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!

Between Heaven and Earth....my personal review.

        When you read a title like this, you might be tempted to wonder 1) who is writing, and 2) of what experience makes this author credible to write such a thing?

        I was offered this book in exchange for a review on my blog. I had the opportunity to choose between certain titles. This one intrigued me.

        Between Heaven and Earth...Finding Hope, Courage, and Passion Through a Fresh Vision of Heaven, was written by a man named Steve Berger. It was an excellent read. His perspective is through his own experience, the eyes of a minister/father who's son resides now in his Heavenly home. Not lost, for he was found in Christ long before his home-going.

        Berger, in my opinion, lays out for the reader, a clear and precise view of Heaven as is found only in Scripture. What was my greatest surprise, was that it was short on an "experience" (which is a common trend), and long on the delivering of an excellent challenge: to be so Heavenly minded that your hands and your heart are deeply embedded in the harvest. All around. Wherever you reside.

        While experience is often the best teacher, the biblical challenge of KNOWING Christ, His word, and being able to share is definitely the picture being drawn throughout his book. The wisdom we gain from knowing the Truth is beyond comparison. I'd encourage you to read it. Read it again. Pass it out. He offers a refreshing voice of Hope, Courage and Passion as he and his wife bravely share their deepest grief in "Between Heaven and Earth."

        You will not be disappointed!

Let It Go...

Whew!

This past month has been such a great, relaxing, fast paced month for us!

Aaron was able to participate in a pastors conference in Louisville, KY. He had an amazing time with eight other guys. Louisville, being only hours from my Grandma, the kids and I were able to stay with her for a week. Oh, my goodness! I LOVED every minute of it. It was difficult to leave. There is something about family...something so precious.

The kids are doing well. Libbi is walking/running. Everywhere. All.The.Time. My busy little girl is learning words and climbing furniture. Her current favorites are Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwiches, Cheese, and crackers of any kind.

Cade is nearing the end of Second Grade. He is flying through his work and learning division, more about writing, and reading in about a 5th grade level. The kid amazes me. He also is working on his manners and obedience. (ugh) He is doing great, and it encourages mom and dad to stay a step ahead. *smile*

Guess what? I told you that I would have some news, and I do! My book is due out in about 6 weeks! EEKKK!!!! I'm excited/scared/terrified/thrilled all at once! Look for some more information soon. I'll hopefully be able to share the cover with you soon. It will be available through the publisher, Amazon, or Barnes and Noble, if you'd like a copy!

I have never been able to just "find a song" that fits my life so closely, so appropriately, and ironically so very close to the book coming out, as I have found in the song "Let it Go" from the movie FROZEN. By now, there are many covers on YouTube, and from other very talented people. My personal favorite is sung by Lexi Walker. (I'll include the video at the end.)

 

The snow glows white on the mountain tonight,

not a footprint to be seen.

A kingdom of isolation and it looks like

I'm the queen

The wind is howling like this swirling storm inside

Couldn't keep it in

Heaven knows I tried.

 

My life hasn't exactly gone "just as planned." While battling through Breast Cancer, I found that there were very isolated areas in my life as I tried to find my identity. I lived, in many ways, exactly how I felt would be appropriate for those around me, or what I imagined a "good Christian girl" should look like.

 

 

Don't let them in don't let them see

Be the good girl you always have to be

Conceal, don't feel, don't let them know.

Well, now they know!

 

Yes, people will know. In my book I've shared my personal struggles: my life, my heart, my dreams. I tried to hold nothing back. Yes, people will know the real me...and for the first time: I'm not afraid. Intimidated? Absolutely. Worried about rejection? The thoughts come and go. I'd be lying if I said they didn't. The past three years and the difficulty in walking them have taught me some priceless lessons. Lessons about loving myself, not hating. Loving others, regardless of how they have hurt me. Forgiveness, letting go of fears, and finding my identity are just a few.

 

It's funny how some distance

Makes everything seem small

And the fears that once controlled me

Can't get to me at all

It's time to see what I can do

To test the limits and break through...

I'm never going back

The past is in the past.

 

The answer is Jesus. It always has been and it always will be. The One and Only. Jesus. Fear has all but crippled me at times. Sucked the life out of me. But it is time to let it go. The fear that controlled me. The perfect life. The preconceived ideas about what my identity was supposed to look like. Where in the world would I be without you, Jesus? He is my identity, my portion. He continually speaks and pours grace out on us. His call to us is "Come." His gift to us is Himself. Perfect love. The most perfect of all love that has the power to cast out fear. Draw near to Him sweet friend, if but just one moment today. Let it go. Let all that you are holding on to, go. Free fall into His arms. It will be OK. I promise.

 

 

 

 



 



 



February!

February- already?

Where has the time gone?

My little girl turned one! ONE!!!

Look at that cutie! She scarfed that cupcake down!!!

I embarked on a makeover of her little table that was handed down from her brother. These things are a dime a dozen at yard sales and the like, but did I research that with Cade? Nope. Shoulda-woulda-coulda. The end.

Since I'm all about pink, I decided to give it a shot. What could it hurt?

 

I purchased the materials at JoAnns. First the cute patterns, then the clear overlay. The chair tops were the most difficult, as the screws and material were no longer reusable. I improvised with Velcro. A lot of it. As for the rest? A stapler and some patience. It certainly isn't perfect, but cuteness loves it and so do I. I had to include one more of her sitting at her table because one shows her hair better and the other-her teeth! Hilarious!

For those that were asking for more information on how to do this, I'd be happy to help with suggestions (though I'm more of a free spirit when it comes to these projects)...feel free to email me! My contact is up on the right side of my blog page.

 

Wishing you and yours a happy day!

Never Once...

Three years. Three very fast, LONG, struggling years.

I woke up this morning early. Sitting down with a cup of coffee and my devotions, I was thrilled to have the time to myself. I am on the final chapter, reading through the Psalms of ascent. When the psalmist is calling God to remember, and to draw near.

As I was encouraged to do in my study, I looked back. And I remembered. Three years ago, choking down my grief, I stood before the mirror asking myself, "what's next?" Three years past, I was in surgery at this exact time. A double mastectomy. Lifelong scars. Heart memories of when God drew near. I looked into a mirror this morning and asked myself the same question..."what's next."

I choked out my thanks this morning as I was fixing my hair. How beautiful the view this side of three years. Fear was a motivator then. At times it still is, but I have learned some things in these past three years of life...we never walk alone. Never once.

Whatever your circumstances are right at this very minute, stop where you are. Close your eyes. Whisper His name. He is near. Emmanuel.

Let this be your thankfilled prayer and motivation: He is faithful. It's His gift to you...