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Karen Ehman has been a long time friend and ministry partner, and somehow she manages to speak God’s truth into my heart with each each of her books. And this last one is no different. I’m a mom. A woman. A servant. A sister. A daughter. A writer. A Speaker. And a whole lot of other roles on top of those, and I’m confident you wear a lot of hats too. So if like me, you find it hard to pause your busyness to spend time with God, Karen’s latest book, Pressing Pause: 100 Quiet Moments for Moms to Meet With Jesus, might be just the encouragement you need to help you slow down before summer is over.
Today’s giveaway is a free copy of Pressing Pause, but you have 3 chances to win one of 3 free copies!  To enter to win, share when your favorite time to press pause and spend time with God is, either by:
1) leaving a comment on my blog
2) leaving a comment on Facebook on today’s Summer Reading Facebook post Â
3) leaving a comment on Instagram on today’ Summer Reading Instagram post. Â
Or do it all three places to increase your chance of winning! Â
I’ll choose one winner from each location.
I hope Karen’s guest post below touches your heart today, and after reading, don’t forget to enter to win your free copy!
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“Search me [thoroughly], O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there is any wicked or hurtful way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Psalm 139:23-24 (Amplified)
It was an ordinary day. My friend Laurel decided, as she often does, to spend some time reading her Bible that afternoon, connecting with God in the midst of her busy day as a wife and mother. As she leaned forward to reach something with one hand, she held her open Bible close to her heart with her other. It was then that it happened. Through the leather-bound book pressed upon her heart, she felt a small lump on her chest.
A physician was summoned; tests were ordered; Laurel’s worst fear became reality. She had breast cancer.
The days, weeks and years that followed brought hospital visits and radiation, probing and prodding, uncertainty and discomfort. Now years removed from those emotionally trying days, my sweet friend’s body is free from any traces of that often-deadly disease. She is a healthy high school foreign language teacher who goes about her commonplace days with a deep love for Jesus and eternal gratitude in her heart. Most of all, she is thankful that God arranged circumstances in such a way that her cancer was caught early; all because she held her Bible close to her heart.
I pondered Laurel’s experience recently. Imbedded in a touchy relationship issue with a friend, I was angry. It was a situation in which I felt used, violated and unappreciated. I was ready to enter my alone time with God with a whine on my lips and an intense need to vent my mounting frustrations. It was then that He brought today’s verses to my mind.
I looked them up in the Amplified Version (one which sheds light onto the original Hebrew or Greek meaning of the words) It was then that my eyes fell upon this phrase,
“….see if there is any wicked or hurtful way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
Instead of complaining about the actions of my friend, I decided to hold God’s Word close to my heart; to see if there was any wicked or hurtful way in me, not in her. When I did, He was quick to point out ways I was wrong; deeply rooted attitudes I displayed that rear their ugly heads and manifest themselves in awful, unattractive behaviors; behaviors no Jesus-following girl should exhibit. I saw I was as much to blame in the situation, maybe even more.
With scripture as a scalpel, God performed open-heart surgery that day. As I now go to the Great Physician for regular check ups, He is faithful to point out the errors of my ways; to nudge me to allow His thoughts to radiate my soul, burning out the nasty disease that tries to root and grow like a cancer, killing friendships and love.
I wonder, just how many relationship diseases could be cured if we were all more intentional to, early on in the situation, press our Bibles close to our hearts, feeling for any festering lumps of sin?
* Have you ever been in a situation where God’s word—held up to your heart—caused you to see something in a relationship that needed attention? What happened? Is there a current situation or relationship that needs to be held up to the light of scripture today?
Dear Lord, please help me to love unconditionally and mind my own sin. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
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Karen Ehman is a New York Times bestselling author and a speaker for Proverbs 31 Ministries, as well as a writer for Encouragement For Today, their online devotions that reach over one million women daily. She has authored ten books including KEEP IT SHUT: What to Say, How to Say It and When to Say Nothing at All, Hoodwinked: 10 Myths Moms Believe and Why We All Need to Knock It Off and Pressing Pause: 100 Quiet Moments for Moms to Meet with Jesus. Karen has been a guest on national media outlets including The 700 Club, At Home Live, FamilyLife, Engaging Women, The Harvest Show, Moody Midday Connection, and Focus on the Family.
You can connect with her at karenehman.com where she helps women to live their priorities and love their lives. Or hang out with her on social media at:
Twitter:Â Karen_Ehman
Facebook:Â Karen Ehman
Pinterest:Â karenehmanp31Â
Instagram:Â KarenEhman
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Kids bickering? Schedule jam-packed? Dishes and laundry both piled up high? Perhaps it’s time you pressed pause.
Whether you’re juggling a career, kids’ schedules, and church commitments or you’re covered in spit-up and anxious about what the next eighteen years might hold, you can carve out a few quiet moments to rejuvenate your spirit.
Pressing Pause offers you a calm way to start your day, to refresh yourself in Jesus and drink deeply of His presence so that you are ready to pour out love, time, and energy into the people who matter most to you.
These 100 encouraging devotions for moms will help you begin each day with scripture, drawing on God’s power, ingesting His Word, and learning practical ways to love and serve more like His son.
Just a few minutes each day can help you center your heart and mind on what God has for you as His beloved daughter. So resist the rush. Halt the hustle. Press pause and find some calm in the chaos. Click here to get your copy!Â
**The winners of last week’s giveaways were Kari B (Breaking Up With Perfect) and Tami (It’s Not Fair). Winners have been notified via email.
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Tracie Miles is a bestselling author and the Director of COMPEL Training with Proverbs 31 Ministries. She helps women grow stronger in their faith, pursue the life of purpose God designed them for and live a life of peace, joy and happiness despite their circumstances.
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I love to “press pause” first thing in the morning, cup of coffee, on my back deck, spending time with God for a bit. Helps give my day a good foundation!
Thanks for the recommendation! As moms, we all struggle to find time to just “be”. I could sleep until 10am if nothing woke me up, but I realize that when I get up in the wee hours of the morning, before my husband wakes or the kids start needing me, I can get my quiet time on by just pausing and praying and getting into the Word. Sleep is good and I need that too, but I’m a much better mom with my focus where it needs to be! Often after a good devotional email I find my self pausing and praying throughout my day. I’m very thankful for ladies like you have helped me to incorporate God’s word into different little moments throughout my day. Don’t know what I would do without those little pauses to get me through my day!!
I like to press pause when I first wake up. Putting God first and giving him the day ahead for safety and blessings. Praying he will be with my family and friends.
First thing in the morning…when my mind is “allready” at pause…God is the first thing I want to wake me up. When my mind has not had the time to “wake up” I want and need the words of God to get my day started
The past few days I have found myself struggling to find peace and joy amidst all the hurt and frustration in my life. I am so thankful for your blog and the encouragement you give. I KNOW my Lord is there for me and that I need to press His word close to my heart everyday. Thank you for the reminder to keep on keeping on…
What a great way to unplug! I was just saying to Abba, I need to get off this merri-go-round. This would be perfect! Thank you!
Almost every morning before the kids wake up, I make myself a cup of coffee and sit in my living room and have my quiet time with the Lord. It’s a good way to press pause before the craziness of the day.
Almost every morning I get up before everyone else and start my day with jesus reading a devotional, my bible, or a book. I started by pressing pause on Facebook about a year and a half ago and I have never started up again it has been so freeing to not have social media in my life.
I love early quiet times and believe that day is sooo much better if I start w relationship time w our Father. ( and you are hearing this from a not-morning person????)..I would love to read this new book!
Y’all are frequently part of my time w Him so thank you!
I also LOVE when time allows a break in my day just to read again your devo or even have those unusual times when m home alone and spend more time w ourFather. I work outside my home as a counselor and being mom and “Granna” and wife to my sweet husband. So quiet time to worship Him w music or some longer journaling is a huge blessing!
I love y’all and know that you are helping this Mississippi girl ! Thank you for ministry! It means so much to me and others!
I would love to Press Pause on life. As a full time working mom of 4, I struggle to find the time to pause. I would love to read this book.
I love to press pause in the afternoon by just sitting on the porch with a cup of tea or glass of water.
I like to talk to God on my way to work early in the morning. I turn off the radio and just start thanking God and lifting up ours needs and concerns. I also love to read Christian authors and hear what God has to say through them.
It seems my head and heart are more clear if I make the time to read the Bible and pray first thing in the morning, which means getting up before the rest of the family to make that happen.
However, sometimes life doesn’t work that way, so my next best time is right before bed.
I also keep a Bible in the car for those times I’m waiting in the pick-up line at school or at an event or appointment.
I need that early morning time before anyone else stirs, to read the word, listen, to pray, journal in order
to seek to know God better.
My quiet time is usually after I work out. I use that time of recovery, as it were, to pause, catch my breath, literally and figuratively, and read through various emails and apps that I have for devotions. I’m not very good at just reading through the Bible. I need explanations and encouragements-stories and applications that I can identify with.
I have had the “Pressing Pause” book in my amazon wish-list since it came out. I would love to win it!
I am in the midst of “Bible to the chest” situation dealing with my extended family. My sister has epilepsy, she had a seizure while driving, had marijuana in her car and was arrested for possession of marijuana.
She is a drug addict in denial (it’s “only pot, I’m not a drug addict” is what she has told me). And keep in mind this is a 46 year old woman, not someone aged 19. Now, she has lost her job because of the jail episode and can’t drive because of the seizure. Her new job is 40 minutes away from home. She wants her family (my Mom is willing, it seems) but I have a hard time bending over backwards under these conditions. Especially since I was asked “not to preach” to her and she has continued to abuse drugs…. So what is a Christian to do? I don’t want to be co-dependant in this situation. Public transportation is available. Why has that option not been considered by my sister? So I have agreed to do every other Saturday drop off or pick up. I’m a single Mom to teenagers that I am always having to get here and there with church activities. I am praying that God speaks to her and that she will give her life to the Lord! I pray that God speaks to ME to change my heart to turn from the resentments I feel right now towards my sister. I can only pray, but really that is what I CAN do and what I am called to do- PRAY!!
I try to spend my quiet time with God first thing in the morning before my toddler comes and gets me. This gets my day off started in the right direction and keeps my focus better on Him throughout my busy days.
I press pause after lunch when the kids are down for their naps. Such a refreshing time and thus would be a perfect addition to my quiet time. 🙂
I press pause during the early morning after my run and before my son wakes up. A cup of coffee and a good book help me start the day on the right foot.
I press pause first thing in the morning. Well, maybe not quite first thing because I make a cup of coffee first. 🙂
Wow. I like to pause in my prayer room that is only filled with a little table, a small light, and a small chair filled with my Bible and a few books that encourage me , as I walk daily with my Lord. ????
Oh it is usually in the first part of the day!
My quiet time is at night. It settles my mind and I can give my anxious thoughts to the Lord. I use my devotion as a tool to pray for different people.
I love to press pause as soon as I get up. I will even set may alarm early to keep this time to myself. I make a large mug of tea and sit while I drink it. It gives me time to think, pray, read,and plan my day.
I try to spend time first thing each morning and while I am getting ready for the day.
I have to press pause first thing after my shower…if I begin my day, I will not return to do it, and miss my time with Jesus greatly.
In the start of my day, I press pause as I read my morning devotional, pray and have some nourishment for my body and soul. This practice helps give me focus on what is important. It’s easy to be distracted by the busy activities of life, but when that happens I have a hiding place to refresh my heart and spirit . His Word and presence is a sustaining force to keep me from despair and discouragement.
I don’t have a particular time of day. I try to grab the time as it presents itself throughout the day. I might just be 5 minutes to read a verse or my devotional.
It would be great to win a copy of the book.
Thanks for the words of encouragement.
My favorite time is anytime I have some quiet time. Some days it’s early in the morning, some days it’s mid afternoon, other times it’s before bed. No two days are the same but my time with God is priceless.
I love to “press pause” early in the morning, I usually have a cup of coffee, and take much needed time with Jesus. It starts my day with a great foundation!
I would like to purchase this, but wanted to say thank you for listing – this is what I need. Just moments to take in Jesus and moments for myself, thank you!
My favorite time to press pause is early morning between 4 and 5 when everything is quiet. There are no distractions and I can be still and feel God’s presence and hear His still small voice encouraging me to keep the faith and wholly depend on Him.
As a busy homeschool Momma of four, who writes, &odors ministry work outside the home…this book seems like a neccisity for my life right now!! I love spending my mornings & evenings with the Lord!!
I like to “press pause” when I wake up. I am able to begin my day with my focus on Jesus. I am reminded that each day started with Him is a day that I will leave in His hands. It is great to start before the world tries to creep in.
The best time for me to press pause is after my day at work. When I go out and run , I am able to focus and think about all things that are important and the blessings given to me. It is refreshing at the end of a busy day! I am sure there are many moms out there that could use this book!
Tracie, I prayed for you today. For God to pour out His peace, hope and strength on you. Keep the faith.
With heartfelt respect and sisterly love,
Lela
It’s how I start my day before everyone wakes up.
My favorite times to press pause are first thing in the morning and in the evening after everyone has gone to bed. With two times I am assured most days that one will not be interrupted.
Oh how I look forward to my time with God in the morning, before life intervenes with the ‘to do’ list. Spending time in a devo, reading His word (camped out in Romans for the past couple months), praying, gearing up against the enemy attacks that often come, and resting – giving the day to Him, trusting Him to use His love through me to bless others. Would love a copy of the book!
I love the quietness of the morning before everyone gets up!
I love to press pause in the morning, with my coffee, iPad, and most important my Bible. Sitting on my front porch, rain or shine. First thing is to thank God for another day and my family. Asking the Lord for His Grace, Mercy, and strength also the wisdom I need to understand His Word that my wonderful sister of the heart sends me every morning through devotionals . Donna is the one, a couple of years ago, who gently and patiently walked me into Jesus’ arms. I am forever grateful . Now I receive devotionals like yours which I truly enjoy. Thank you! Sorry this was so long. It seems as though I’ve practically written my own lil book . Lol ????????
Pressing pause in life is a necessity with all the hustle and bustle of this life we live. God continues to show me every day that these “pause” moments are a must!
thank you for your words of encouragement Tracie!
I have recently started raising chickens in my backyard (yes, I said chickens!), and the peace I find during time with them allows me solitude with my Father I’ve been sorely missing as I’m raising 3 busy teenagers alone.
As I reflect on how I’ve gotten to this point in my life, including raising my chicks, I have open dialog with Jesus and listen for His answers and clarity. It’s a caffeine-free therapy session I crave each day, and I’m thankful that God saw fit to mold my time this way.
Melissa
Mama to 3 beauties (20, 18, 17)
3 pugs
8 chickens
My favorite time has always been in the early morning, but lately, with a newborn, it’s been whenever I can sneak a minute!
I would love to win a copy of the book you talked about in your blog. It sounds like it would be very inspirational and something I could read myself and share it with other women in my family! God bless you!