Signing up to do a book review for author Karen Ehman is not a tough decision for me. I knew that not too long ago I had read and done an online study group with the book Let. It. Go – How to Stop Running the Show and Start Walking in Faith. (in all honesty, I couldn’t help myself, I had to go back and see when that was. The truth is it was almost 3 years ago – I purchased the book in January of 2013 – so in my world that equals not long ago. Insert giant eye roll!!)
Needless to say when the opportunity came up to review her book and post about it, I jumped. Of course these last few weeks have been some of the most busiest of the year I think, and I’ve tried so hard to sit and read, but time hasn’t been there. I enjoyed the snippets of chapters I had grabbed, but sitting and relaxing with a coffee and her book hadn’t happened yet – until this morning.
My list of things to do is still a mile long, and won’t get any shorter, but stopping to take an hour of my day to sit in the sunshine while it’s still here and enjoy the book was perfect. This book is the perfect mix of step on your toes and encouragement. Challenging and thought provoking, I find myself amazed at how much it goes hand in hand with other lessons I have been working on already.
Karen’s style is easy to read and she adds some really wonderful personal stories to drive her point home. She’s also really clear about the fact that she and her family aren’t perfect, but they have been intentional in their lives to reach outward to others. Karen gives practical advice even including recipes for how to bless others with what God has blessed us with whether that’s opening our homes to teenage boys, taking a friend out for coffee, baking goodies for the neighbor or celebrating the mailman. She reminds us that all of us can be intentional about being Christ to others in our daily lives.
My favorite chapters were Chapter 1 regarding Heart Drops. Listening when others share a personal detail and remembering it for later. Sometimes a gift opportunity can be given and it’s more meaningful when it shows we remembered something they shared. Her chapter on the Sick at Heart was also a great reminder on how to be present for those in their grief. Sometimes it’s remembering that the holidays are most difficult for those who have loved and lost, and inviting them into our space so they won’t be lonely. Her last chapter on Scatter Kindness was another of my favorites as she reminded us that we can be kind no matter the circumstances.
Karen struck a wonderful balance between the principles she was giving, personal family experiences, Scripture and practical application making this a book I would very highly recommend to all my friends. The addition of gift tags, Bible verse quotes, and other items is just an added bonus helping us as we seek to be more intentional in our hospitality. Possible the greatest nugget was tucked in at the end when she encourages us to REPEAT. Becoming consistent in the habit will create depth in existing relationships and cause in return to increase our outward focus on others.
The great news is that a Study Guide and DVD is also released to be used in a group setting. I look forward to gathering some friends very soon to do this study together – I think it will be very refreshing for us to share our ideas as we journey together.
The OTHER great news is this! I have a free copy to give away! and thats not all (did you imagine a TV commercial just then? I hope so…that’s what I was going for) with the free copy of the book, I will also be able to give away a study guide and DVD – so that you can launch your own Study group too. HOW FUN!
So here’s the details of how to win your very own copies of Karen’s book and study. Deadline is 11/24 @ midnight (yes I know it’s Thanksgiving that’s why I said midnight, by then the dishes will be done – am I right?)
- Share this blog post on your social media – twitter, google+, Facebook, etc.
- Like the Encouraging Women Today Facebook page – click here. If you have already done that – thanks! I appreciate you 🙂
- Leave me a comment here on the blog telling me one of your favorite Holiday traditions. Since this is the season for Thanksgiving, Christmas and everything in between – share with me one of your favorites!
- LAST – comment below the post on the Encouraging Women Today Facebook page, or my personal page that you followed the steps above and want to be entered to win!
One random winner will be selected next Friday – November 25th (Black Friday – yay!) I will let everyone know who win and that make arrangements with the winner to get your items to you! Thank you to you all in advance for participating! 🙂
In full disclosure I have received in exchange for my review a copy of the book itself and the copy to give away.
Encouraging Women Today 
Christmas tradition….During the last week before Christmas, I have my children’s families over for a meal. Under each plate is a question on decorative paper. Some are the same as the previous year’s questions, some are new questions. Our conversation during the meal is for each person to read aloud their question and answer it, which usually leads to more conversation and laughter. Examples: What was one of your favorite gifts to receive over the years? What foods do you associate with a wonderful Christmas? How have you helped someone less fortunate than you this Christmas season? What is your favorite Christmas movie and why?
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That is wonderful Mrs Martha! Love this tradition!
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One of my favorite Christmas traditions growing up was decorating my grandmothers Christmas tree every year with my other cousins! We loved using the tinsel! She let us decorate it any way we wanted. She was so admired my everyone. She raised 4 boys by herself after my granddad died when my dad was 9, the second youngest. There were 11 of us grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren before she died. We’d gather every Christmas morning at her home to eat a wonderful breakfast and open gifts. The last years there were 40＋of us! Sweet memories!
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