When Life is Filled with All the Things, Begin Your Days with the Most Important Thing of All Life is just . . . a lot. Relationships are hard. Responsibilities are piled high. And it seems like all the things are distracting you from the very best things of all. There's little time left for yourself--or for connecting with Jesus. No wonder you feel anxious in your mind and hurried in your heart. You desperately long for calm amidst your clamoring duties, stacked schedule, and life's unexpected circumstances. But where do you begin? More than anything else, your heart needs a refreshing encounter with God each day. Trusting God in All the Things offers women like you a way forward so you can experience the confident calm you crave. These 90 encouraging devotions will help you face life with God's peace and renewed strength. Start your day here, on these pages, where you'll find the calming reassurance of God, who is the only One who can truly be trusted in all the things.

You dream of making your presence really count in the lives of others, but you don't know where--or how--to start. You want to be remembered as a woman who scattered kindness to everyone she knew, but you feel like your busy schedule constantly gets in the way. In this practical and deeply touching guide--inspired by her book Reach Out, Gather In--popular author Karen Ehman gives you 101 actionable ideas you can implement today to truly make a difference in the lives of other people. Make Their Day is filled with creative ideas to connect with your family and friends on a deeper level throughout the year. This book will help you develop habits of kindness, reconnect with friends and family, and make encouraging people a priority. You'll be able to put these ideas into action in real time with everyone in your life--even if hospitality doesn't come naturally to you or you don't think you have time. Let's outshine the negativity and hatred in our world, and reach out to others with love, just as God intended.

Are you overwhelmed by others' unrealistic expectations of you? Do you feel torn in dozens of directions as you try to make everyone around you happy? If you're ready to end the cycle of approval seeking, New York Times bestselling author and recovering people pleaser Karen Ehman is here to help! When Making Others Happy Is Making You Miserable shares the refreshing, heartfelt lessons that Karen learned firsthand during her own journey of breaking free from people pleasing in order to live out her God-given purpose. Let Karen be your new go-to guide as you learn to successfully break the destructive pattern of people pleasing and start fully embracing the life God has called you to lead. With equal parts humor and vulnerability, Karen explores why it's so easy to fall into people-pleasing behaviors and reminds us that we can't fulfill our divine purpose if we're too busy living everyone else's. She offers her timely advice for living with less overwhelm and with more peace and purpose, sharing words of wisdom that will help you: Prioritize what God says above what other people think Live your life without worrying about the opinions and expectations of others Cultivate a strategy for knowing when to say yes and how to say no Create and maintain healthy boundaries with the pushers, pouters, guilt bombers and others who try to call the shots in your life Learn to navigate the tension between pleasing God and loving your community Join Karen as she encourages you to walk closely--and confidently--with our loving Creator, despite the opinions and expectations of others. It's time to end the people-pleasing game and finally enjoy the peaceful and purposeful life that you deserve.

What to say and how to say it. What not to say. When it's best to remain silent. What to do when you've said something you wish you could take back. . . In this study, you'll take a personal tour through the hows (and how-not-tos) of dealing with the tongue. The Bible has a lot to say about the tongue and what kind of power it has. James tells us that it can corrupt the whole body and that it can't be tamed. The book of Proverbs claims that "death and life are in the power of the tongue." This 6-session video Bible study (DVD/streaming video sold separately) is designed to offer hope for all of us who struggle with the way we've used our words and practical wisdom for getting our tongues under control. Biblical, encouraging, and kind, New York Times bestselling author Karen Ehman will help you: Learn the essential practice of using our words (and our mannerisms!) more constructively. Understand what God has to say about our tongues by studying verses and figures from Scripture. Discern what far-reaching effects our speech has-whether it's in private, in public, online, or in prayer. Gain practical insights into breaking habits of gossip, flattery, verbal retaliation, and people-pleasing. Most of us have been affected by the heartache and injury that words can cause, not only in family relationships, but also in friendships, work, and church settings. This is your guidebook to fully realizing the power of the tongue and how to use your words in the service of truth and love. Sessions include: Sparks, Squabbles, Spats, and Such: Our Words Matter On Filling Gaps and Zipping Lips: Listen to Others, Talk to God Opinion-Slinging and Salty Speech: Assessing Our Digital Tongues Gossip, Flattery, and People-Pleasing: How to Speak the Truth in Love Pause Before You Pounce: On Cultivating Soft Speech As Sweet as Honey: Wonderful Ways to Use Your Words Designed for use with the Keep It Shut Video Study 9780310819417 (sold separately).

Kind, encouraging, and humorous, Karen Ehman helps us learn the essential practice of using our words more effectively--alleviating heartache and regret, reducing relational tension and conflict, lessening our stress levels, and growing our relationship with God. From Bible times to modern times women have struggled with their words. What to say and how to say it. What not to say. When it is best to remain silent. And what to do when you've said something you wish you could now take back. In this book a woman whose mouth has gotten her into loads of trouble shares the hows (and how-not-tos) of dealing with the tongue. Beyond just a "how not to gossip" book, this book explores what the Bible says about the many ways we are to use our words and the times when we are to remain silent. Karen will cover using our speech to interact with friends, co-workers, family, and strangers as well as in the many places we use our words in private, in public, online, and in prayer. Even the words we say silently to ourselves. She will address unsolicited opinion-slinging, speaking the truth in love, not saying words just to people-please, and dealing with our verbal anger. Christian women struggle with their mouths. Even though we know that Scripture has much to say about how we are--and are not--to use our words, this is still an immense issue, causing heartache and strain not only in family relationships, but also in friendships, work, and church settings. Also available: Keep It Shut small group video study and study guide.

This follow-up devotional to the New York Times bestseller Keep It Shut takes a deeper look at the advice and commands of Scripture concerning the tongue, offering practical how-to's that will inspire you to use your words to build, bless, encourage, and praise. Each day we speak thousands of words in dozens of places. One thing is certain about the words we speak, type, and text: they are powerful, and they have consequences. They can impart love and life or deliver discouragement and defeat. No wonder Scripture contains more than 3,500 verses about the power of the tongue. This devotional will take you on a journey over the next forty days to learn to choose and use your words wisely--saving you a boatload of regret and wounded relationships. Each of the forty interactive entries includes a Scripture-verse focus for the day, a story or teaching point, and reflection questions. Each entry ends with both an action that will help you carry out the directive in the verse and a prayer prompt. The entries in Zip It build upon each other, equipping you with new tools for how--or how not--to use your words. Ultimately, Zip It will challenge you to use your mouth with godly purposes. To build . . . not to break. To bless . . . not to badger. To encourage . . . not to embitter. To praise . . . not to pounce.

Moms have been hoodwinked-tricked into believing lies that keep them from not only enjoying motherhood, but forging friendships with other moms who might tackle the tasks of motherhood differently. Myths such as "Mothering is natural, easy, and instinctive" cause moms to feel like failures if they have questions or apprehensions in raising their kids. Operating from the premise that "The way I mother is the right (and only) way" puts up fences between moms instead of building bridges of encouragement between them. Lies such as "I am my child's choices" tempt moms to mistakenly believe that if their child makes a wrong choice then they, in turn, must be a bad mom. In their encouraging "we've been there" style, Karen Ehman and Ruth Schwenk enable mothers to: Identify the ten myths of motherhood our current culture perpetuates Replace the lies with the truth of what God says in the Bible about mothering Acquire practical tools to help them form new and improved thought patterns and healthy behaviors Forge healthy, supportive relationships with other moms of all ages and stages Confidently embrace the calling of motherhood as they care for their families in their own unique way A six-session video Bible study for group or individual use is also available.

Your days are full, you're tired, and you're craving quiet for your soul. You're not alone.

If days filled with obligations and never-ending to-do lists leave you feeling anxious and overwhelmed, you can find the peace your soul longs for. In Settle My Soul, authors Karen Ehman and Ruth Schwenk invite you to carve out a few moments in your day to deepen your relationship with the Lord through 100 encouraging devotions.

Whether you're a working professional, a wife, a mom, a sister, an aunt, a daughter-in-law, or any combination of these, your life is busy. And no matter what stage of life you may find yourself in, what your hurried and overcrowded heart needs most is rest. Beyond time-management skills or tips for worrying less, you need a few minutes to connect with God's heart.

Karen and Ruth are women who understand all that you're juggling, and they desire for you to experience the refreshment that comes only from the Lord. In just a few minutes out of your day, you can connect with God, set aside your busyness and worries, center your thoughts on Him and His Word, and restore your peace of mind. Each of the 100 devotions in Settle My Soul includes a brief but meaningful devotional message, applicable scripture, guided prayer, and reflection questions. Throughout the book you'll also find journaling pages for deeper reflection.

Your life is loud. But if you will just press pause for a few minutes each day, you can discover what Jesus longs to give you: His peace.

In this twelve-session video Bible study (DVD/video streaming sold separately), some of today's best-loved Christian authors and speakers look at the spiritual lessons learned from twelve women in the Bible and what they mean for you today. As you look at each of these women's lives, you will discover how to: Apply biblical lessons to your own modern-day struggles. Live through your failures as well as your successes. Draw near to God in a world filled with trials. Find lasting contentment in every situation. Overcome rejection and insecurity . . . and much more. This fresh look at these women in the Bible will help you and your group discover new insights into God's character, persevere through difficult times, and find joy in the hope that Jesus provides. This study guide includes background information on each woman, group discussion questions, Bible exploration, and personal study and reflection materials for in-between sessions. You'll study the lives of . . . Proverbs 31 Woman: How Not to Do It All (Karen Ehman) Deborah: Fight Like a Girl (Bianca Juarez Olthoff) Shulamite Woman: We Had God at Hello (Lisa Harper) Ruth: Staying Focused in a World of Distractions (Chrystal Evans Hurst) Puah and Shiphrah: How to Fight Your Fears (Margaret Feinberg) Esther: Letting God Be in Control (Courtney Joseph) Priscilla: Living a Life of Blessed Ordinary (Karen Ehman) Mary and Martha: Finding Life in Death (Bianca Juarez Olthoff) Bent Woman: We've Got God's Complete Attention (Lisa Harper) Woman with the Issue of Blood: When Persistence Pays Off (Chrystal Evans Hurst) Elizabeth: How to Win the Waiting Game (Margaret Feinberg) Anna: How to Live a Life Devoted to God (Courtney Joseph) Designed for use with Twelve More Women of the Bible Video Study 9780310081487 (sold separately).

Our culture is self-obsessed - in our schedules, relationships, and especially online. (Can you say selfie?) But in this near-narcissism, people are less content than in decades past. Why? Because we forgot the joy that comes from putting others first. Doing so requires us to live alert, listening for "heart drops," hints from those in our lives who need a helping hand or a generous dose of encouragement. Living alert lifts our own spirits, showing us that blessing others blesses us even more. Listen, Love, Repeat offers biblical teaching and suggests doable actions that are simple, heart-tugging, sentimental, even sneaky and hilarious. This message: * Presents scriptural examples of those who lived alert, including Jesus, who noticed those who least expected to be seen. * Explains the role of good works for followers of Christ. They aren't our ticket to heaven but they are our marching orders on earth. * Gives creative ideas for showing love to friends and family, and suggests practical ways to reach out to the lonely, the marginalized, the outcast, and the odd duck. Additionally, it helps you comfort the grieving, showing what you can do when you don't know what to say. * Provides inspiration for blessing the "necessary people" in your life, those often-overlooked souls who help you get life done every day, and teaches you how to hug a porcupine by genuinely loving the hard-to-love. As we scatter love, we create a safe space where we can openly share the gospel. We get to see lives changed right before our eyes. Most importantly, Listen, Love, Repeat will enable you to live a life that is full of kind deeds, not to selfishly shout, "Hey! Look at me!" but to humbly implore, "Will you look at Him?"

Discover how your differences can become the strength of your marriage in this real-life guide to both living with and loving your spouse. It is true that opposites attract--for a while. But often as the years go by in our marriages, opposites may also begin to attack. The habits and characteristics we once found endearing about our significant other are the exact things that drive us crazy years later! Whether you and your spouse disagree about finances, parenting, or how to load the dishwasher, your differences don't need to divide you. They can actually bring you closer together--and closer to God. In Keep Showing Up, Karen Ehman shows you . . . How to play to each other's strengths as you work on your own weaknesses The difference between having a soul mate and having a sole mate How to become a faithful forgiver who also forgets Strategies for avoiding the social media comparison trap Why it's dangerous to mimic a friend's marriage How to unearth the magic in the mundane Why a spouse who drives you crazy can drive you straight to Jesus Throughout Keep Showing Up, Karen also includes ideas to implement in your marriage right now, such as powerful statements to speak to your spouse, date-night-on-a-shoestring suggestions, and discussion starters.

Like most women, you want to open up your home and connect with others. But you don't think you have the time or ability. Along comes Reach Out. Gather In. Through devotionals and practical tips, New York Times bestselling author Karen Ehman will inspire you to put love into action in this 40-day journey of hospitality. Karen will help you with the how to and why of reaching out to others in meaningful ways. This book--part devotional, part practical handbook--will help you find loving ways to feed both the bodies and souls of the people whom God has placed in your life. In Reach Out. Gather In., Karen will share * some of her favorite recipes and hospitality traditions * ideas for menu planning and themed gatherings * sorta-from-scratch shortcuts for busy days when you need something delicious in a snap * motivating stories and biblical inspiration * space for answering reflective questions so you can journal your own 40-day excursion * sidebars on decluttering and cleaning strategies This beautiful book highlights the why of hospitality, so that your home and life will grow to be a place where the gospel is displayed, drawing others closer to Christ and making a difference for eternity.

In this six-session women s mall group bible study, Let. It. Go., Karen Ehman provides practical, biblically based steps for letting go of the need to control. Let s face it: many women are wired to control. We make sure that the house is clean, the meals are prepared on time, the beds are made, the children are dressed, and everyone gets to work, school, and other activities on time. And trying to control it all is not only exhausting, but can also cause us to lose friends and sometimes, the affection of our families. It can earn wives and mothers the label of control freak and send those within our sphere of influence packing. In this humorous, yet thought-provoking small group Bible study you ll find the freedom and reward of living out of control putting God in the rightful place he deserves in your life. Armed with relevant biblical and current examples (both to emulate and to avoid), doable ideas, new thought patterns, and practical tools to implement, this study will gently lead you out of the land of over-control and into a place of quiet trust. This Participant Guide is designed for use together with the Let. It. Go. DVD (sold separately). When used in together, the Participant Guide and DVD provide you with a practical tool that can help grow your faith. Sessions include:1. God Called and He d Like His Job Back 2. Combating the Me First Mentality3. Pursuing the Appearance of Perfection 4. Practicing the Art of Soul Control 5. When Comparisons Lead to Over-Control6. Fixing Your Eyes on the Attitude Indicator"

Great hospitality isn't about gourmet food or gorgeous d??cor (what a relief!) When it comes to hospitality it doesn't matter what size your house is, how it's decorated, whether or not it's spotless, or what you cook or don't cook. The secret to making guests feel comfortable is more about the condition of your heart than the condition of your home. A Life That Says Welcome helps you make others feel refreshed, rather than impressed, in your presence. It's packed with inspiring tips on how to decorate well on a budget make the most of your space (no matter how small) be prepared for unexpected company create delicious, simple dishes your guests will enjoy You'll be encouraged to not only open your home but to open your life as an avenue for God's love everywhere you go. "Karen's book offers a good background in hospitality and today's form of entertaining as well as excellent ideas on how to put theory into practice."-Emilie Barnes, author, speaker, founder of More Hours in My Day "Karen's practical strategies will help you open your heart and your home to whoever God sends your way!"-Jill Savage, executive director of Hearts at Home "If you've ever longed for someone to demonstrate what it means to truly make your house a home, then your prayers have been answered."-Lisa Whelchel, bestselling author of Creative Correction, The Facts of Life and Other Lessons My Father Taught Me, and Taking Care of the "Me" in Mommy Karen Ehman is a speaker for Hearts at Home and the coauthor of the popular Homespun Gifts from the Heart and Homespun Memories for the Heart.