bengtson shares with us. I met Michelle about three years ago. Let
- [Being Rude to God](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2018/10/being-rude-to-god/) - This has probably happened to all of us from time to time: You’re visiting with a friend or family member. You haven’t seen them in a while, and they ask “How are you doing?” You proceed to tell them the things that are on your heart. Next, they ask your advice on a matter close
- [Meanwhile, Back at the Ranch](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2018/09/meanwhile-back-at-the-ranch/) - For the last seventeen years of my career, I worked on beautiful, private property, with a meandering bayou and wildlife galore. Birds, ducks, turtles, snakes. Too many snakes! And gators. Can’t forget the gators. We had the opportunity to see behind the scenes of trapping a gator. There was bait - usually chicken - hung
- [Drugs & Subs: Prescription Vs Subscription](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2018/09/drugs-and-subs-or-prescription-vs-subscription/) - This whole retirement thing has got me pondering on the beginnings of my career. I ended up right where I dreamed of being when I was a young college graduate: working for a prestigious company, in a prestigious job, with wonderful people that I love. It’s been a long run, and I’m glad it’s
- [When the Wall Came Tumbling Down](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2018/09/when-the-wall-came-tumbling-down/) - One of my jobs was as an accountant for a new, up and coming advertising agency. The creativity contained within those walls was astounding! We were fired up and ready to conquer the advertising and marketing world. Only we were new. And on a budget. But like any good ad agency, we needed an office
- [Hello, Goodbye, Hello](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2018/09/hello-goodbye-hello/) - Ahhhh, retirement! I can’t think of anywhere else I’d rather be. Of course, getting here, I had to work through some emotions. You know, that whole “saying goodbye” thing. I don’t like it, do you? I have longed for retirement for a while now - the slower pace, managing my home, more time to do
- [The Ultimate Secret to Contentment](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2018/08/the-ultimate-secret-to-contentment-2/) - We’ve been studying contentment this month on the blog. The apostle Paul has given some wonderful advice on being content in Philippians 4. But… What happens… When the music ends… When the habit is forgotten… When the pressures of the season overwhelm me… When the sandpaper people scratch me… When I’m not sitting still at
- [Taught by the Teacher](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2018/08/taught-by-the-teacher-2/) - We’ve discussed discontentment and some reasons for it, as well as different ways to ward off the beast. We have discovered from the Apostle Paul that contentment is learned and can be practiced until it is a habit. This week we’ll delve a bit further into Paul’s letter to the Philippians: "I know how to
- [The Perspective of Praise](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2018/08/the-perspective-of-praise-2/) - Summer re-runs on TV got you down? Me, too. So I apologize profusely for this: August on the blog will be re-runs. I won't lie: I plan to take it easy this month, especially the first week or so of retirement. That being said, I thought I'd "re-run" this blog series on Contentment. I hope
- [Practice Makes Perfect](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2018/08/practice-makes-perfect-2/) - Summer re-runs on TV got you down? Me, too. So I apologize profusely for this: August on the blog will be re-runs. I won't lie: I plan to take it easy this month, especially the first week or so of retirement. That being said, I thought I'd "re-run" this blog series on Contentment. I hope
- [Protection During Fearful Times](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2018/07/2549/) - On the weekends, my husband and I like to have the shades pulled completely down, so that we can get an extra hour of sleep without the sun shining in to wake us. The shades are the blackout, room darkening type. And let me tell you they work! Often times (at my age…) I need
- [Being vs Doing by Romo the dog](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2018/06/being-vs-doing-by-romo-the-dog/) - I am a creature of habit. But with this new, upcoming retirement thing, I’m going to experience change in my life that is oh so different than any I’ve ever experienced before. I need to know how to deal with this. I need to prepare my heart. For instance, a couple of weeks ago, I
- [Word Nerd Wednesday: Tabernacle](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2018/06/word-nerd-wednesday-tabernacle/) - Y'all, it's Word Nerd Wednesday! And I'm honored to be able to contribute again this year! I'm joining my friend Liz over at My Messy Desk. Our word for today is Tabernacle... Tabernacles, booths, and shelters - oh my! What does it all mean? Why, I'm so glad you asked! In the Old Testament, the
- [Crossing the Jordan](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2018/06/crossing-the-jordan/) - It’s official. On Friday, August 17, 2018, when I exit the doors of my office, I will officially be RETIRED! What? How did that happen? I’m only in my twenties, right? I’ll tell you, there’s a host of mixed emotions going on inside me. Seventeen years I have been at this job. My co-workers are
- [Young Love](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2018/05/young-love/) - Twenty-two years! May 25 marks twenty-two years that John and I have been married! WOO HOO! It seems like just yesterday we were planning the festivities - if nothing went wrong, that is! A couple of weeks before our wedding, I was called for jury duty. When asked if I had a problem being in
- [What is Prayer?](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2018/05/what-is-prayer/) - Prayer is…well, it can be intimidating. Especially if we think about and compare our prayers to the great prayer warriors in our church. The words of my prayers are more like stray threads than the beautifully woven tapestry of others. My prayers tend toward short and simplistic. Hey, I’m a person of few words. And
- [Cows on the Ceiling: Remembering Mom](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2018/05/cows-on-the-ceiling-remembering-mom/) - This will be our first Mother’s Day without my sweet mother-in-law. It’s been almost a year since Jesus called her home. The last months of her life were spent in the nursing home. The stroke paralyzed her, and she needed constant care. It was so very hard seeing fiercely independent Mom, stuck in the bed,
- [Forgiveness in Action](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2018/04/forgiveness-in-action/) - I don’t know how Joseph did it. His brothers threw him into a pit and left him to die. Realizing they couldn’t profit from that, they pulled him out of the pit and sold him to a tribe of Nomads headed to Egypt. If that wasn’t enough, they led Joseph’s father to believe that a
- [The Habit of Forgiving](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2018/04/the-habit-of-forgiving/) - Numbers are constantly floating around in my head. Odd, I know. But I’m an accountant by day and writer at night. I can’t seem to help myself. Back in the years I used to run…well jog…well wog, (walk and jog). I would do math in my head to forget about the heat and the no
- [Great Harvests Come from Small Changes](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2018/04/great-harvests-come-from-small-changes/) - I am a creature of habit. My iPhone seems to be just like me. Each weekday morning, this is her message: Only 40 minutes to work, take Highway 90, traffic is light. Really sista? You need to update. Traffic is NEVER light! You need to get with the program. You need to change. Yes, Ellen,
- [Tax Refund? I Can Help You Spend It!](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2018/04/tax-refund-i-can-help-you-spend-it/) - So, you got a little chunk of change back from Uncle Sam? Please let me help you spend it! But don’t get too excited. We won’t be heading to the mall or perusing Amazon! I thought I’d give you a few helpful hints on ways to spend your tax refund dollars. After all, I love
- [Diving Deeper](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2017/08/diving-deeper/) - (This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through the links. All opinions are my own. Thanks for supporting Soaked and Sprouting!) So-o-o-o-o, if you’ve been reading along this month, you know I’ve been purposely slowing down. Running on empty, stopping to listen and practicing golden silence,
- [An Imperfect Woman: Book Review](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2018/02/an-imperfect-woman-book-review/) - (This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through the links. All opinions are my own. Thanks for supporting Soaked and Sprouting!) This is it. The year I turn sixty. The BIG 6-0. For the most part, it hasn’t bothered me. Except for that one time I
- [It's Friday....](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2018/03/its-friday/) - It’s Friday… John 19:38-42 (NLT) Afterward Joseph of Arimathea, who had been a secret disciple of Jesus (because he feared the Jewish leaders), asked Pilate for permission to take down Jesus’ body. When Pilate gave permission, Joseph came and took the body away. With him came Nicodemus, the man who had come to Jesus at
- [Corporate Multi-Stall Bathroom Etiquette](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2018/03/corporate-multi-stall-bathroom-etiquette/) - Several people have asked me to write a post on corporate multi-stall bathroom etiquette (Ok, just one. Yes, it was me). So here we go. Short and sweet. Because sometimes you just gotta laugh. You can thank me later. 1. Thou shalt not over spray the Lysol. Some people have very sensitive noses (Raising and
- [Are You Thirsty?](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2018/03/are-you-thirsty/) - It is a blogger’s dilemma: I have this wonderful picture of a classic drinking fountain. I took it last summer in Savannah. Love it! Want to use it on the blog! But how? The answer came at a home prayer meeting we had this week. I can see your eyebrows raised with the silent question
- [What's Your Story?](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2018/03/whats-your-story/) - “Did I ever tell you about the time me and Steve went FISHIN’?” my old Uncle Hubert asked in his “I don’t have my hearing aid in” voice. He had cornered – er, taken my hubby aside – to regale him with fish tales of days gone by. I’m pretty sure John even felt the
- [The Garden of Our Hearts](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2018/03/the-garden-of-our-hearts/) - Dead brown foliage from the hard winter freeze was a stark contrast to the chartreuse winter weeds that would not stop growing. Digging into the warm soft soil, my brain was whirring with ideas about fresh landscaping. But not yet. The weeds needed to be pulled and the beds cleaned. Hope soared, not only for
- [Out of Steam](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2018/02/out-of-steam/) - I punctured the bag at the “Cut here” line. All the pent up steam whooshed out, scorching my finger. A red welt immediately popped up. This must be a third degree burn. Pretty sure I’m scarred for life. Seriously. Cause you know, that’s what third degree burns from veggies do - they scar you! It
- [2018: Year of Joy](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2018/01/2018-year-of-joy/) - So, I’m probably a little tardy to the party, but - after much thought and prayer - I have decided on my One Word for 2018. It seems like everybody in the blogging world has posted their goals and their One Word for the year. Well, I’m not everybody, which I am beginning to realize!
- [Get Out of Your Rut!](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2018/01/get-out-of-your-rut/) - She was an odd cat. Not at all a slave to routine like other cats - or even like me, her own human mama. She would sleep in her bed…or my bed…or the couch. She didn’t have to have her food first thing in the morning, like my last cat. She would eat when she
- [Christmas Love](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2017/12/christmas-love/) - This is love: For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16 NKJV Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. John 15:13 NKJV Born to die so that
- [Christmas Joy](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2017/12/christmas-joy/) - The most joyful of all the scriptures concerning the birth of Jesus are these (in my humble opinion): But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been
- [The Peace of Christmas](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2017/12/the-peace-of-christmas/) - For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on his shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 CSB What is peace? Merriam-Webster’s collegiate dictionary defines it this way: 1. a state of tranquillity or quiet;
- [Hope for Christmas](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2017/12/2338/) - What do you hope for this Christmas season? Oh, I’m not talking about the gifts you hope to have under the tree. What does your heart long for this season? For me, this year (and every year it seems) I hope for a slower pace. The busyness of the season always seems to do me
- [Old Dawg, New Tricks?](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2017/11/old-dawg-new-tricks/) - Well, it’s true what they say, you can’t teach an old dawg new tricks - especially if that old dog is a 59 year old woman very set in her ways. A creature of habit. Yep, me. I’m the old dog. I have been struggling with this change lately. My office has moved from the
- [Humbled by Change](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2017/11/humbled-by-change/) - There I was. All alone in the torture chamber. Waiting and waiting. Maybe it’s not really a torture chamber? Maybe it’s a suffocation chamber. Whatever, me and my claustrophobic tendencies were about to go ballistic. Ruh Roh. All I wanted to do was go home. This is my new normal. My office moved from rolling
- [A Season of Change](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2017/11/a-season-of-change/) - I watched the leaves fall today. It was a beautiful thing to see them twirling and dancing from the tip tops of the tallest trees, all the way down to the green grass. Yes, green. Even though the calendar says it’s Fall, and there are pictures of colorful foliage all over Facebook, here in south
- [Four Years and Counting: My Favorites!](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2017/10/four-years-and-counting-my-favorites/) - Winding down the month long celebration of four years blogging, I thought I would share my favorite posts with you, and what they have meant to me. This final stroll down memory lane (until next year, that is) reminded me again how thankful I am that the Lord has called me to write. I have
- [Faith Walk](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2014/10/faith-walk/) - Hebrews 11:6 (NIV) And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him. Several years ago, John and I planned a photography vacation to Page, Arizona, SPECIFICALLY so he could take some breathtaking pictures
- [Four Years and Counting: Books, Books and More Books!](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2017/10/four-years-and-counting-books-books-and-more-books/) - You know the old saying: Always a bridesmaid, never a bride? I feel like that sometimes as a writer. Always on other people’s book launches, never writing my own book! Please note - there is not one iota of bitterness in that statement! I’ll tell you why: The women who wrote the books, and on
- [Never Say Never](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2013/11/never-say-never/) - I never dreamed when I lost Mama that I would gain a sister… “All I have to say is, we will never be close. She will never be like a real sister to me. She’ll only be Steve’s wife. I will never spend any time with her. I live too far away to ever get
- [Four Years and Counting - Opportunities](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2017/10/four-years-and-counting-opportunities/) - What then is Apollos? And what is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, even as the Lord gave opportunity to each one. 1 Corinthians 3:5 NASB Writing and blogging these last four years has brought so many new friends into my life. I am so thankful the Lord led me in this direction. Blogging has
- [Celebrating 4 Years with my Friends!](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2017/10/celebrating-4-years-with-my-friends/) - Friends love through all kinds of weather, and families stick together in all kinds of trouble. Proverbs 17:17 MSG October marks four years that I have been “officially” blogging. I’ve always written, from my childhood diary with lock and key, to high school journals, to prayer journaling. I’ve never NOT written. But blogging? That’s a
- [Word Nerd Wednesday](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2017/09/word-nerd-wednesday/) - I readily admit to being a Bible geek. But I must confess, I’m also a Word Nerd. And I’m honored today to be posting over at my friend Liz’s lovely online home: My Messy Desk. Won’t you join me there? Today’s word is…Knowledge.
- [Praying Like Jesus](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2017/09/praying-like-jesus/) - There are so many situations that I find myself in, and I’m thinking “I don’t want to be here. I really, really don’t want to do this.” And yet, I know it must be done. Lately, I’ve found that when I pray like Jesus in Matthew 26, my heart is eased at the circumstances I’m facing.
- [Straggling, Struggling and Spelunking](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2017/09/straggling-struggling-and-spelunking/) - If you receive my blogs via e-mail, or scroll through Facebook in hopes of seeing one, you’ll know that last week, there was nothing. Nada. I was straggling. It all started innocently enough. We were headed out for a very “relaxing” vacation. With the car packed full, all the electronics suddenly went berserk. WARNING: Low
- [Silence is Golden](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2017/08/silence-is-golden/) - Her text was simple, opening a heart conversation. Hey Hello What are you doing? Relaxing - I’ve been driving for 10 hours Are you sad that Mawmaw died? A sob caught in his throat. “What should I tell her?” “The truth, Honey. Just tell her the truth.” My husband got news of his mom’s death
- [Running on Empty](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2017/08/running-on-empty/) - My car is really smart. Except when it’s not. I was driving home today, and out of the blue a red light starts flashing on my dashboard - warning me that I was driving too close to the car in front of me. Except, nothing was in front of me. Maybe the rain messed up
- [Scenes from the South: The Swamp](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2017/06/scenes-from-the-south-the-swamp/) - June is traditionally very busy for me - from taking the grands to Vacation Bible School, weekend trips and all the other miscellaneous things that go on! So I thought, I’d fill the blog with pictures! This week, we’ll be visiting the swampland! There is a bayou that cuts through the property where I work,
- [Scenes from the South: Cruisin' Cajun Country](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2017/06/scenes-from-the-south-cruisin-cajun-country/) - There’s an event held each spring in New Iberia that brings classic cars from near and far. It is Cruisin’ Cajun Country These beautiful cars come to our city and cruise around Acadiana, getting a taste of our culture. Here are a few pictures from this years event: This is a beautiful classic limo! I
- [Scenes from the South: The Garden](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2017/06/scenes-from-the-south-the-garden/) - Whew! This has been a very busy month! I hope you have enjoyed all the pictures I’ve posted. It has really helped me out - to be able to post favorite pictures, rather than strain my brain with blog posts during this busy season. This week will be a few pictures from the garden. Enjoy!
- [Scenes from the South: Rip's Rookery](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2017/06/scenes-from-the-south-rips-rookery/) - Happy June, y’all! This month is traditionally very busy for me - from taking the grands to Vacation Bible School, weekend trips and all the other miscellaneous things that go on! So I thought, I’d fill the blog with pictures! John and I decided to invest in a new camera, and all of you get to
- [Still Crazy (In Love) After All These Years](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2015/05/still-crazy-in-love-after-all-these-years/) - Nineteen years of marriage! On May 25, John and I will celebrate nineteen years of marriage! My, how time flies when you’re having fun! Why, it seemed like just yesterday when… …I explained ever so lovingly to my sweet Daddy that I would like to have my two brothers walk me down the aisle when
- [Twenty Years Strong Today!](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2016/05/twenty-years-strong-today/) - Today marks twenty years - count ‘em, TWENTY YEARS - that John and I have been married. Who woulda thunk it? Last year, I regaled you with stories of our wedding and honeymoon. This year, I’ll share an anniversary story or two! I hope you enjoy them as much as I love telling them. Wedding
- [Love Bugs](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2017/05/love-bugs/) - This year John and I celebrate twenty-one years of married life! What an accomplishment! And, yes, we still mark the milestone years. We began doing this the first day of our marriage – counting up until we broke records. Let me explain: We were each married previously, John for eighteen years, and me for eleven.
- [Remembering Mama: We'll Never Leave You](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2017/05/remembering-mama-well-never-leave-you/) - Deep pools of blue stared intently at me, listening to each and every word that came out of my mouth. If the saying is true that “the eyes are windows to the soul”, then I was getting a glimpse into my mama’s soul. What I saw staring back at me was complete and total trust
- [Remembering Mama: Looney Tunes](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2017/05/remembering-mama-looney-tunes/) - “Mama, the nurse at the desk said you and Daddy had been moved to a different ward, and there wasn’t a phone. She told me to call back in a few minutes, and she would make sure you were by the phone, ready to talk. What’s going on? Why did they move y’all?” “Well darlin’”
- [Show me! Know Me...](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2017/04/show-me-know-me/) - Just then someone came up and asked Him, “Teacher, what good must I do to have eternal life?” Matthew 19:16 HCSB In this scripture, a rich, young man comes to Jesus asking Him what must be done to obtain eternal life. The young man called Jesus “Teacher” or “Good Teacher,” indicating that he didn’t think
- [Blameless in His Eyes](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2017/04/blameless-in-his-eyes/) - He runs with the big dawgs…er horses. He frolics with the colts. Following Mama horse and baby horse around the way he does, you would think he was one of the family. But he isn’t. He’s a little, black billy goat. He thinks he’s a horse! Doesn’t he realize he’s different? Set apart…Like Christians are
- [Are You Set Apart?](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2017/04/are-you-set-apart/) - He runs with the big dawgs…er horses. He frolics with the colts. Following Mama horse and baby horse around the pasture, you would think he was one of the family. But he isn’t. He’s a goat. A little, black billy goat. And he thinks he’s a horse! Silly thing, but my heart aches for that
- [Fears, Focus and Freedom](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2017/03/fears-focus-and-freedom/) - Scaredy cat. That’s me. From the time I was a little girl, I have always been a fearful person. Seems like I was afraid of everything: • The dark - I could “see” people standing in my bedroom at night. Never mind the stuffed animals or piles of clothes stacked on the chair. Those shadows
- [When God Herds Chickens](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2017/03/when-god-herds-chickens/) - She flitted around from task to task, never completing any one thing. I had been trying to train her in our office practices, but it seemed like she couldn’t sit still long enough to grasp even the basics. I tried to keep her on task, but it was impossible! Sheesh, I’m too old for this.
- [Overwhelmed? Help is Near!](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2017/03/overwhelmed-help-is-near/) - Tears filled my eyes threatening to spill over. Just the thought of going in to work, after a week’s absence due to illness, overwhelmed and exhausted me. I could imagine the stacks and stacks of mail and paper that had piled up while I was out. Not to mention the overdue items that didn’t get
- [The Day I Killed Bambi's Mom](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2017/03/the-day-i-killed-bambis-mom/) - DATELINE: August 1993, Simpson County, Mississippi She appeared out of nowhere, staring at me with her big brown eyes. Her body froze, and her eyes widened in surprise. In that split second, I knew I would plow into her. That, or swerve and go over the embankment. It started out as an ordinary Saturday, an
- [14 Ways to Love Your Husband, Part 2](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2017/02/14-ways-to-love-your-husband-part-2-2/) - Valentine’s Day is here! I’m sharing some hints on loving your husband. The list is endless, so I’ve narrowed it down to fourteen. Feel free to pop over to Part 1 for the first seven helpful hints. 8. Forgive Let’s face it. Guys sometimes don’t think like we do. My sweet husband was concerned about
- [14 Ways to Love Your Husband, Part 1](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2017/02/14-ways-to-love-your-husband-part-1-2/) - Valentine’s Day is fast approaching. This week and next, I’ll share with you some suggestions I’ve learned over the years for loving your husband. I’m not perfect at this. Matter of fact, I’m writing it as a reminder to myself: These are things I need to put into practice, or continue practicing, in my marriage.
- [Taking What God Has Given](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2017/01/taking-what-god-has-given/) - “Oh, I couldn’t possibly take that, but thank you for thinking of me!” “Why not? It’s my gift to you. I want to give it to you. Take it!” “No, I just couldn’t…” Have you ever had this conversation with someone? Their generosity toward you is overwhelming. You don’t feel entitled to the gift they
- [Telling God "No"](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2017/01/telling-god-no/) - She THREW ME UNDER THE BUS!! We were presenting our professional organization to the parish government, to get a framed “proclamation” of an upcoming special event. The parish president asked my associate “What does your organization do in the community?” I watched her closely, knowing she was nervous about public speaking. The blood drained slowly
- [Laughing at God's Plan](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2017/01/laughing-at-gods-plan/) - It isn’t often that reading scripture makes me laugh out load. But the words I read on this particular Monday had me smiling joyfully. “Then Abraham fell on his face and laughed, and said in his heart, “Will a child be born to a man one hundred years old? And will Sarah, who is ninety
- [My Debt is Paid - A Christmas Story of Love](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2014/12/my-debt-is-paid-a-christmas-story-of-love/) - My last Christmas at home. I wasn’t sad or bittersweet…I was over the top excited! I would be getting married in six months, and would spend the following Christmases with my new husband. Who could ask for anything more? I loved Christmas mornings at Mama and Daddy’s. It was always a free-for-all. Everyone opened their
- [Christmas Traditions: Cornbread Dressing](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2016/12/christmas-traditions-cornbread-dressing/) - Christmas dinner growing up always meant Mama’s cornbread dressing. It was perfectly moist - not too dry, not too watery. Because I loathe watery cornbread dressing, don’t you? Mama’s dressing had big chunks of chicken from a hen she cooked herself. The homemade stock was added to just-right yellow cornbread and stale white bread crumbs.
- [Christmas Perspectives: Keep Believing as Children](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2016/12/christmas-perspectives-keep-believing-as-children/) - This week my guest is Boma Somiari. We met several years back when Boma contacted me and asked if I would like to write an article for The Message magazine, a study publication for Christians. In Nigeria! What an honor to write for sisters in Christ half way across the world! It amazes me how
- [Lessons from Mary: Sharing Our Gift with the World](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2016/12/lessons-from-mary-sharing-our-gift-with-the-world/) - Hello everyone! I have two very special guests on the blog this week and next! I can't wait for you to meet them. This week, Nina Dafe is my guest. I first "met" Nina about a year ago, when she contacted me via e-mail. Nina asked if she could interview me for her Far Above
- [Give Thanks by Encouraging](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2016/11/give-thanks-by-encouraging/) - 2 Thessalonians 1:3 We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing. ESV Wisps of soft white cotton rolled across the road, blown by the fall breeze. The bank of scruffy
- [Learning to Listen](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2016/11/learning-to-listen/) - I'm a snob. I admit it. Every time I hear the word “mindfulness” I immediately stick my nose in the air. I've always thought it was New Age hokey. Until I read the first two chapters of Karen Ehman’s new book Listen, Love, Repeat. Karen talks about listening to others, and being on the alert
- [Thankful for: All Creatures Great & Small](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2016/11/thankful-for-all-creatures-great-small/) - Week three: photos from 2016  Two Indigo Buntings from a group that visited our area for about a week. This picture does not do them justice - they were beautiful!  A kingfisher. Not a great picture, but it was the first time I had seen this type of bird.  Peacock at Rip
- [Unmasked: Our Identity in Christ-Valued](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2016/10/unmasked-our-identity-in-christ-valued/) - It had been a long, difficult, stress-filled week. One in which I felt invisible and undervalued. Oddly, by Friday, I actually looked forward to going to the nursing home. Visiting with my mother-in-law since she’s had her stroke has provided much joy to my husband and I, as we listen to her reminisce. My stress
- [Unmasked: Our Identity in Christ - Free](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2016/10/unmasked-our-identity-in-christ-free/) - There’s a stampede of children running through the school. It’s the last day, the last hour, the last second before summer vacation. Their faces beam with joy, as they burst through the door, laughing and screaming. They are FREE! Oh, the joys of childhood freedom: a full summer of long, lazy days; playing outside with
- [Thankful for: All Things Wise & Wonderful](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2016/11/thankful-for-all-things-wise-wonderful/) - Week two, photos from this past year... Can’t we just all get along?  Duck, duck…swamp!  Wise and wonderful!  Foraging… All things wise and wonderful - the Lord God made them all!* Grace be with you, *All Things Bright and Beautiful is an Anglican hymn, also
- [Thankful for: All Things Bright & Beautiful](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2016/11/thankful-for-all-things-bright-beautiful/) - This month, I'll be sharing picture memories from the past year. Enjoy!  A view from the sunroof, as we were driving through the Smokey Mountains. A beautiful reminder to always look up!  A beautiful moss draped oak tree that I see driving to work each day. It’s such a lovely reminder for me
- [Unmasked: Our Identity in Christ-Empowered](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2016/10/unmasked-our-identity-in-christ-empowered/) - Running blindly into the inky darkness, I desperately tried to find my way to safety. The crack of a twig and rustling leaves told me he was near. Eyes wide, the “O” of a silent scream formed on my mouth. Shadows chased me through the dark alley. Suddenly, I could run no further. Dead end!
- [Unmasked: Our Identity in Christ...New](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2016/10/unmasked-our-identity-in-christ-new/) - Somewhere along the line, I didn’t get the memo about my new self. Take my fears, for instance. I was a fearful child, and grew into a fearful adult. I was scared of people, heights, the unknown, public speaking, the weather, flying - you name it! If I was scared of it, I didn’t want
- [Is Your Baggage Too Heavy?](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2016/09/is-your-baggage-too-heavy/) - What things in your life tend to block your God-given purpose? We’ve been talking about several this past month: Pitfalls, Excuses, and Self-sabotage. After reading Katie Brazelton’s book Praying for Purpose, a theme became obvious in my life, one that has been consistent through the years. At the end of the book, when asked “What
- [Do You Self-Sabotage?](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2016/09/do-you-self-sabotage/) - I never thought I could do it. I never thought I would do it. Sabotage myself. I wouldn’t sabotage my best friend or even my worst enemy, right? But here I am, self-sabotaging. This can block me from realizing God’s purpose for my life. When I read about self-sabotage in Katie Brazelton’s book Praying for
- [Escapes and Excuses - What's Your Favorite?](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2016/09/1919/) - We all have them. A favorite method of escape or a prized excuse. Anything that helps us run away. Anything that gives a valid defense for not taking action. When I want to escape, I run. I spend hours online doing “research” for the perfect vacation getaway. I look for the perfect mountain cabin, in
- [His Purpose, My Pitfalls](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2016/09/his-purpose-my-pitfalls/) - Have you ever wondered “What is my specific purpose on this earth?” Not just this season or this age or after retirement, but your overall purpose in life? That "One Thing" that you could do forever, and never get paid for. The "One Thing" where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet? [tweetthis]“The
- [But...Are You Really Living?](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2016/09/but-are-you-really-living/) - Have you ever prayed a prayer that you really, REALLY didn’t want answered? Recently, I felt the protective walls going up around my heart. You know the ones: Hard, stacked stone walls you build when something is going on - and you don’t want to be hurt by it. I was building that fortress around
- [Get Out of the Traffic!](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2016/08/get-out-of-the-traffic/) - The interstate was a parking lot. We were not even inching along. At this time of day, driving through the capitol city of Baton Rouge should have taken MAX 45 minutes. And here we sat. Fuming. It looked like our four hour trip was going to be stretched from here to eternity. To add insult
- [Biblical BBQ - How Did They Do It?](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2016/08/biblical-bbq-how-did-they-do-it/) - Do you ever wonder how they did it? You know, the women of the Bible, and how they “quickly” prepared a fatted calf… The woman had a fattened calf in the house, and she quickly slaughtered it; and she took flour, kneaded it and baked unleavened bread from it. 1 Samuel 28:24 NASB Now, I’m
- [The Light of Faith Outshines the Darkness of Fear](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2016/08/the-light-of-faith-outshines-the-darkness-of-fear/) - Things were critical. I HAD to go. I was literally about to pee in my pants. All because I didn’t want to get out of my comfort zone… I’m not much of a world traveler. Matter of fact only recently have I begun driving outside of my two home states of Louisiana and Mississippi to
- [Ordinary to Extraordinary Prayer: Worship](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2016/07/ordinary-to-extraordinary-prayer-worship/) - We’ve been talking about moving our prayers lives from Ordinary to Extraordinary these last few weeks. We discussed ways to warm up to prayer, getting into God’s word and wisdom from His word. Today, we’ll we’ll take a look at what we’ve learned and Worship our Savior in prayer! Prayer is simply talking to God.
- [Ordinary to Extraordinary Prayer: Wisdom](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2016/07/ordinary-to-extraordinary-prayer-wisdom/) - This month, we are discussing ways to move our prayer life from ordinary to extraordinary. Last week we talked about having a plan for reading God’s word. This week, we’ll talk about wisdom: taking the spiritual truths we have learned in scripture, and applying them to our life. I will admit to you right here and
- [Ordinary to Extraordinary Prayer: God's Word](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2016/07/ordinary-to-extraordinary-prayer-gods-word/) - Last week we talked about your Prayer Warm Up - getting your heart, mind and prayer place ready to meet with God. One thing I’ve also found through the years is this: You always need a plan! There are so many Bible reading plans out there. You can pick any one of those, or create your
- [Ordinary to Extraordinary Prayer: Warm-up](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2016/07/ordinary-to-extraordinary-prayer-warm-up/) - Do you have a dedicated time each day to sit quietly with God and read His Word? If not, maybe you’ve been wanting to begin, but just aren’t sure how or when to go about it! Over the next few weeks, I’ll walk you through several things that have worked for me. It may be
- [The ABRO Years: Pascha](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2014/02/the-abro-years-pascha/) - He was cute as a button, with his sandy blond hair and freckles splashed across his face. When he smiled, his eyes crinkled and his whole face came alive with joy! He was about 9 years old when he first caught our eye. Three years later, he burst into our lives and stole our hearts!
- [Headin' to the Promised Land - How About You?](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2016/05/heading-to-the-promised-land-how-about-you/) - Do you ever feel the Lord leading you into a strange land? A place that makes you uncomfortable, where you don’t know what will happen next? He’s doing that to me right now - edging me more and more out of my comfort zone. He’s got me volunteering in ministries that I am totally uncomfortable
- [Revealing the White Stone of Revelation](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2016/05/revealing-the-white-stone-of-revelation/) - We each received a white rock. At a conference. At dinner. Crazy, right? The speaker at the conference told us to write on our stone. She was dynamic and had a wonderful message. But afterwards, we couldn’t remember exactly what our words on the rock were supposed to represent. I checked around with a few of
- [From Broken and Buried to Healed and Whole](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2016/03/from-broken-and-buried-to-healed-and-whole/) - I studied her small, wrinkled hands. Their roughness testified to the fact that these eighty-five year old hands had worked hard through the years. I rubbed them gently, hoping she could feel the love flowing from my hands to hers. Glancing out the sliding glass doors, I watched the geese swimming on the small pond.
- [The Impossible Prayer](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2016/05/the-impossible-prayer/) - Do you believe in the power of prayer? I do. But I will forever and always believe in the miracle of prayer after I prayed this: Most of you know my Mom passed away in 2011, after suffering a stroke. For two months, she fought to stay with us. She knew who we were, but
- [I Was A Wicked Step Mom](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2016/01/i-was-a-wicked-step-mom/) - I Was A Wicked Stepmom… Ok, so I wasn’t wicked. Just a slow learner - naive and ignorant about blending a family. I suppose I didn’t think too much about it - being a stepmom. I knew I loved their Dad, and wanted to be his wife. I wanted to spend the rest of my
- [How Studying Scripture is Like Preparing a Steak](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2016/02/steak-and-scripture/) - Memorizing scripture is like a preparing a good, juicy steak. Yep, that was my thought a few days ago. I had purposed in my heart to memorize scripture this year. AGAIN. I’ve tried and given up a hundred times. I couldn’t for the life of me understand why it was so hard hard for me!
- [A {Virtual} Friend Loves at all Times](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2015/04/a-virtual-friend-loves-at-all-times/) - We ran into each other at a work-related function. I hadn’t seen her in over a year. We would occasionally e-mail, but not often. If she was on Facebook, she would definitely be one of my 300+ “friends.” We sat together that night. Over the course of dinner, we had a chance to catch up.
- [A Father's Love](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2016/04/a-fathers-love/) - Driving down the dusty Mississippi roads, the old car bumped and rattled. The sound of tires crunching on gravel, and the smell of loblolly pine wafting through the open window, bringing back old memories. Memories of rocking his son in the chairs on the screened porch and watching fireflies in the twilight, twinkling through the
- [On Plucking Wild Hairs and Growing Weary](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2016/04/on-plucking-wild-hairs-and-growing-weary/) - May I ask something of all you hormonal and menopausal women? Do you ever have little hairs growing out of the top of your nose? Not the black ones coming out of your nostrils (that’s totally disgusting). I’m talking about the ones growing on top of your nose, that you happen to see in the
- [You Are Never Alone!](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2016/04/you-are-never-alone/) - Have you ever had one of those days where nothing seemed to go right? And you felt all alone? And like everyone was against you? Recently, I had that kind of day. I was working myself into quite the pity party about it, too. You know how it is: feeling sorry for yourself, because NO
- [Where's Your Focus?](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2016/04/wheres-you-focus/) - The cows were laying in a field of small, yellow wildflowers. I thought they would make a beautiful picture. It reminded me of shots my friend Meredith Bernard takes for her blog and website. She lives on a farm and takes idyllic pictures of cows in fields with tractors harvesting. I wanted that for my
- [From Back Row Believer to Resurrection Power](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2016/03/from-back-row-believer-to-resurrection-power/) - Today was the day. She was planning to join the little church she had been visiting for the past several weeks. It was in the small Texas town where she and her husband had recently moved. They realized they were getting older and more frail, so they packed up everything and bought a house here,
- [Turtles and Birds and Gators, Oh My!](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2016/03/turtles-and-birds-and-gators-oh-my/) - A couple of weeks ago, I fought with a bout of flu. Let me tell you, I believe the flu is winning! I have learned two things: Flu fatigue is REAL! Lack of energy for a low energy person (me) is a killer! I have had all sorts of ideas swirling around in my head
- [Silence, Solitude and the Flu](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2016/03/silence-solitude-and-the-flu/) - Wars raged in my head as I went out the door each day. Battles were being fought. Armageddon. Satan and his minions coming up from the abyss, waging war against God’s saints. By the end of my “quiet” time I was keyed up and ready to fight the world. I couldn’t begin my day like
- [Spring is Springing - Time for Some Whimsy!](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2016/03/spring-is-springing-time-for-some-whimsy/) - Spring is sprinting down here is south Louisiana. Along with that comes a thick layer of bright yellow pollen - and allergy season! I’m a little under the weather this week. What better time to share pictures of this beautiful, wonderful (cough, cough, sneeze, sneeze) time of year! Enjoy! The azaleas are beginning to bloom.
- [Finding Wonder in the Ordinary](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2016/02/finding-wonder-in-the-ordinary/) - Here we are at the end of February, and I have broken the one resolution/goal/promise I made to myself after the busyness of Christmas: I will slow down, I will find sabbath time, even during busy work days. And yet, I haven’t. Life has barreled ahead and I have had to run with it or
- [The Key to Peace in Your Life](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2016/02/1696/) - Are you ready to experience God in fresh new ways? Then you are in for a treat today! I Know His Name: Discovering Power in the Names of God is a new Bible study written by my friend Wendy Blight. Wendy teaches how the very names of God reveal His character and heart. I’ve invited
- [Hearts Overflowing](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2015/11/looking-up/) - You have been raised to life with Christ, so set your hearts on the things that are in heaven, where Christ sits on his throne at the right side of God. Colossians 3:1 (GNT) My attic is full to overflowing, and my closet is a jumbled mess. I have a lot of stuff. When my
- [Praying to God Our Promise-Keeper](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2016/01/praying-to-god-our-promise-keeper/) - Do you believe in the power of prayer? Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. James 5:16 (NIV) I invited my friend Wendy Blight to share with you today about Praying to God Our
- [How to Set Your Goals for the New Year](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2016/01/how-to-set-your-goals-for-the-new-year/) - “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” Proverbs 16:3 Shoulders slumped, I sighed deeply as I stepped off the scales. The chill of the mid-February morning caused a shiver to run down my back. But it wasn’t just the weather. There was a cold feeling of hopelessness deep in
- [Merry Christmas!](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2015/12/merry-christmas/) - Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year to all of you! I will be taking a blogging break to spend time with family, but will return on January 7, 2016!
- [The Greatest Gift: Immanuel](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2015/12/the-greatest-gift-immanuel/) - There’re coming back in style - those silver, retro, aluminum Christmas trees. The ones that have a rotating color wheel shining light on the silver tree: Red, green gold and blue. That’s the type of Christmas tree we had growing up. Mama would put it up in the living room, in front of the big
- [Home for Christmas: Gathering at the Table](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2015/12/home-for-the-holidays-gathering-at-the-table/) - Oh, how I loved the conversations around Mama and Daddy’s table at Christmas. The ladder back chairs were hard and uncomfortable, but the conversations were easy and relaxed. We laughed and joked, and ate our fill of all the homemade goodies. The chairs are gone now, and the table has relocated to my brother’s home.
- [Home for Christmas: The Lights & The Light](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2015/12/home-for-christmas-the-lights-and-the-light/) - It was a Christmas Eve tradition: Mama would dress my brother and me in our candy cane striped pajamas (my brother denies the pj’s, but I’m 95% certain we had them. I think we had matching caps too!). Daddy would pack us in the car, and we’d drive through beautiful neighborhoods and look at Christmas
- [God's Gifts from Nature](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2015/11/gods-gifts-from-nature/) - This week I'm sharing a few random shots from nature. The first two are "drive by" shots, photographed from my car. The frog was captured from my iPhone through my office window. “Is it your wisdom that makes the hawk soar and spread its wings toward the south?" Job 39:26 (NLT) "God’s gifts puts man’s best dreams
- [In the Garden...](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2015/11/consider-the-lilies-of-the-field/) - “Flowers are the sweetest things that God ever made and forgot to put a soul into” Henry Ward Beecher "Nature is too thin a screen; the glory of the omnipresent God bursts through everywhere." Ralph Waldo Emerson "When the cool evening breezes were blowing, the man and his wife heard the Lord God walking
- [Beauty from Ashes](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2015/11/beauty-from-ashes/) - This month, I thought I would share some favorite photos with you. Normally, my husband John is our family photographer. But I have been enjoying taking pictures with a little "idiot-proof" point and shoot zoom camera he gave me. This pictures this week are Windsor Ruins, which can be found between Natchez and Port Gibson,
- [Life's Too Short, But It's Never Too Late](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2015/10/new-things-coming/) - “Your life really has taken a 180 degree turn, hasn’t it?” “Yes…yes it has.” The comment was prompted by a stroll down memory lane. Only the sentimental, tree shaded lane was more like a rutted dirt road with weeds and thorns grown over it. I had received a message from a long lost friend, someone
- [What are YOUR Bragging Rights?](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2015/09/what-are-your-bragging-rights/) - Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could submit a resume of our weaknesses? Just admit right up front “Hey, this is where I need help. I’m not strong in this area! I have this problem that I can’t defeat in my own strength.” The world looks at our strengths and praises us because of them.
- [When You Need an Attitude Rescue](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2015/10/when-you-need-an-attitude-rescue/) - {I met Betsy deCruz in person at She Speaks in 2014. We had been online friends through Compel-Writing Words that Move People. Betsy's a little bitty thing, with a huge heart for encouraging women to get into God's word, so their faith can spill out. It was at Betsy's encouragement that I began to blog weekly,
- [Houston, We Have a Jumper!](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2015/10/houston-we-have-a-jumper/) - {Today's guest is Boma Somiari. Boma is editor of THE MESSAGE, which is published by the women's fellowship of WEGOM (World-wide Evangelism Gospel Outreach Ministries), a non-denominational evangelistic organization in Nigeria. Boma works whole heartedly for the Lord, and has a heart to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ as far and wide as she can. Please
- [We're Not Alike - and That's OK!](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2015/08/were-not-alike-and-thats-ok/) - (This post originally appeared as a guest post on CarmenHorne.com) The hair on the back of my neck stood up. I was alone in the office, and suddenly had the heebie jeebies. It was not uncommon to hear an odd thump or squirrels scampering on the roof, but this felt different. I turned my
- [What's Your Word?](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2015/01/whats-your-word/) - Are you a part of the One Word Movement? I am. I became a part of this movement even before I knew it was cool! Wa-a-a-a-y back, I would chose one word to live by for the year. In the past, some of my words have been Abide, Ponder, and Prayer. Back in 2013, I
- [In The Potter's Hands](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2015/01/in-the-potters-hands/) - I was putty in her hands, turning into a wet noodle when she slowly massaged my sore and aching muscles. Oh, how I needed this after the stressful week at work! She picked up my arm and rubbed from shoulder to fingertips. I didn’t resist. I didn’t pull back. I allowed her to move my
- [What a Friend!](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2015/01/what-a-friend/) - It was a comfortable silence. He was looking at something on the iPad, I was reading a book. From time to time we would look up and smile at each other. After several nights of this, I realized something: We’re not talking. We’re not sharing. I’m not sharing my life with him. My husband. My
- [Soul Food](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2015/01/soul-food/) - “So you’ve never had a ‘proper job’?” she asked in her clipped British accent. Our tour guide guffawed. “Proper job? Proper job,” he mimicked. “Lady, this IS my ‘proper job’!” His wind burned, sun wrinkled skin testified to the fact that he had been giving Colorado River tours for well over 20 years. Most of
- [14 Ways to Love Your Husband - Part 1](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2015/01/14-ways-to-love-your-husband-part-1/) - Valentine’s Day is fast approaching. Over the next three weeks, I’ll share with you some suggestions for loving your husband. I’m not perfect at this. Matter of fact, I’m writing it as a reminder to myself: These are things I need to put into practice, or continue practicing, in my marriage. In her book “What
- [14 Ways to Love Your Husband - Part 2](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2015/02/14-ways-to-love-your-husband-part-2/) - Valentine’s Day will be here before you know it. I’m sharing some hints on loving your husband. The list is endless, so I’ve narrowed it down to fourteen. You can read the first four here. Prayer and respect should always be at the top of your list of ways to love your husband. Lift him
- [Ordinary Life, Extraordinary God](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2015/02/ordinary-life-extraordinary-god/) - Nothing throws the blanket of anxiety around me like the question “What’s your story?” Such a simple thing to answer, but it catapults me into a panic. How should I respond? What am I going to say? After all, my story is just, well, ordinary. An Ordinary Childhood Childhood was a happy time. Days were spent playing
- [14 Ways to Love Your Husband - Part 3](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2015/02/14-ways-to-love-your-husband-part-3/) - This week, we’re winding up the Valentine’s Day suggestions on how to love your husband. Feel free to pop over to Part 1 and Part 2 for those helpful hints. Titus 2:4-5 says that older women are to encourage the younger women to love their husbands and children, and to be kind (among other things).
- [How to Fight a Loosing Battle…And Win!](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2015/02/how-to-fight-a-loosing-battleand-win/) - “Put ‘em up, put ‘em up! Go ahead! I’ll fight ‘cha with my eyes closed! I’ll fight ‘cha with one hand tied behind my back….” Words from The Cowardly Lion, Wizard of Oz My flash temper strikes again! Normally I’m non-combative, but really…don’t mess with my loved ones! Don’t bad mouth them or run them
- [Because A Touch of Love is Powerful](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2015/02/a-loving-touch-more-powerful-than-words/) - The tears didn’t start when she thanked the women of our church for sending oodles of hand creams and girly items to the Alaska Women’s Conference. When she told us how the Alaskan women were amazed that we cared enough to send lotions to strangers, the tears still didn’t come. They stayed bottled up in my
- [This Is What You Need to Know...](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2015/03/what-i-would-tell-my-younger-self/) - You. Hey you! The younger Ellen. The one with no wrinkles or gray hair. The one that weighs a lot less and whose bones don’t ache. Yeah, you. I’ve got a few years of experience under my belt now. Here’s what I’d tell you: Don’t let fear control you. Don’t let it keep you from
- [When It's Time to Stop Running](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2015/03/when-its-time-to-stop-running/) - It looked like it was going to be a wonderful vacation - until we had to start running. Recently, I had the chance to travel with John while he was working. We were driving up north to Ohio and West Virginia, states I’ve never visited. Woo hoo! I was ready for some time off. Let’s
- [Free to Be His Masterpiece](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2015/03/free-to-be-his-shame-less-masterpiece/) - “Sweetheart, they could have thrown you out of this recovery center time and time again, but they haven’t. They see something in you. You need to see in yourself the things that they see in you!” “I know, Daddy. I’ll try,” she replied, eyes downcast, shoulders sagging. She saw herself through the eyes of the
- [When You Want to Pray and Don't Know How](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2015/03/when-you-want-to-pray-and-dont-know-how/) - (This post originally appeared as a guest post on My Freshly Brewed Life) Think about the most important person in your life. Do you spent a great deal of time with them? Perhaps it’s your best friend, spouse, parent or child. They are top priority to you. It’s easy for you to find time to
- [Why Are You Weeping?](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2015/04/why-are-you-weeping/) - “…Woman, why are you weeping?…” John 20:13 Why?? I’m weeping because I’m angry. They took Him and beat Him with a whip, until His skin was shredded. They mocked Him with a crown of thorns, making fun of Him, calling Him King of the Jews. I’m angry that they treated Him with such contempt! How
- [Lay Down Your Troubles, Worry No More](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2015/04/lay-down-your-troubles-worry-no-more/) - He was not embarrassed at all. Disappointed, but not embarrassed. He showed me the wetness running down his pants, and admitted he couldn’t make it to the bathroom. He brought his problem to me, knowing I would take care of it. He didn’t try to hide it, he just laid the whole mess down in
- [When You Think You Can Make It](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2015/04/when-you-think-you-can-make-it/) - “Granny!” He called as he burst through the back door. He spread his arms wide and planted his little feet shoulder width apart, inviting me to look at the wetness running down his pants. He stood before me in complete surrender, showing me his most embarrassing moment. Knowing I was the only one who could
- [Jesus Never Takes the Day Off](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2015/10/jesus-never-takes-the-day-off/) - {Today's post is from my sweet friend Carmen. We are two peas in a pod - we both have a passion for the scriptures, love to laugh, and are rule followers. Carmen has a soft spot for hurting women. She walks arm in arm with them and encourages them to embrace God's truth. I know you will
- [When We Are Weak](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2015/04/when-we-are-weak/) - He was hanging on for dear life. I could see the pounding of his heart. His chest heaved with rapid breaths, the adrenaline rushing through his body. There was fear in his eyes. I daresay he was the bravest lizard I’ve ever met. That is, if a person can “meet” a lizard that happens to
- [Something Needs to Change](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2015/05/something-needs-to-change/) - It was an "us" versus "them" situation. And not in a friendly, competitive kind of way. It was a battle, the lines were drawn. Actually, it was an “everybody” versus "the others." If you weren’t an “everybody”, then you didn’t count. We were the others. We weren’t invited to certain events. When we asked who
- [No Place to Hide - Book Review](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2015/05/no-place-to-hide-book-review/) - Nothing says “I’ve missed you” like breaking into the home of your childhood sweetheart in the dead of night. And that’s exactly what Jackie Sellars did when she learned her friend Ian, whom she hasn’t seen in fifteen years, is wanted by the FBI. Jackie is the lead character in Lynette Eason’s new romantic suspense
- [No Cash Allowed, Only Change](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2015/05/no-cash-allowed-only-change/) - “I’m sorry ma’am, but if you’re not a signer on the account, I can’t take this deposit.” “What?! I’m giving you money, not trying to take any out.” “I apologize, it’s a new federal regulation. I can take personal checks or a money order, but no cash, unless you are listed on the account.” “You’ll
- [Running the Race](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2015/06/running-the-race/) - Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? Sweet Uncle Bert. I learned at his funeral that he was a World War II Purple Heart recipient. He never talked about it. My precious Mama grew up poor, picking cotton, helping on the farm that her
- [Break time!](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2015/06/break-time/) - This week, I am taking a much needed break. I need to recuperate from last week's Vacation Bible School with my grandkids! Here is a post from the very first Vacation Bible School with my granddaughter. I hope you don't mind the re-run! What's Your Name? Until next week,
- [Freedom is Yours, When You Obey!](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2015/06/freedom-is-yours-when-you-obey/) - “The hardest thing for most patients is staying off their feet the first three days. You can use your crutches to go from your bed to the bathroom. But you must keep your foot elevated for the first three days!” Hmmph. This doctor doesn’t know me very well. I do not have a problem staying
- [Excitement, Delight and The Great Day](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2015/07/excitement-delight-and-the-great-day/) - Tears threatened and her voice quavered as she told her story. She met the children on a mission trip to Leon, Nicaragua, serving with Voice of Hope Ministries. She joked with the Nicaraguan women that her name was Diva. Even the children called her that! The children…oh, the children! She loved them, and they showered
- [Growing Seeds of God's Love](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2015/07/sowing-seeds-of-love/) - “I planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it,
- [Growing All the Way to Heaven](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2015/07/growing-all-the-way-to-heaven/) - “Granny, how big will they get?” “These are small zinnias, they’ll only be about 12 inches tall.” “Granny, I wish they would grow all the way to heaven! What can we plant that will grow that high?” “Why, I can’t think of a thing! Everything on earth has a limit to its growth. Even you,
- [How to Survive a Hurricane](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2015/07/how-to-survive-a-hurricane/) - We’re in the middle of hurricane season in south Louisiana. In a really strong wind, I’ve seen towering water oaks toppled like sticks, due to their shallow root system. Sometimes, we don’t realize how deep our roots are, until a storm comes. I had a major life altering storm four years ago. It threw me.
- [He Met Us at She Speaks](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2015/07/he-met-us-at-she-speaks/) - I had the honor and privilege of attending the She Speaks Conference in North Carolina this year, for the second time. She Speaks is a speaker/writer/leadership conference hosted by the wonderful women of Proverbs 31 Ministries. My friend Carmen and I traveled together. We would also be roomies at the conference. She and I met on
- [Crowned With His Glory](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2015/08/crowned-with-his-glory/) - Have you ever worn a crown? I haven’t. Oh, I’ve been called Princess, and even Queen (on a good day), but I’ve never been crowned. Even if I had a crown full of precious gemstones, I’m not sure I could wear it! Did you know the crown that Queen Elizabeth wore on her coronation is
- [I Could Use a Little Help Here!](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2015/08/i-could-use-a-little-help-here/) - Eyebrows knit together, her pudgy four year old hands struggled to use the scissors. Brushing away the long blonde hair that fell over her eyes, she studied the hand tracing she had just finished. She just couldn't get the scissors to cut it correctly. Finally, throwing her hands in the air and exhaling loudly, she said: “I could
- [Your Dream Home is Waiting for You](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2015/08/your-dream-home-is-waiting-for-you/) - One of the hardest things after Mama died was letting her house go back to the bank. She and Daddy had taken out a second mortgage; none of us could afford to keep their house. It was a sad thing, letting that house go. We didn’t really love the house, and none of us wanted
- [Grace and the Good Samaritan](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2015/09/grace-and-the-good-samaritan/) - “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace which He lavished on us…” Ephesians 1:7-8a (NASB) I shrieked at him, pounding his desk with my tightly clenched fist. I was trying to make a point. I felt entitled to my sense of outrage,
- [We Have the One Thing We Need](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2015/09/we-have-the-one-thing-we-need/) - And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you…” 2 Corinthians 12:9 Look at this! I need it. It would really help me. Oooh, look, if I had that I’d be set! If I had the confidence (or brains, looks, opportunities, money, time, health) that she/he has, I could do so much.
- [That Grace...It's SO Amazing!](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2015/09/that-grace-its-so-amazing/) - And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. 2 Corinthians 12:9 NASB One of the first things I learned as a Christian, is that I
- [Happy {Ordinary} Anniversary!](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2015/10/happy-ordinary-anniversary/) - What a great month October will be on Ordinary, with a splash of flash! I’m celebrating two years - count ‘em - two years of blogging! Who woulda thunk it? Who would’ve ever thought I would do something consistently for two years! I generally get bored, move on, give up. But not with this! God
- [The Cardinal Rule of Prayer](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2014/09/the-cardinal-rule-of-prayer/) - “Did you see that? A bird just flew into your window!” “I know.” “Here he comes again!” WHAM! “It’s a cardinal!” The bright red bird slammed himself against my office window once again. “How often does he do that?” “A couple of times a day, several days a week, and he’s been at it for
- [One Man's Trash - A Christmas Gift of Love](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2014/12/one-mans-trash-a-christmas-gift-of-love/) - Eyes wide, I tiptoed toward the Christmas tree. Slowly I moved closer. That’s when I saw it - the most beautiful doll cradle I had ever seen. I could hardly believe it was mine. Santa must have left it at the wrong house! Reaching out my hand, I touched the cradle and gave it a
- [Nostalgia - A Story of Christmas Longing](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2014/12/nostalgia-a-story-of-christmas-longing/) - There it is again - the twinge in my gut, the tightness in my chest. The dull ache that can’t be soothed, a gentle sadness during this most joyous time of year. It’s a sense of longing, whose source I cannot identify. A yearning deep within for…what? There’s an empty hole in my soul, seeking
- [First Friday Favorite: Ellen's WF Spinach Dip](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2014/12/first-friday-favorite-ellens-wf-spinach-dip/) - First Friday in December! It’s that time of year for gathering with friends and family to celebrate the birth of Jesus. And what’s a Christmas gathering without food? To kick off the season, this First Friday Favorite will be shared on the blog as well as Facebook and Twitter. Many, many people have asked for
- [The Ultimate Secret to Contentment](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2014/11/the-ultimate-secret-to-contentment/) - We’ve been studying contentment this month at Ordinary, with a splash of flash. The apostle Paul has given some wonderful advice on being content in Philippians 4. But… What happens… When the music ends… When the habit is forgotten… When the pressures of the season overwhelm me… When the sandpaper people scratch me… When I’m
- [Taught by the Teacher](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2014/11/taught-by-the-teacher/) - ’Tis the season to be…stressed? Agitated? Discontent? We’re almost to Thanksgiving day, and then the countdown to Christmas will begin. Are you frazzled? Take a deep breath, and let’s see what can be done about that! We’ve discussed discontentment and some reasons for it, as well as different ways to ward off the beast. We
- [Practice Makes Perfect](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2014/11/practice-makes-perfect/) - Have you allowed circumstances to rob you of happiness and satisfaction? I’m certainly guilty! Discontent “robs you of your years. Then before you know it, you’ve missed out on the joys in the journey, the growth that comes from battling through the difficulties, the sweet and savory experience of creating the memories.” (Priscilla Shirer, Resolution
- [The Perspective of Praise](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2014/11/the-perspective-of-praise/) - “We would worry less if we praised more. Thanksgiving is the enemy of discontent and dissatisfaction.” Harry Ironside Last week I shared some things that caused discontent and dissatisfaction in my life. So what’s the best way to fight the Monster of Misery? We can discover so much from the apostle Paul’s letter to the
- [Merry Christmas!](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2013/12/merry-christmas-2/) - Joy to the world! The Lord is come Let earth receive her King! Let every heart prepare Him room And heaven and nature sing And heaven and nature sing And heaven, and heaven and nature sing! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ For you will go out with joy and be led forth with peace; The mountains and the hills
- [Voice? I Listen, I don't Talk...](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2014/02/voice-i-listen-i-dont-talk/) - Tonight I'm teaming up with Bonnie over at Faith Barista for Jam With Me Thursday! https://www.faithbarista.com/join-faith-barista-jam-thursdays/ The writing prompt for this week is...Voice Here are my thoughts: I’m not much of a talker, very much the introvert. I listen and observe more than I talk. I have no clue what my "voice" is. However, since
- [Pascha, Peppercorns and More!](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2014/03/pascha-peppercorns-and-more/) - You know, I‘ve never raised a child. But I figured I could take care of a 12 year old boy from a country half way around the world, who didn’t speak or understand much English. Really, how hard could it be? In anticipation of hosting Pascha, I grocery shopped with him in mind. Fruit -
- [Grace, Grace, God's Grace](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2014/03/grace-grace-gods-grace/) - I got the call while I was in the checkout line, unloading my groceries. It had been four weeks since my mama had her stroke. “Ellen, it’s Bebe. I just need to let you know that Mom is so tired, so very tired. I don’t think you need to travel up here tonight, but she
- [Here I Am, Lord](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2014/07/here-i-am-lord/) - My prayer had been Isaiah 6:8 "Here I am. Send me!" I had great visions of serving the Lord - perhaps on a cruise ship ministry in the Caribbean. I was looking forward to doing the Lord's work! It was quite evident that God didn't share my vision when I received the call from Ministry
- [The ABRO Years - Anastasia](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2014/03/the-abro-years-anastasia/) - 1 John 3:18 "Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth." They told me she was 12. And that she would probably be tiny. They told me her name was Anastasia, or Nastia. They told me she didn’t speak English. They told me she may not be
- [Songs in the Night](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2014/03/songs-in-the-night/) - Job 35:10 “But no one says ‘Where is God my Maker, Who gives songs in the night.’” Do you ever get “songs in the night” and wake up with the tune and lyrics stuck in your head? Me, too! It happened the other day. I wish it would have been Mandisa's “Shackles”, Mercy Me’s “Shake”
- [Messy](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2014/04/messy/) - “You’re such a beautiful person - inside and out!” I looked behind me to see who my friend was talking to - no one was there! She was talking to me…ME? While I so appreciated her compliment, my first thought was, “She hasn’t been inside my head!” But my friend knows me - warts and
- [Just Jump - From Fear to Freedom!](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2014/05/426/) - “Go ahead, jump!” “No mama, I’m scared!” “Just jump! I’ll be right under you. I promise. When you feel like your wings won’t flap any more, I’ll be there to nudge you along! You can’t stay in the nest forever!” I imagine if I listen carefully, I can hear God’s voice telling me the same
- [The Paths of Life](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2014/06/paths/) - “Four Year Old Injured in Grand Canyon Fall” The headline caught my attention. We had just returned from vacationing at the Grand Canyon. What had happened? The article stated that the child had strayed from the main path, and fallen over a 450 foot cliff. Many injuries and deaths have occurred when visitors decide to
- [Wilderness Hope](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2014/06/this-is-hope/) - Have you ever wandered in the wilderness? I walked in the wilderness for many years - decades, even. I separated myself from Christ. I didn’t go to church. I didn’t study His word. My prayers were of the emergency flare variety. I turned aside from Jesus. During those years I lived life the way I
- [Rejoice Always!](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2014/06/rejoice-always/) - I woke up on the wrong side of the bed. Tired. Cranky. Summer sinus cold. Struggling to find something to be grateful for. John Ortburg, in his book Soul Keeping, suggests thinking of something you are thankful for before you get out of bed each day. He calls this “practicing gratitude”. This particular day, I
- [From Homesick to Home](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2014/07/from-homesick-to-home/) - Tomorrow - Monday, July 28 - will mark the third anniversary of my Mom’s death. I have been through some hard times in my life, but by far the hardest was losing Mama. Her death rocked my world, and ultimately, changed the way I think about “my world.” Psalm 119:28, 50 My soul weeps because
- [From Homesick to Home: Exile](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2014/08/from-homesick-to-home-exile/) - “Mama, you know how Christians are filled with the Holy Spirit? If someone isn’t a Christian, do you think they are filled with evil spirits?” “Well darlin’, it’s one or the other.” One or the other. A choice. That’s where I was. I was lost as a goose without Mama. I wish there was a
- [From Homesick to Home: Heaven](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2014/08/from-homesick-to-home-heaven/) - “Ellen, we have to leave - NOW! Somebody lives here! Hurry! We have to get out!" The urgency of my Mama’s voice scared me. I was only five, and thought we were on a grand adventure. Not that afternoon! Often, Mama and I would run the roads while Daddy worked, and my siblings were in
- [Writer's Blog Hop with my Homies!](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2014/08/writers-blog-hop-with-my-homies/) - A blog hop for writers. Hmmm, what is that? Well, it’s where a bunch of writers get together, and blog about their writing! They answer questions about their writing habits, and then introduce some blogging friends of theirs. My friend Julie, who blogs at Loving God, Loving Others asked me to participate in her blog hop.
- [Are You A Sissie?](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2014/09/are-you-a-sissie/) - “Gittin’ old ain’t fer sissies!” The bumper sticker made me laugh out loud (or LOL, depending on your age). I had just celebrated by 56th birthday, and the aches and pains of mild arthritis, and a pinched nerve at C8, made me realize how true this statement is! To combat the symptoms of aging, I’ve
- [Mustard Seeds and Mountains](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2014/09/mustard-seeds-and-mountains/) - Psalm 121:2 My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. The Lord never ceases to amaze me, even in the smallest things... A recent sermon at church was on Biblical healing. Afterward, anyone who had chronic medical issues, health issues, or any prayer requests were asked to come forward. Several people were
- [Never Say Never: Anniversary Post](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2014/10/never-say-never-anniversary-post/) - October marks my one year anniversary of blogging here at Ordinary...with a Splash of Flash. Join me each week, as I re-post the top viewed blogs. Thank you so much for stopping by, and for your encouragement and support! I never dreamed when I lost Mama that I would gain a sister… “All I have
- [From Granny with Love](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2014/10/a-letter-from-granny/) - What I hope they remember~ ~ the times we sprawled on the floor playing Jenga, putting together puzzles and making up stories with Barbies and action figures. ~ how proud I was of each of their accomplishments; but more important than that, with each of their failures. Because in failing, they tried. In failing, they gave
- [Against the Grain: Loving my Sandpaper People](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2014/10/against-the-grain/) - Celebrating one year of blogging! From the archives: I have people. In my life. They irritate me. It’s hard to be around them. They are a thorn in my side. They are my sandpaper people. Sandpaper People: Those people who are abrasive, irritating or generally rough to be around. They are mine because the Lord
- [Discontent, Dissatisfied and Displeasure, Oh My!](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2014/11/caint-get-no-satisfaction-2/) - Sometimes I struggle with being content. There are certain circumstances in my life that I don’t particularly like. At this time, I can’t change them. I’m held captive in the here and now. Struggling to free my tied hands. Chafing to do something that will bring about the change I feel I need. Frustrated. Discontent.
- [Loving Your Enemy: Anniversary Post](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2014/10/loving-your-enemy-anniversary-post/) - October marks my one year anniversary of blogging here at Ordinary...with a Splash of Flash. Join me each week, as I re-post the top viewed blogs. Thank you so much for stopping by, and for your encouragement and support! Luke 6:27-28 "But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those
- [From Homesick to Home: Sojourner](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2014/08/from-homesick-to-home-sojourner/) - It was poignant. Going through Mama’s things. Some of it we recognized, and memories flooded us. The large baking sheet my daddy always used at Thanksgiving, when he made his homemade yeast rolls. The cast iron Aunt Jemima bank that was always in the kitchen. Mama's needlepoint hanging on the wall. Other things were a mystery.
- [From Homesick to Home: Stranger](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2014/07/from-homesick-to-home-part-1-stranger/) - Slow tears trickled down my face. I watched the pallbearers carry Mama ever so gently up the steps into the white clapboard church she called home. The hot July day would have been unbearable, if I had noticed it. I did not. I was in a fog, depending on the grace of God to get
- [Meanderings, Memories and a Rock in My Ear](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2014/07/meanderings-memories-and-a-rock-in-my-ear/) - In many ways it made perfect sense that I would have a rock in my ear… THA-THUNK…THA-THUNK…THA-THUNK… I’d crossed this bridge a thousand times before. Today, the creaking and groaning of old wooden boards caused me to pause. Fond childhood memories washed over me at the smell of the tall pines and the symphony I
- [Storms](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2014/05/storms/) - The fury of the storm rolled through around midnight, waking me from a sound sleep. Sharp cracks of thunder and bright lightening got rid of the last bit of fogginess in my brain. I am wide awake and alert. I am a storm watcher. When I was seven years old, a violent F5 tornado devastated
- [Resurrection Reflections](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2014/04/resurrection-reflections/) - There can be no resurrection without death. I saw that truth this past winter. It was a harsh winter season. We had two major sleet storms in two and a half weeks. Rare, for this part of south Louisiana. Everything was frozen deep. Even the hardy plants. There are the plants that should die back
- [Stop, Slow, Listen](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2014/02/stop-slow-listen/) - Sheets of rain pelted the windshield Friday while I was driving home from work. The wipers could barely keep up. I gripped the steering wheel until my knuckles were white, trying to navigate the slick, muddy road. I traveled this road every weekday, and yet I didn’t recognize the landscape. The wall of rain obscured
- [Who Told You?](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2014/02/who-told-you/) - And He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten of the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?” Genesis 3:11 (Passage Genesis 3:1-11) Adam and Eve had been blissfully unaware of their nakedness, until they defied God by eating the forbidden fruit. When they became conscience of their nudity,
- [Mary Christmas, Part 3: Mary, mother of Jesus](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2013/12/mary-christmas-part-3-mary-mother-of-jesus/) - Luke 2:8-19 (NASB) In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. But the angel said to them, “Do not
- [Mary Christmas, Part 2: Mary & Martha](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2013/12/mary-christmas-part-2-mary-martha/) - Luke 10:39 She (Martha) had a sister called Mary, who was seated at the Lord’s feet, listening to His word. “I honestly don’t know how Mary does it! She always manages to get out of the work that needs to be done. I mean, there are so many preparations…people to feed and serve! For goodness
- [Mary Christmas, Part 1: Mary Magdalene](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2013/12/mary-christmas-part-1-mary-magdalene/) - Matthew 28:5-6 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified. He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying.” Rejected by my family. Abandoned by my friends. An outcast,
- [What's Your Name?](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2013/11/whats-your-name/) - Isaiah 43:1 "But now, thus says the Lord, your Creator, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel, "Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine!" "Granny, what's your name?" Hmmm, an odd question from my then six year old granddaughter. I had just picked
- [Loving Your Enemy](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2013/10/loving-your-enemy/) - Luke 6:27-28 "But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you" “I can’t believe she did that! No one with ANY sense of decency would have done what she did!! I’ve never known anyone to be
- [Mini-Pause Moment](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/2013/10/minipause-moment/) - Ephesians 4:26 (NKJV): “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath. To all my sisters in Christ: have you ever wondered if you were a child of God or a Menopause Monster (MM)? Have you ever had one of those days when you read the scriptures on

## Pages

- [About Ellen](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/about/) - About Ellen and Soaked and Sprouting About Ellen
- [The Book: Longing to Belong](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/longing-to-belong/) - Get your copy here! Longing to Belong Filling the Longings of Our Hearts with the Hope of Home What if the longings deep inside your soul lead you on a journey to better things? There is a void in our hearts longing to be filled. Our deepest desire is to belong. We long for a
- [My Story](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/my-story/) - "When I wake up in the Land of Glory, and with the saints I will tell my story, there will be one Name that I proclaim....Jesus, just that Name." Big Daddy Weave, The Only Name (Yours Will Be) I was raised in a Christian home. Our church was a Bible based church, and we were there every
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- [Abiding Joy](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/abiding-joy/) - FREE Advent Devotion e-book! Does your heart long for a slower pace this Christmas season? Are you in awe of Jesus' birth? Do you want to treasure the truth of Christ this year, pondering in your heart who He is? Do you want to see Jesus with the eyes of a child, beholding Him as
- [7 Scriptures to Bring You Peace](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/7-scriptures-to-bring-you-peace/) - Click here to download your copy of 7 Scriptures to Bring You Peace.
- [Deeply Rooted](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/deeply-rooted/) - Free e-book download! Do you struggle to study God's Word on your own? Do you walk away from Bible Study classes and then promptly forget what you've learned? Are you looking for a plan and a process that will help you develop a rhythm of studying Scripture? Deeply Rooted: Cultivating a Rhythm of Growing in
- [The Good News](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/the-good-news/) - “What must I do to be saved?” Acts 16:30 We have a problem. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23 We are ALL - every single one of us - sinners. We break God’s rules and can never measure up to His standard of holiness. The bad news.
- [Welcome to Soaked and Sprouting](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/welcome/) - Torrential rains had been pelting us for weeks. With the rains came weeds growing tall in the flower beds. But I noticed other new growth, too. It wasn’t colorful flowers. It was teeny, tiny little oak trees! Squirrels had been working hard, burying food for later. The rains had soaked and softened the hard shells
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- [God fights for us](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/god-fights-for-us/)
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- [Luke 2:10-14](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/luke-210-14/)
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- [Exodus 28:12](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/exodus-2812/)
- [1 Timothy 2:1-2](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/1-timothy-21-2/)
- [wrestling with God](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/wrestling-with-god/)
- [walk with a limp](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/walk-with-a-limp/)
- [Russian Blue cat](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/russian-blue-cat/)
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- [Genesis 32:31](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/genesis-3231/)
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- [wedding anniversary](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/wedding-anniversary/)
- [in Christ alone](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/in-christ-alone/)
- [old people getting married](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/old-people-getting-married/)
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- [more than conquerers](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/more-than-conquerers/)
- [Romans 8:31](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/romans-831/)
- [37](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/37/)
- [End times](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/end-times/)
- [tribulation](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/tribulation/)
- [malaise](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/malaise/)
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- [Birthday](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/birthday/)
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- [Sap](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/sap/)
- [strength](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/strength/)
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- [worry](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/worry/)
- [Hopewriter Conference](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/hopewriter-conference/)
- [Matthew 6:26](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/matthew-626/)
- [1 Peter 5:7](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/1-peter-57/)
- [2 Samuel 7](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/2-samuel-7/)
- [Matthew 11:28](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/matthew-1128/)
- [conflict](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/conflict/)
- [cease](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/cease/)
- [pause](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/pause/)
- [Mushrooms](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/mushrooms/)
- [trials](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/trials/)
- [endurance](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/endurance/)
- [James 1:2](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/james-12/)
- [roosters](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/roosters/)
- [chickens](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/chickens/)
- [biddies](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/biddies/)
- [cruise](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/cruise/)
- [Sour Cream Pound Cake](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/sour-cream-pound-cake/)
- [Speckled pup](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/speckled-pup/)
- [Great Joy](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/great-joy/)
- [sifting flour](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/sifting-flour/)
- [separating eggs](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/separating-eggs/)
- [Balance](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/balance/)
- [overboard](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/overboard/)
- [Isaiah 30:21](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/isaiah-3021/)
- [Micah 6:8](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/micah-68/)
- [FOMO Fear of missing out](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/fomo-fear-of-missing-out/)
- [Forever](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/forever/)
- [Psalm 30:12](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/psalm-3012/)
- [commitment](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/commitment/)
- [Journaling](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/journaling/)
- [Prayer Journaling](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/prayer-journaling/)
- [Processing Life](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/processing-life/)
- [Psalm 119:27](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/psalm-11927/)
- [Psalm 102:18](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/psalm-10218/)
- [covid-19](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/covid-19/)
- [pandemic](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/pandemic/)
- [God doesn't change](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/god-doesnt-change/)
- [James 1:17](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/james-117/)
- [Hebrew 13:8](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/hebrew-138/)
- [Cover-10](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/cover-10/)
- [Ezekiel 12:6](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/ezekiel-126/)
- [Easter 2020](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/easter-2020/)
- [John 20:19](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/john-2019/)
- [Matthew 28:6](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/matthew-286/)
- [Philippians 2:12-13](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/philippians-212-13/)
- [journey](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/journey/)
- [pilgrimage](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/pilgrimage/)
- [attitude](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/attitude/)
- [Philippians 4:7-9](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/philippians-47-9/)
- [Danger Zone](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/danger-zone/)
- [Guard your heart](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/guard-your-heart/)
- [Proverbs 4:23](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/proverbs-423/)
- [fall](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/fall/)
- [Queen of the Night cactus](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/queen-of-the-night-cactus/)
- [night blooming cactus](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/night-blooming-cactus/)
- [Christ in the Manger](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/christ-in-the-manger/)
- [Jesus in Gethsemane](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/jesus-in-gethsemane/)
- [Matthew 26:36-46](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/matthew-2636-46/)
- [Gratitude](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/gratitude/)
- [thankful](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/thankful/)
- [Philippians 4:4](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/philippians-44/)
- [6-8](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/6-8/)
- [practice contentment](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/practice-contentment/)
- [learn contentment](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/learn-contentment/)
- [philippians 4:11](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/philippians-411/)
- [Philippians 4:13](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/philippians-413/)
- [Shepherds](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/shepherds/)
- [Luke 2:8-20](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/luke-28-20/)
- [God's presence](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/gods-presence/)
- [Wise men](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/wise-men/)
- [Honor God](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/honor-god/)
- [lost in the shuffle](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/lost-in-the-shuffle/)
- [Luke 2:41-46](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/luke-241-46/)
- [typos in the Bible](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/typos-in-the-bible/)
- [example](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/example/)
- [1 Thessalonians 1:7](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/1-thessalonians-17/)
- [prototype](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/prototype/)
- [pattern](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/pattern/)
- [eternal life](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/eternal-life/)
- [eternity](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/eternity/)
- [1 Thess. 4:13](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/1-thess-413/)
- [Hope of glory](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/hope-of-glory/)
- [complete](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/complete/)
- [perfect](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/perfect/)
- [Colossians 1:27](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/colossians-127/)
- [puzzle pieces](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/puzzle-pieces/)
- [perspective](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/perspective/)
- [Colossians 3:2](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/colossians-32/)
- [1 John 2:15](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/1-john-215/)
- [heavenly perspective](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/heavenly-perspective/)
- [25th Anniversary](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/25th-anniversary/)
- [Eternal sight](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/eternal-sight/)
- [2 Corinthians 5:7](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/2-corinthians-57/)
- [Mesa Verde](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/mesa-verde/)
- [walk by faith](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/walk-by-faith/)
- [woven](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/woven/)
- [rejoice](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/rejoice/)
- [Verse Mapping](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/verse-mapping/)
- [Bible study](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/bible-study/)
- [treasures from God's Word](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/treasures-from-gods-word/)
- [irritating](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/irritating/)
- [Col. 3:13-14](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/col-313-14/)
- [Philippians 2:3](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/philippians-23/)
- [Revelation 22:20](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/revelation-2220/)
- [1 Thessalonians 2](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/1-thessalonians-2/)
- [1 Thessalonians 4](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/1-thessalonians-4/)
- [Party Potatoe Recipe](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/party-potatoe-recipe/)
- [Cooking](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/cooking/)
- [Legacy](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/legacy/)
- [Mitzi Neely](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/mitzi-neely/)
- [2 Timothy 3:14-15](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/2-timothy-314-15/)
- [Trust](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/trust/)
- [Graham](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/graham/)
- [Joshua 2](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/joshua-2/)
- [Rapture of church](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/rapture-of-church/)
- [Return of Jesus](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/return-of-jesus/)
- [rapture](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/rapture/)
- [Jesus' second coming](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/jesus-second-coming/)
- [Revelation 1:3](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/revelation-13/)
- [eschatology](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/eschatology/)
- [Jesus comes FOR His church](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/jesus-comes-for-his-church/)
- [Jesus comes WITH His church](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/jesus-comes-with-his-church/)
- [rapture and return are two events](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/rapture-and-return-are-two-events/)
- [1 Thessalonians 4:16](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/1-thessalonians-416/)
- [Galatians 5:17](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/galatians-517/)
- [Flesh vs Spirit](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/flesh-vs-spirit/)
- [spiritual GPS](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/spiritual-gps/)
- [reading scripture](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/reading-scripture/)
- [1 Timothy 4:7](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/1-timothy-47/)
- [Exercise for spiritual life](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/exercise-for-spiritual-life/)
- [discipline for godliness](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/discipline-for-godliness/)
- [Prodigal](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/prodigal/)
- [personal God](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/personal-god/)
- [God is near](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/god-is-near/)
- [Complacent](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/complacent/)
- [lukewarm](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/lukewarm/)
- [self-sufficient](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/self-sufficient/)
- [prideful](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/prideful/)
- [Revelation 3:16](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/revelation-316/)
- [Spiritual fatigue](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/spiritual-fatigue/)
- [spiritual apathy](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/spiritual-apathy/)
- [sluggish](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/sluggish/)
- [spiritual laziness](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/spiritual-laziness/)
- [be diligent](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/be-diligent/)
- [be imitators](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/be-imitators/)
- [Valentine](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/valentine/)
- [husband](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/husband/)
- [loving](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/loving/)
- [14 Ways to Love](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/14-ways-to-love/)
- [Battle ready](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/battle-ready/)
- [Exodus 13](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/exodus-13/)
- [deliverance](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/deliverance/)
- [slavery](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/slavery/)
- [unbelief](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/unbelief/)
- [Acts 12:13-15](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/acts-1213-15/)
- [Rhoda](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/rhoda/)
- [Bezalel](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/bezalel/)
- [Mercy Seat](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/mercy-seat/)
- [Exodus 37](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/exodus-37/)
- [obscure people of the Bible](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/obscure-people-of-the-bible/)
- [using your gifts](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/using-your-gifts/)
- [Obscure people in scripture](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/obscure-people-in-scripture/)
- [Acts 9](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/acts-9/)
- [Ananias](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/ananias/)
- [blessing](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/blessing/)
- [Philemon](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/philemon/)
- [handling conflict](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/handling-conflict/)
- [1 Corinthians 13:7](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/1-corinthians-137/)
- [sabbath](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/sabbath/)
- [spiritual health](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/spiritual-health/)
- [feast](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/feast/)
- [famine](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/famine/)
- [soul food](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/soul-food/)
- [Exodus 34:28](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/exodus-3428/)
- [Acts 13:12](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/acts-1312/)
- [Psalm 34:8](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/psalm-348/)
- [Ephesians 2:10](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/ephesians-210/)
- [Masterpiece](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/masterpiece/)
- [ticket to heaven](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/ticket-to-heaven/)
- [forever name](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/forever-name/)
- [Christ's 2nd coming](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/christs-2nd-coming/)
- [potter](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/potter/)
- [stop striving](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/stop-striving/)
- [Jesus shapes us](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/jesus-shapes-us/)
- [Isaiah 64:8](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/isaiah-648/)
- [depth](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/depth/)
- [friend](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/friend/)
- [Cornerstone](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/cornerstone/)
- [Bible bite](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/bible-bite/)
- [tidbits](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/tidbits/)
- [capstone](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/capstone/)
- [Alpha](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/alpha/)
- [Omega](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/omega/)
- [Bible Bites](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/bible-bites/)
- [Ears](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/ears/)
- [Exiles](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/exiles/)
- [going and coming](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/going-and-coming/)
- [gifts](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/gifts/)
- [root](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/root/)
- [stump of Jesse](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/stump-of-jesse/)
- [fire](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/fire/)
- [ashes](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/ashes/)
- [Emmanuel](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/emmanuel/)
- [heavenly peace](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/heavenly-peace/)
- [Silent Night](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/silent-night/)
- [healing](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/healing/)
- [Old Testament New Testament connection](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/old-testament-new-testament-connection/)
- [wings](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/wings/)
- [hem of His garment](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/hem-of-his-garment/)
- [Malachi 4:2](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/malachi-42/)
- [Luke 8:43-44](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/luke-843-44/)
- [restoration](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/restoration/)
- [Apostle Peter](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/apostle-peter/)
- [Holy Land lesson](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/holy-land-lesson/)
- [alabaster jar](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/alabaster-jar/)
- [tear bottle](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/tear-bottle/)
- [wash Jesus' feet](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/wash-jesus-feet/)
- [oil](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/oil/)
- [tears](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/tears/)
- [Titus 2:3](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/titus-23/)
- [Ps 92:12-14](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/ps-9212-14/)
- [older women](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/older-women/)
- [Ps 121:4](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/ps-1214/)
- [God keeps us](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/god-keeps-us/)
- [Bread of Life](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/bread-of-life/)
- [baby bird feeding](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/baby-bird-feeding/)
- [John 6:35](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/john-635/)
- [snake](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/snake/)
- [Elijah](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/elijah/)
- [1 Kings 19:11](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/1-kings-1911/)
- [whisper Bucee's](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/whisper-bucees/)
- [fungus](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/fungus/)
- [build up](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/build-up/)
- [Israel](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/israel/)
- [Nazareth](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/nazareth/)
- [Shepherd's Field](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/shepherds-field/)
- [memories](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/memories/)
- [train set](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/train-set/)
- [need](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/need/)
- [new](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/new/)
- [mercies](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/mercies/)
- [Lamentations](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/lamentations/)
- [Aaron](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/aaron/)
- [gold calf](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/gold-calf/)
- [flexible](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/flexible/)
- [pivot](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/pivot/)
- [adapt](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/adapt/)
- [detour](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/detour/)
- [struggles](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/struggles/)
- [look up](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/look-up/)
- [look out](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/look-out/)
- [Psalm 121](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/psalm-121/)
- [walking](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/walking/)
- [exercise routine](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/exercise-routine/)
- [silent walking](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/silent-walking/)
- [noise of the world](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/noise-of-the-world/)
- [soul weary](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/soul-weary/)
- [fatigue](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/fatigue/)
- [food](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/food/)
- [feeding your soul](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/feeding-your-soul/)
- [Redeemed](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/redeemed/)
- [Rescued](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/rescued/)
- [Resolve](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/resolve/)
- [renew](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/renew/)
- [rehearse](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/rehearse/)
- [rehash review](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/rehash-review/)
- [new year](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/new-year/)
- [reflect](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/reflect/)
- [review](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/review/)
- [kindness](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/kindness/)
- [death](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/death/)
- [dying to self](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/dying-to-self/)
- [how to love](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/how-to-love/)
- [love isn't self-seeking](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/love-isnt-self-seeking/)
- [hard as a rock](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/hard-as-a-rock/)
- [hard place](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/hard-place/)
- [shelter](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/shelter/)
- [dwelling](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/dwelling/)
- [refuge](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/refuge/)
- [rock of habitation](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/rock-of-habitation/)
- [rock of strength](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/rock-of-strength/)
- [Spiritual Growth](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/spiritual-growth/)
- [imitate Christ](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/imitate-christ/)
- [imitate](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/imitate/)
- [mirror](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/mirror/)
- [snakes](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/snakes/)
- [horrors](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/horrors/)
- [time remaining on earth](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/time-remaining-on-earth/)
- [serve well](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/serve-well/)
- [love well](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/love-well/)
- [Genesis 3:14-15](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/genesis-314-15/)
- [God's faithfulness](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/gods-faithfulness/)
- [grateful](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/grateful/)
- [blessed](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/blessed/)
- [grief and Christmas](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/grief-and-christmas/)
- [resolutions](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/resolutions/)
- [goals](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/goals/)
- [intentions](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/intentions/)
- [Be](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/be/)
- [Do](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/do/)
- [Stranger](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/stranger/)
- [sojourner](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/sojourner/)
- [Lazarus](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/lazarus/)
- [Stinky](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/stinky/)
- [Prepare](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/prepare/)
- [grow old](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/grow-old/)
- [deep roots](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/deep-roots/)
- [wedding memories](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/wedding-memories/)
- [Anniversary celebration](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/anniversary-celebration/)
- [Ps 126:3](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/ps-1263/)
- [world's finist chocolate](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/worlds-finist-chocolate/)
- [garden to grave](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/garden-to-grave/)
- [beginning to end](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/beginning-to-end/)
- [God is with us](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/god-is-with-us/)
- [awestruck](https://www.ellenchauvin.com/tag/awestruck/)