We've only had 2 classes of Keep It Shut in our small Bible Study Group. Our age range is 50s to 80s.

We are mostly women, but also a very patient man, who sometimes keeps us in check!!!

After viewing the first teaching session by the author via DVD, discussing the Scriptures, studying Chapter 1, sharing fresh testimonies, and praying together, 100% of us gave this book rave reviews!

We can watch all the DVDs and read the entire book, but if we don't apply the teachings to our daily life, we have really learned nothing.

Prayerful consideration and application of Scriptures to our everyday living is awesome!!!

Thank you to the author, Karen Ehman!

Glory be to our Father God, His Son Jesus, and His Holy Spirit!

Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Keep It Shut: What to Say, How to Say It, and When to Say Nothing at All by Karen Ehman, 2015

The mouth speaks what the heart has stored.

--Keep It Shut, 17

Karen Ehman shares biblical views of Joseph and Daniel relating how their life examples show us how God can work in circumstances given completely over to Him by following what He tells us. She speaks of areas in her own life and the results, and what she has learned. "Keep It Shut" results in an open heart to give to others, and a prompting of when to speak and when to keep silent. Coming alongside to share h~o~w, this book has practical application. One I liked is really finding a quiet time; what works for you to have together time realigning with the Lord, studying God's Word.

Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.

--Mark 6:31

What better way than to replace what we might think with what Scripture shares with us, consistently. One phase Karen uses is "dead-heading."

When dead blooms are left clinging to the flowering plants, they sap the nutrition and strength from the core of the plant.

--Ibid., 197

That was a beautiful illustration for me. To refresh and remove deadweight.

Needing added grooming, I was interested to read Keep It Shut. I have been learning to be a listener. What a relief not to have to remember what I was going to say while the speaker talking to me has words coming out of their mouth but I am waiting to speak. What a relief, indeed. I am hearing what they are saying instead of "hold that thought." I find that all I had to say ~ to divert the conversation from uncertainty ~ wasn't all that needed or necessary. I am even learning to keep quiet when I am nudged by the Holy Spirit not to speak. I am in my second year of listening, and ready for instruction...

Learning to listen has open-ended allowance for clarification of the speaker, "tell me more," and has an added benefit of those seldom speaking beginning to share ~ because now they can!

Journaling with this study would be a great way to write as you highlight what stands out to you. Learning together is a benefit. Using new tools for depth cultivating will bring you to uncover questions to finding answers just for you today.

Keep It Shut would make a great Bible study gathering, or individually, as a DVD and workbook are also available covering the study spread out over six-weeks, or however long you want to use it.

***Thank you to Linked-to-Lit for sending me a copy of Keep It Shut: What to Say, How to Say It, and When to Say Nothing at All by Karen Ehman to review. This review was written in my own words. No other compensation was received.***

i have read many books on this topic but this is the first book i have read that gives you lots of tools to avoid social media pitfalls as well as real life situations to help you navigate our complex world using biblical principles and humerous real life situations. Great book for married and singles. Great book for everyone as well as for a book study. it was a a great find and very thought provoking with lots of take away ideas and tools. Completly loved it and hope she writes a book using the same principles for teens or kids. I plan to share the highlights from each chapter with my 9 year old daughter each week as we explore this topic.

This book really hit the nail on the head for me. I learned SO MUCH from every chapter I've read and would HIGHLY urge anyone who has ever put his/her foot it their mouths (doesn't that include ALL OF US at one time or another?) to get this wonderful book

Sometimes when I am looking for a book to read with my book club, I feel as though the shelves of my local bookstore are filled with commonly themed books. The only difference between one new release and another is the cleverly worded title. Keep It Shut by Karen Ehman is one of the few exceptions. This title is a much-needed change from the typical Christian Living books offered in the last few years. While the topic discussed is fresh and new, the problem it addresses is as old as time. Thank you Karen Ehman for giving us something to talk about!

In Keep It Shut, author Karen Ehman guides us through all of the issues we face when it comes to controlling the words that escape our mouths. How many times have I agonized over words I have carelessly spoken to another? The most useful chapter to me is entitled Lying, Loving, and People Pleasing. I cannot convey the number of times I have been unsure how to respond to people seeking an honest answer. Especially when I know the truth is difficult to speak. Keep It Shut offers the best kind of advise because it is given from experience. I really enjoyed every chapter.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book to review by BookLookBloggers in exchange for an honest review. However, I also bought a digital copy of my own because I plan to pass on my complimentary copy to a friend to enjoy. It is that good. All opinions are my own and I have not been compensated.