Hello...again!

 

 

I decided to get up and get my workout done early so I could

get on here and share my heart with you.

It was costly.

5:00 am...but worth it. 

 

I "snuck" downstairs for my secluded 40 min.

It is my "sacred place."

 

Don't be jealous, now.

Libbi refused to stay in her play yard, so I opened it up and climbed in.

I included some of my toys as well.

 

(*a note to my photographer friends...the lighting? On purpose. It hid the dust and cobwebs. Feel free to share my idea. If you're kind, I might even let you ride on that slick little roller coaster to the right. I'm not really to a place where I'd feel comfortable with a photo sessions giveaway, so the coaster ride will have to do. I'll even throw in the "box fan breeze" for an added treat.) *smile*

 

 

These kids mess me up in the best way possible.

For real.

Every day is a challenge (a good one). A call. Not a "call out" but a "call up." To be a better mom. Wife. Friend. Sister. Daughter. Pastors wife.

I'm not going to lie. It isn't easy.

But it's worth it. Just. Look. At. Those. Faces.

 



 

These papers are priceless to me.

The first? 14 weeks with my trainer. Blood, sweat and tears. Reminding me of where I've come from, and where I'm going. Stronger. Leaner. Everyday.

 

Below that is my "love" note from Libbi. I have a Bible cover now to match.

Priceless. Just like her sweet self.

 

 

(Wow these IPhone uploads are #blurry)

 

As I mentioned earlier, we have a big girl in the house now...

 

 

Her brother is growing just as fast!

He is learning so much this year. Character. Perseverance. Patience. Forgiveness.

Though I hate to see him hurt, I watch from the front row

as this man-child grows and begins to apply everything we've tried to instill.

It truly is a gift. #Hiswordneverfails

 

 

As our school year was quickly approaching, I decided on a last minute curriculum change.

Not knowing what to expect, I dove in head first through countless reviews, phone calls, and finally decided to do a placement test. It covered the five core subjects. He passed...right through to 4th grade.

I was stunned. And so proud. He loves to learn and it is paying off.

 

As I mentioned before, these guys have my heart. Most of it anyway. Aaron's in there too! *smile*

 

May this day find you blessed.

Breathe deep.

Push the incline up just one more %. Do one more rep.

Spend just 60 seconds more, mentioning every name you can think of before the One who can pull the plug on the worry that keeps you awake and weighs you down.

He could stop time if He wanted to. And better yet, who is already in tomorrow.

You got this...when you've got Him.

Stay the course, friend.

 

And until we chat again, here is my "Hello"...again!

 

 

 

 

 

 

HELLO!

I'm back.
I'm ready to write after a long (and much needed) hiatus. I've missed this. Just to type this feels just, well, exciting!

I took the summer off to regroup and digest the summer: slow and steady. I realized that I needed that time to continue staying flush with plumb line.

I cannot write another minute until I tell you about the most precious little nephew that arrived today!!! Wesley Coy impressed us all with his adorable cute self. I can hardly stand it that I live so far away! His sweet little face just melts his aunt Erin's heart. I'm pretty sure that he will love me more than Alison (my sister), but lets keep that between us. He is perfect. We are absolutely in love and I could not be happier for my brother Eric and his sweet bride, Kerri. Great job, mom and dad! Thanks for letting us dote on your sweet little boy!

Speaking of sweet kiddos, Cade is getting ready to begin school. I remember post-partum hormones; tears; and memories of dreading his first day of school. Now he is in the 3rd grade. How does that happen?

Libbi? She is using the big girl potty. I know. This house will not know what to do without its trail of diapers and wipes. I may break into song and dance. Repeatedly.

Aaron is doing such a great job at the church, his job, and being a great dad and spouse! He is constantly striving for excellence and goodwill towards men. He's a stud...and ladies, he is taken.

I am doing well. Health is doing great. I had a bit of a scare as my liver enzymes came back elevated. I have a new oncologist and he ran additional tests, all coming back normal. I'm thankful. So incredibly thankful. I am now on a six month check up schedule. I cannot tell you how good that feels. Finagling childcare and appointments gets old--quickly.
I'm writing again. Bits and pieces here and there. Contemplating another book. Preparing for two retreats this fall, back to back. I would appreciate your prayers as I assemble each session.

We are looking forward to taking some much needed vacations this fall/winter. Hoping to see some of your beautiful faces this year as we make our rounds. So few words can describe how thankful we are for friends like you. Your love, support, and a verbal spanking now and then to keep us on track.

That is pretty much a glimpse into our lives as we catch up. I would love to stay longer, but this girl needs to turn in. Worship practice comes early on Sundays, but I wanted to stop by and say Hello!

Blessings, Erin

Two more to review...

As I promised, here are my latest books I've read, given to me by Bethany Publishing in exchange for a review. I know I could sound like a broken record here, but seriously, I've REALLY enjoyed these two titles. They came one day apart, but thankfully, I love to read.

                                                     
                                                     UNDETECTED By Dee Henderson

With this being my first book from this author, I wasn't sure what to expect. 

I was fascinated with what I learned about the Navy-life aboard a Submarine.
Navigating the deep waters of military life, Mark Bishop plays a worthy hero whose heart is moving forward after the untimely death of his wife. His take control attitude guides him well in his job as a Navy Commander, as well as in his personal life.

Things get interesting when his best friends "little sister" arrives on base before her brother returns from sea. Fortunately for Gina, Mark is able to step in and help her adjust to life. Her life. That is anything but normal. Leading ocean science research projects has been her passion. But her God-given ability--her mind/genius--often causes her great difficulty in getting what she wants most in life. Normal. Does it even exist? Pushing all her frustrations aside, Gina dives into her work and finds what could be the most exciting and dangerous breakthrough her research has turned up yet.

I look forward to reading more from Henderson. Her plots are very well thought out and have characters that are very "real" and love able. I look forward to reading more from her! I highly recommend it!

 

 

 

A MOMENT IN TIME by Tracie Peterson

 

A charming historical novel, set back in the western era. I loved the story line.
The main character Alice is running. Running from her past, her memories and her fears. She finds solace at a ranch near Dallas, TX.

Her scars, though never quite concealed, seem to draw unwanted attention everywhere she goes. People asking her questions, and the ever present man lurking in the shadows. Waiting. Watching.

With the new start, and wide open spaces, Alice is sure she is seeing big blue skies for the first time. Until her troubles follow her, and show up in the most frustrating places.

Such a relevant story to us today. No matter how far we run, our troubles will follow until we face them, and turn them over into the capable hands of the Lord. Having not read from this series before, I quickly looked up other titles to follow this story, and learn more about this author. I loved it!

It's June...already...

How May came and went and June fell upon us, I shall never know.

This past day has been spent cleaning up mess after mess, created (lovingly) by a sweet little girl who is getting far too big for her britches. Seriously. She crawled out of her crib last night. I found her dangling by her hands off the side of her baby bed this morning, so out came the toddler transition-- out of the same bed. That girl is determined to grow up! Nothing is too big for her, and if her big brother does it--well, so should she!

Speaking of Cade; he began his third year of swim lessons. He hates them, until he's there and then tells me just how much he LOVES it. He says that a lot. About Piano Lessons, Cub Scouts, Golf--though he rarely complains about that, and then of course there is the chores...but I'll take every bit of it. We are learning too.

Aaron is getting ready to go back into seminary. Yes, we needed that one-more-thing. (Ha, Ha) We have been reorganizing our lives (as if that is even possible) to absorb this new change. Several things went by the wayside, and others came just a bit more into focus. He is very excited.

Our projects have dwindled down and I am thrilled. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE me a good project. Especially a refinishing one. However, I'm ready for a break. We are a week(-ish) out from completing our pool install. 27ft. around didn't look that big all rolled up...=)

This week marks my 3 year milestone. Ironically, I've spent the last two months re-establishing with new physicians as they have moved, retired, or changed vocations. Yes, my oncologist changed as well and then I should mention that they lost my records. Again. Perhaps a fresh start is just the thing! =) Lord willing I will still be in remission. I am grateful.

I'm thankful to all of you who have read, are reading or have purchased my book. Thank you. From the bottom of my heart, you have blessed me. If you get the chance to review it on Amazon.com, or Barnes and Noble, please do! I'd love to hear from you!

I've continued to write, though mostly in my head. I'm also prepping for another couple of women's retreats coming up in the fall. I am so excited. Some days I can hardly believe that the Lord would allow me to leave these four walls and be among women who encourage me and build me up. Diapers and spilled Cheerios can only get you so far. I'm telling you--He (the Lord) is far better to us than we deserve.

I need to retire for the night, but sending out my thoughts and prayers in your direction tonight.

-Erin

Reviews...

Good morning! I just realized that a couple of my book reviews never published...my sincere apologies to Bethany House Publishing. Please note, the following reviews are my opinion alone. I was given these books via the Publisher in exchange for a review. So here they are again...

1) "Get Your Teenager Talking" by Jonathan McKee

      In his book, Get Your Teenager Talking, Mr. McKee gives 180 conversation starters. While not having a teen aged child of my own, I found his book insightful, and refreshing. I believe this would pair well with scripture to any youth worker, parent or pastor seeking to find ways to reach teens.

      The easy format makes this book very manageable and a great reference. I highly recommend it!

2) "Shadow Hand" by Anne Elizabeth Stengl

      I was completely lost in this book...until I realized it was not the first of a series, but about the eighth! I loved it. It puts me in mind of The Lord of the Rings type--book.
I felt the author did an excellent job of drawing parallels from the past that echo hauntingly to present day. Her imaginative plot (I'm not giving it away) draws you in, and sets you to thinking about Idols, false teachings, and the Truth of Gods word and the freedom therein. It's costly, as the heroine finds out, and compels the reader to seek truth. Well done! I'll be purchasing the other books in this exciting series!

What a weekend!!!

Amazing!
I am finally getting things into order after a long weekend away. I am incredibly thankful for all the help that was given Aaron, Cade, Libbi, and I! Thank you, thank you!!!!

This past weekend, I spent time in upper MI., speaking at a womens convention. On top of that, my book was released as well! Yes, it was a huge day for us...exhausting too! (Emotionally)

I did not get sick on stage or anything! Thank you for your prayers!

Rachelle (BFF) was able to come with me and we had a blast! Road trip, and girl chit chat! What could be better? They treated us like queens...literally! It was fun and such an honor! To bring the word to these ladies who love the word...nothing better! We had great praise and worship, and ministry time through prayer, too!

I will upload pictures from the weekend as soon as I get on my home computer, the Kindle only does so much! =)

I have heard from many of you who have purchased my book. Thank you. Seriously, I have cried tears of thankfulness for your support, and prayers that have literally been carrying us these three years. You are truly the best!

Just letting you know I am still alive!

Love, Erin

PS: If you would like a book, you can order through Amazon, contact the publisher (AJoyin Publishing), or through me via email: aleighshafer@aol.com

PS2: If you have already purchased one, would you please do me a favor and go online to review it on Amazon? You just have to have an account with them to write a review (Go to "my account" and search the title name.)

PS3: Lastly, yes...I will give signatures. =)

Good Morning!

Yes, indeed it is...a good morning!

I'm sitting this morning, with coffee in hand, waiting for my best friend. She's coming for a short visit before she goes to work. Cade is spread out on the floor, finishing up his schoolwork, yes for the year. Aaron has long since left for work. Libbi, if you can believe it, is STILL asleep.

This week has been completely full: a funeral at church, fun get-togethers with friends, play dates, yard work, cleaning, choosing book covers, and bible study tonight, rolling right into a weekend packed. Lord help me. That's my prayer.

I awoke last night drenched in fear. I was dreaming that for the womens retreat (I'm speaking at in two weeks), I had forgotten my notes and threw-up on stage. Yikes! And then was dreaming that my cancer had come back. While I can understand how nerves, and tiredness can do things to you, I often wonder why we have to fight fear so hard, so much, and all the time. Lord help me. Again I prayed.

With the business of the week and a bad dream stuck in my head, I realized: I haven't been in the Word nor have I been praying like I should have been. There is where I can battle these things with the only weapons we are given to fight the unseen battle that we can at times "feel" going on around us.

Over 365 times, does scripture encourage us not to fear. More than once per day of every year, we can take heart. Spirits lifted. And yes, even have a good morning in spite of what we may feel. Lord help me. He will. He's never left. And he's always near.

If this sounds like you, take heart my friend. I'm praying for you. Will you remember me as well? Through these fears, and when I share in two weeks? Thank you, so very much! (In advance)

"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed (changed in form) by the renewing of your mind." Romans 12:2

The Libbi-girl is up. Saying "oh, wow! Wow!" She too is experiencing a good morning. Hallelujah-a word that means the highest praise, is what I'm singing today. Prepping for today's work, yes...today is going to be a good day!