Zip It: The Keep It Shut 40-Day Challenge

by Karen Ehman

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 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.

Genres: Christian, Self Help, Nonfiction, Christian Living, Faith, Christian Non Fiction, Audiobook

256 pages, Paperback

Published February 7, 2017

About the author

Karen Ehman is a speaker, a New York Times bestselling author, a contributing writer for Proverbs 31 Ministries Encouragement for Today online devotions and a teacher in the First 5 Bible study app. She has written 21 books and Bible studies including Keep It Shut: What to Say, How to Say It, and When to Say Nothing at All and the 2020 ECPA devotional book of the year Settle My Soul. She is a graduate of Spring Arbor University and serves as President-Elect of their Alumni Board of Directors. She has been featured on TODAY Parenting, Redbook.com, Foxnews.com, Crosswalk.com, YouVersion.com, and is a monthly columnist for HomeLife Magazine. Her passion is to help women live their priorities as they reflect the gospel to a watching world. Karen is married to her college sweetheart, Todd, and is the mother of six children: three biological and three in-laws by marriage—although she forgets which ones are which. She enjoys collecting vintage Pyrex kitchenware, cheering for the Detroit Tigers, and spending her days feeding the many people who gather around her mid-century dining table to process life and enjoy her county fair blue-ribbon winning cooking.

Reviews

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, written for me. I am a chatterbox in person and what I say tends to be less than Godly and positive. So this book, completely necessary.

I didn't realize this was a 40 day challenge before Lent this year, so I decided to blitz through it this time around and start it on the first day of Lent next year and read it each day of Lent. There are spots to write down thoughts and ideas, which doesn't translate overly well in ebook format, so I plan on ordering this from my bookstore so I am prepared for next year. I prefer for the books that are daily readings to be in real book format, because it's easier to see the physical book and remember to read it for the day, then to look at my eReader and remember to read that particular book for that day.

I really love how the author ties in both Biblical scripture and a personal experience to each day's topic. It's very brave to discuss her personal life, especially when she doesn't come out looking perfect, but that helps the reader to not feel so pressured to have to be perfect too. She knows and loves the Bible, it comes out in her writing. I really felt warm and blessed when reading this book. It was a comfort to not feel like I was the only one with this problem and to know that others have been able to overcome this problem, with God's help.

I highly recommend this book if you feel that your speech could be cleaned up. Not just in regards to cussing, but cleaning up the negative, the angry (she stresses it's ok to be angry, but not ok to let that anger encourage us to sin) and the un-Godly. Five stars, highly recommended!

My thanks to NetGalley and Zondervan Non-Fiction for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.

[Christopher Lawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Tongue Has The Power Of Life And Death

ZIP IT is a set of devotions, to cover each week-day for 8 weeks. The theme of each lesson is similar--watch what comes out of your mouth! A Christian believe should be mindful of the consequences of ill-timed speech:
"when it comes to our words: they are powerful and they have consequences. They can encourage or embitter, bless or badger, build up or break down."

The book is arranged in eight chapters on various themes that relate to our words, such as anger, when to be silent, when to speak up, and how to make our words both salty and sweet. The five entries within each chapter are designed for you to use Monday through Friday over an eight-week period. The forty short entries each provide a challenge Scripture for the day and a story or example that helps to punctuate its theme.

We might have heard that "words can never hurt me," but of course that is completely false. Words tear down and destroy people when used wrongly: The truth is that bruises fade and bones eventually heal, but a scorched heart may take years to heal."

Words also "stick," just like crazy glue, like superglue, nearly permanent and painful to peel off. " We should be extraordinarily careful before we open our mouth: "Choose wisely. Be choosey. Don’t let words tumble off your tongue haphazardly or flippantly."

Each of the day's meditations includes a discussion, with personal examples illustrating the point. Each day's thought concludes with several follow-up suggestions:
* Today’s Takeaways
* Lesson for the Lips
* Challenge, and finally,
* Prayer

The author also discusses the deterioration of respect in the digital age. In Week 3, "Oh, the Places You Go (and the Things You Say," she encourages, R-E-S-P-E-C-T. As we all know, internet discussions often leads to hurtful verbal attacks. "It has become commonplace to sling opinions on a screen, whether on social media or while leaving a comment on a blog post."

One of the more convicting chapters was, "Bad Speech/ Good Speech 21 The Snowball Of Senseless Speech. In this devotional, the author encourages the reader to avoid all kinds of useless or harmful speech, such as gossip, slander, or petty arguments.

Here's the real reason to watch our tongue--it's not so we will just feel better about yourself. There's a more noble purpose: When we engage in any of the above types of speech, we run the risk of our behavior snowballing, becoming even less Christ-like.

Perhaps the funniest suggestion was to get a "mouth guard." Just like an athlete wears one to protect his mouth, we also should take great care of what comes out of our mouth: "We should ask God to set a guard over our mouths to prevent idle and destructive talk and to guard us from injury (see Psalm 141: 3.)

All in all, I thought ZIP IT contained a ton of wisdom. Many of these devotions struck pretty close to home! I am sure I can benefit from these daily lessons. I thought this one phrase nicely summed up this book:

"We can reflect the love of Jesus when we engage in conversations with a calm, collected, and civil tone."

Nicely stated!

Advance Review Copy courtesy of the publisher.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful Bible Study!

I did it for Lent but it is a 40-Day Challenge that could be done anytime. "What to say, when to say it and when to say nothing at all." I had many "aha" moments and didn't have a clue how much I needed this study. We have a tendency to assume we're doing a much better job in leading a life of discipline and obedience than we actually are. I learned in nursing school to never "ass-u-me" anything. I participated with Proverbs 31 Ministries online, with women from all over the world but you could do it on your own. I received a big blessing and this is a Bible Study I will do again because it's just that great!

[Robbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zip It is a forty-day devotional on how to tame the tongue. Each day’s chapter ends with a wrap-up that includes Today’s Takeaways, Lesson for the Lips, Challenge and Prayer. In addition, there are spaces to write your contemplations and answers.

The book is easy to follow and understand in its approach and style. The author uses cute, but apt analogies and rewording to create a word that succinctly describes her message. For example, she uses wordrobe as a way to describe the words in our thought closet that we commonly use.

As I read the book, I was convicted in several instances. A lot of times we don’t stop to think of the true meaning of a word or Scripture verse. If we did, we wouldn’t react the way we do. Zip It does an impressive job of getting to the meat of the matter and explaining the fallacies inherent in not understanding the truth.

Zip It is Karen Ehman’s follow up to Keep It Shut. However, I don’t feel it’s necessary to read it first. In fact, I cannot imagine what gems and truths may be found within the first book since the second was so appositely written.

I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review! I loved and benefited from this 40-day Biblically-based challenge to hold my tongue. Too many times I have said the worst thing possible to the people I love most, regretting immensely the effect I had on my friends and family. Ehman provided 8 weeks of guidance, devotions and Bible verse memorization activities to give readers a chance to focus on this issue.

[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't believe the 40 day challenge is now complete. What a great challenge to take on during Lent. The book has helped me so much and has really made me stop and think before I speak. What would God say? What does He want me to say or does He want me to keep my mouth shut? A great reminder I needed is to remember to talk it out with Him first then He will guide. I hope I have the opportunity to read another one of her devotional books or take part in one of her online Bible studies. Can't say enough about book and what a difference it has made in my life.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zip It was a powerful read. I liked how each chapter started with scripture and ended with a prayer. It also had a section titled "Today's Takeaways" and another one "Lesson for the Lips". It was a very easy book to read, but it held a lot of truth. I definitely recommend Zip It.

*I received a complimentary eBook copy of this book for my honest review. As always, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*

[Nathan Albright · Rating 5 out of 5]

[Note: This book was provided free of charge by BookLook/Zondervan. All thoughts and opinions are my own.]

This book joins an alarmingly lengthening list of challenging books that would be particularly difficult/impossible for me to achieve [1], and an even longer list of books written by women, about women, for women. That said, this book is by no means unworthy. Although the author makes no pretenses to be writing with an interest in a large male audience, something that is demonstrated by the immensely skewed gender ratio of those recommending the book as well as the examples chosen from the author's own life as a wife and mother, the book is one that is clearly applicable to anyone who talks too much and says things that they later regret. Clearly I am a part of that large target audience. Fortunately, the author seems to intuitively recognize she is writing a book with a larger applicability than her general audience and does not make any obvious moves to alienate whatever chatterbox gentlemen like myself happen to read her book. That is about the best one can expect in such a situation as this where a book's target market is assumed more broadly than is actually the case, and that is a common situation in the publishing world.

The book itself is organized in a similar fashion to other 40-day challenges [2]. There are eight weeks designed, with five weekdays for each week, and the weekends off for other reflection. The book, thankfully, includes a lot more than merely calls to zip it for forty-days, as that would be entirely unreasonable of a request, but the book is sufficiently difficult even if not impossibly so. Opening with five devotionals on the power of our words, the author moves to the heart-mind-month connection, the places we go and the things we say, encourages readers to tame our tempers, contrasts good speech and bad speech, encourages readers on when to be silent and when to speak up, gives various examples from the Bible (Abigail, David, Boaz, Mordecai, and Jesus) on speech that is sweet and salty, and then closes with a discussion of how God's words affect our words, or at least how they should. Within each chapter there is a consistent structure as well, including a Bible verse, a personal reflection that often draws on experience as well as Biblical commentary, some snappy takeaways for the reader, a lesson for the lips, and a prayer asking God to help shape the way that we use our tongues.

Although I feel it entirely appropriate to praise this book, as it is a very thoughtfully written work, I am concerned that it will be a book that is far easier to praise and appreciate than to apply. This is true of a great variety of worthwhile and enjoyable writing, to be sure, but is especially true for those books which place a great deal of demands on their readers. Yet there was a lot about this book that stung me somewhat personally, about the quantity of words multiplying the possibility that any of these could cause offense, the realization that for some people being quiet is simply an immense difficulty where not an impossibility, and the understanding that being a sharp-tongued and witty person can do a great deal of harm to ourselves and other people. Not that these insights are in any way new, but it is painful to read about them nonetheless. We would all rather not look into the darker and less pleasant sides of our own character, and to face the sort of people that we are at our worst times, after all.

[1] See, for example:

https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2017...

https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2017...

https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2017...

https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...

https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...

https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...

[2] See, for example:

https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2013...

https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2013...

https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Zip It: Keep It Shut 40-day Challenge in Karen Ehman's follow-up devotional book is CONVICTING, and I haven't even completed all 40 days!! It doesn't matter if you didn't read the original bestseller book Keep It Shut, you can still do this challenge. How it works is every day you read a Bible passage, followed by some of Karen's thoughts on how it applies to taming the tongue. Then she gives us a couple of takeaways followed by a "Lesson for the Lips." These lessons sometimes include reflective questions, and the book provides a small space for writing some notes. Lastly, Karen provides a model prayer we can use to conclude our devotional.
 
I hesitate to use the word devotional to describe this book, although technically I guess that's how it would be categorized. But don't think of this as sitting quietly and reflecting, eyes closed, meditating, etc. although you COULD certainly do that with this book. Instead, think of this as what it is - A CHALLENGE! If you are competitive like I am, you will take to this instantly. Each lesson builds on the previous one, so in some ways, it becomes a little bit harder each day, which I love! I use this first thing in the morning, to kind of get me pumped up for the day, make an action plan, and try to improve myself in a way that aligns my behavior - and my speech - with Scripture.
 
I'm telling you, you will love this book! It's compact, so you can carry it around with you if you need to refocus half-way through the day and remember what you are aiming for. But most importantly this challenge will help you to speak wisely, whether it's talking or texting, and use your words for godly purposes; to praise and encourage others and avoid saying something you will regret. Take the Challenge with me!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Zondervan through HarperCollins Christian Publishing. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review.

[Meg Shafer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good advice. I read this as a 40 day devotional instead of as an entire book. Each day I would focus on the chapter for the day. It reminds us to zip our moths and try to answer and do things the right way. I liked this book and her examples. I hope it will continue to change my behavior and how I choose to respond to things.

[Mary Kenyon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Our Bible study used this book as a study, and while I liked it, we agreed we wanted it to go a bit deeper. The repetition of the same topic over and over got to be a bit much by book's end. Overall, a good study, and in hindsight, we should have gone through it two or three chapters at a time.

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so enjoyed reading through this for the 40 days! I was challenged a lot of days and saw how my words make a big impact...in me, in others, and to God! I highly recommend this book to help your heart stay close to God!

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was just what I needed each morning to start my day. A Godly focus to see me through the trying times of this pandemic. " 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."

[Jaclyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Lorelei McCormick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a game changer, each day I could see a new way to look at speaking and with the good advice throughout the book. I found myself thinking more about speaking and not gossiping as much. 10 out of 10 highly recommend

[Faloni © · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zip It: The Keep It Shut 40-Day Challenge 📓
Practicing Silence 🤫

Day 1
May 16, 2024: [40 days ago]

**Subject:** Introduction
**Reflection:** Starting the challenge with a focus on mindful communication. Excited and a bit anxious about the days of silence ahead.

Day 2
May 17th ,24: [39 days ago]

**Subject:** Mindful Communication
**Reflection:** Becoming more aware of speaking habits and the impact of words.

Day 3
05- 18- 24: [38 days ago]

**Subject:** Active Listening
**Reflection:** Focusing on truly listening rather than preparing to respond.

Day 4
19th of May: [37 days ago]

**Subject:** Silence
**Reflection:** First silent day. Feeling uncomfortable but gaining awareness of habitual speech patterns.

Day 5
05/20/2024: [36 days ago]

**Subject:** Reflection
**Reflection:** Reflecting on yesterday's silence. Realized how often unnecessary words are spoken.

Day 6
21st of May: [35 days ago]

**Subject:** Intentional Speech
**Reflection:** Focusing on speaking only when necessary and with intention.

Day 7
May 22nd: [34 days ago]

**Subject:** Gratitude
**Reflection:** Practicing gratitude in communication, appreciating the impact of kind words.

Day 8
05-23-24: [33 days ago]

**Subject:** Silence
**Reflection:** Second silent day. Improved listening skills and deeper internal reflections.

Day 9
5-24-24: [32 days ago]

**Subject:** Empathy
**Reflection:** Using the silence to develop a deeper understanding of others' perspectives.

Day 10
05/25/2024: [31 days ago]

**Subject:** Patience
**Reflection:** Learning patience in conversations, allowing others to express themselves fully.

Day 11
May 26th: [30 days ago]

**Subject:** Thoughtful Responses
**Reflection:** Practicing pausing before speaking to ensure responses are thoughtful.

Day 12
May 27, 2024: [29 days ago]

**Subject:** Silence
**Reflection:** Third silent day. Realized the power of silence in enhancing focus and understanding in interactions.

Day 13
05-28-2024: [28 days ago]

**Subject:** Mindfulness
**Reflection:** Applying mindfulness techniques to daily interactions and conversations.


Day 14
May 29th: [27 days ago]

**Subject:** Encouragement
**Reflection:** Focusing on using words to uplift and encourage young voices of America.

Day 15
May 30th: [26 days ago]

**Subject:** Self-Reflection
**Reflection:** Reflecting on personal communication habits and areas for improvement.

Day 16
31st of May: [25 days ago]

**Subject:** Silence
**Reflection:** Fourth silent day. Found a new appreciation for non-verbal communication and presence.

Day 17
June 1st, 2024: [24 days ago]

**Subject:** Connection
**Reflection:** Building deeper connections by being fully present in conversations.

Day 18
06-02-2024: [23 days ago]

**Subject:** Clarity
**Reflection:** Achieving greater clarity in communication by eliminating unnecessary words.

Day 19
June 3rd: [22 days ago]

**Subject:** Respect
**Reflection:** Practicing respectful communication, valuing others' viewpoints.

Day 20
06-04-2024: [21 days ago]

**Subject:** Silence
**Reflection:** Fifth silent day. Experiencing greater peace and clarity in thoughts.

Day 21
06/05/2024: [20 days ago]

**Subject:** Authenticity
**Reflection:** Speaking from the heart, ensuring communication is genuine and sincere.

Day 22
June 6th ‘24: [19 days ago]

**Subject:** Listening
**Reflection:** Enhancing listening skills to understand rather than just respond.


Day 23
June 7th [18 days ago]

**Subject:** Compassion
**Reflection:** Using compassionate communication to build empathy and support.

Day 24
06-08-2024: [17 days ago]

**Subject:** Silence
**Reflection:** Sixth silent day. Noticed a significant reduction in stress and more meaningful connections.

Day 25
06-09-24: [16 days ago]

**Subject:** Presence
**Reflection:** Being fully present in all interactions, avoiding distractions.

Day 26
June 10th: [15 days ago]

**Subject:** Influence
**Reflection:** Reflecting on the impact of words and striving to use them positively.

Day 27
June 11th: [14 days ago]

**Subject:** Reflection
**Reflection:** Mid-challenge reflection on progress and areas for further improvement.


Day 28
June 12th: [13 days ago]

**Subject:** Silence
**Reflection:** Seventh silent day. Felt a deeper connection with oneself and others.

Day 29
06-13-2024: [12 days ago]

**Subject:** Patience
**Reflection:** Reinforcing patience and thoughtfulness in conversations.

Day 30
14th of June: [11 days ago]

**Subject:** Encouragement
**Reflection:** Focusing on providing encouragement through words and actions.

Day 31
June 15, 2024: [10 days ago]

**Subject:** Awareness
**Reflection:** Maintaining awareness of open communication habits and their effects.

Day 32
06/16/24: [9 days ago]

**Subject:** Silence
**Reflection:** Eighth silent day. The practice is becoming more natural and enriching.

Day 33
June 17th: [8 days ago]

**Subject:** Gratitude
**Reflection:** Expressing gratitude in daily interactions, appreciating others' contributions.

Day 34
06/18/2024 [7 days ago]

**Subject:** Respect
**Reflection:** Reinforcing respectful communication, valuing differing opinions.

Day 35
Juneteenth [6 days ago]

**Subject:** Compassion
**Reflection:** Continuing to use compassionate communication to support others.

Day 36
06-20-24: [5 days ago]

**Subject:** Silence
**Reflection:** Ninth silent day. Enhanced ability to process emotions and thoughts.

Day 37
21st of June: [4 days ago]

**Subject:** Reflection
**Reflection:** Reflecting on the progress made and the insights gained from the challenge.

Day 38
June 22nd: [3 days ago]

**Subject:** Clarity
**Reflection:** Achieving greater clarity and precision in communication.

Day 39
June 23rd: [2 days ago]

**Subject:** Authenticity
**Reflection:** Reinforcing the importance of authentic and sincere communication.

Day 40
06-24-2024: [1 day ago]

**Subject:** Silence
**Reflection:** Tenth silent day. Achieved a balance between speech and silence, leading to more thoughtful communication.

Today 06-25-24

**Subject:** Conclusion
**Reflection:** just got done with the challenge. Gained valuable insights into the importance of thoughtful communication and the power of silence. Feeling more connected, patient, and intentional instead of overwhelmed with reactions.

[CT · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a solid 40-day devotional and Bible study on the taming the tongue. It is useful for all ages, and I am using this for our family devotionals. My family has 2 pre-teens that go to middle school, and the discussion points are totally relevant. Since I also work in a mid- to high-stress environment, it’s good to be reminded that my thoughts are also considered to be words that are unformed and unspoken but known to God. Therefore, I also need to tame my thoughts, whether spoken out loud or not.

I received a review copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley.

[Kelly Hodgkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!! Keep It Shut is a fantastic book and Zip It turns it into a daily practice full of new ways to live out and connect with this important subject. Karen brings her humour and down-to-earth perspective making each lesson memorable. Highly recommended.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great practical way to be kinder to the people we meet.

This is a book I can read again and again and get something new out if every time.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Karen Ehman has a warm, inviting writing and speaking style I find appealing. She wrote Zip It as a companion to Keep It Shut: What to Say, How to Say It, and When to Say Nothing at All, a book I’m now rushing to read.

In Zip It, she addresses the many ways we can practice greater self-control in speaking. She tells her motivation for writing this book:

"…as I surveyed my life a few years ago, I observed that I could tether almost every tense or fractured relationship I’d had back to something I said."

Ouch, how I can relate! That’s why I want to learn more about self-control in speaking. Karen continues,

As God began to deal with me about the way I used my words, I learned to apply the vast advice the Bible has for us about how we should–and should not–speak.

This book is structured in 40 devotions with a personal anecdote, two takeaways, one short lesson, and a prayer. I especially enjoyed Karen’s warm, funny anecdotes which stirred my thinking about all the ways I can improve the way I speak and think. She offers deep insights into Bible passages and then gives great application tips. For example, she outlined three parables in Matthew 9, then shows how Jesus hears my unspoken words, the words I speak, and the words I say to myself. I had never linked those passages together before, and I appreciated Karen’s fresh observations.

Since I enjoyed Zip It so much, I want to backtrack and pick up a copy of Keep It Shut. I want to honor God with my words and thoughts, and these books will convict me and challenge me to new obedience.

I received a free copy of Zip It: The Keep It Shut 40-Day Challenge from the BookLook Bloggers Program in exchange for my honest review.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

This year for lent I decided to join Karen Ehman’s 40-day challenge to Zip It. The goal of this challenge isn’t to shame, nor to silence people. The focus is to consider all the words that are spoken and thought in a day and to consider which words align with scripture, and which don’t.

Each topic includes five daily interactive entries, so the 40-day challenge may be used over an 8-week period, Monday through Friday. Each day includes:

a scripture focus for the day
an anchor story with a teaching point
reflection questions to ponder
a challenge for the day based on the verse
a prayer prompt

The Zip-It devotional book which goes along with this challenge is comprised of 40 short devotionals each with a specific focus. Ehman spends time sharing the lessons she has personally learned about the power of words. Her vulnerability to reveal past wounds is well presented. Coupled with scripture to read and questions to reflect on each day of this devotional has been one which caused me to think deeper about my words.

Zip-It was created by Ehman after her book Keep It Shut received feedback from readers admitting they too struggle with words. For a more extensive conversation on the impact of words join the 40-day challenge! There’s still time.

[Meaghan Vogt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Our words are powerful and they have consequences, w can encourage or embitter, bless or badger, build up or break down.

Think of your heart and mind as closets. Inside are fresh emotions, percolating questions, and even evil thoughts. The evil thoughts are probably hanging in the back somewhere like an old pink taffeta bridesmaid dress.

Our heart is always the private place we have within us to pray at any time. Make today’s purpose to put on his promises. They will be sure to spark joy. They will be tailored to your unique personhood. And they will look fabulous on you. Laced with grace.

The small pause in your day and kind gesture of your heart are sure to bring a smile. To their faces…and to yours.

Have courage when you are outnumbered.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the opportunity to read "Zip It" by Karen Ehman and I loved the book. The devotional is so awesome and I've been reading it in preparation for Lent. I really want to be in a season where my heart and words are carefully thoughtful and into submission before the Lord. This book came at the perfect time as I have unpacked this devotional each day. I love this devotional. If you are looking to speak life into your situation or thing, I recommend picking up this book. I give it 5/5 stars and was not compensated for a positive review. Thank you to the folks at Zondervan for providing me a copy of this book.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zip It by Karen Ehman is a Keep it Shut 40-Day Challenge. While not hailed as a Lenten devotional it arrived at the perfect time for me to start it on Ash Wednesday and use it as my devotional until Easter. I've just finished week one and by day 2 I knew this book would be a powerful message for me. A somewhat *cringe-worthy* one at times I recognized some of my faults within just the introduction.

"I have learned something in my decades of relationships on this earth: words are powerful, and they have consequences.
Combative words have sparked wars, bringing about death and destruction. Soothing words have calmed souls, quieted hearts, and prevented potentially volatile situations from escalating and producing dire consequences. Encouraging words have imparted bravery and empowered doubting souls to accomplish what they never dreamed they could. Loving words have birthed relationships and bonded soul mates." (p. 21)






"The consequences may be stellar-or sorrowful. They may be amazing-or awful. They may make an impact on lives for the better-or affect souls for the worse." (p.23) I'm sure we can all remember a time as a child, young teen, or adult when someone has said something that has stuck with us. If it was a positive thing it can uplift you and be brought to mind in the future when you need an extra encouragement. If it's negative it can affect how you view yourself or how you view the person who said it. Words do stick with us and I do not want to be the type of person who spouts out wounding words.



When there are many words, transgression and offense are unavoidable. But he who controls his lips and keeps thoughtful silence is wise. Proverbs 10:19

Each chapter has a verse, thoughtful insight into that verse, *Today's Takeaways which are really just points to ponder, *Lesson for the Lips (questions that bring about more pondering), and a prayer. I've gotten so much out of the first week and look forward to each chapter every single day. I've found myself stopping in mid-sentence when I realize what I was saying wasn't so nice and have even been pausing before speaking. The message each day really sticks with you and the fact that there are more than 3,500 verses in the Bible speaking to us about our words and/or silence these daily meditations get the point across of how important it is to control our tongues (or in this day and age, our fingers when at the computer) and thoughts.

I highly recommend this to everyone, especially during this season of Lent.

This book was sent to me by BookLook Bloggers in exchange for my honest review.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book was really good. It wasn’t anything really new, but I loved the way it was organized day by day. I like the reminders, and I wish I could keep it for the full 40 days, but had checked it out from my library, so I did two or three of the studies a day. There are just so many times when I need to say less or away my words, and many times where I need to use more encouraging words and be someone who uplift others. The author had so many great reminders, and everything was backed up by scripture.

[Kelly Champion-Smith · Rating 2 out of 5]

Deceiving title

I was under the impression that this book was going to be a self-help book about knowing when to speak and not to speak in different situations. Although, the author did touch upon some of this topic it was all tied to Bible scriptures. The author basically gave you a Bible sermon in every single chapter. It is more of a morality book than a book on when to speak and not to speak. I also feel the author takes Bible verses and interprets them in her own manner to fit her situation in skews some of the lines using biblical references.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read and reviewed Karen Ehman's book Keep It Shut: What to Say, How to Say It, and When to Say Nothing at All back when it first came out. While I liked it, it just felt like there was something missing and I had trouble truly connecting with it. Zip It: The Keep It Shut 40-Day Challenge provides the missing piece to the puzzle that Keep It Shut just didn't provide - and that's the take-away action plan. The back cover says:

"Zip It empowers readers to put into action the advice and commands of Scripture concerning the tongue. The New York Times bestselling book Keep It Shut covered many topics, including anger, truth-telling, people-pleasing, our digital tongues online, and gossip. Because there are more than 3,500 verses in the Bible that relate to our words and our silence, Keep It Shut only scratched the surface of these issues. Karen Ehman now takes a deeper look and offers practical how-to’s that will inspire you use your words to build, to bless, to encourage, and to praise.

Each of the forty interactive entries includes a Scripture verse focus for the day, a story or teaching point, and reflection questions with space for readers to write their answers and thoughts. Each entry ends with both a challenge that will help you carry out the directive in the verse and a prayer prompt. Rather than a traditional devotional,the entries in Zip It build upon each other, equipping you with new habits in how to, or not to, use words."

I really, really needed this book. Words and the tongue are some of my greatest struggles in my Christian walk. Honestly, what woman (and man, really) *doesn't* struggle with their words? Whether it's gossip, criticizing, foolish talk, hurtful words, angry words, or any other combination, everyone struggles in some way with this. Like the Bible says in James, the tongue is a "fire, a world of iniquity ... that defileth the whole body ... and it is set on fire of hell ... an unruly evil, full of deadly poison that no man can tame". Zip It gives a comprehensive plan to conquer your speech, regardless of what type of sin you struggle with. Each of the 40 days of challenges include a Scripture verse to focus on, an illustration/lesson, "Today's Takeaways" to apply to your life that day, Lessons For The Lips (practical tips and challenges for the day), and a prayer to pray over your day to seal your intentions and seek God's help. I highly recommend this book to every Christian struggling with issues of the tongue. This book will help you overcome your struggles.

I received a copy of this book from BookLook Bloggers in order to provide an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[eriberri · Rating 5 out of 5]

as a girls who’s mouth moves faster than my brain does at times i needed this. learning its okay to be quiet, or to just be more mindful of WHAT and HOW i say things has been so helpful. especially now that i know verses to go along with it as well. it’s been so nice starting my day in Gods word and learning more about the bible and how i can apply its teachings to my everyday life. i loved this book.

[Félix Hernández Romero · Rating 5 out of 5]

From a guy who read this with his girlfriend...

I never thought I could learn so much about my tongue in such tiny readings. Not only I was enlightened each day about how to use my words to honor God and my peers, but also showed us as a couple how to use our words wisely with each other. This devotional is a great journey and I'm thankful and glad for reading it.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read

This has been one of my favorite devotionals. Each day a Bible passage is discussed that deals with the power of the tongue, and you are given practical ways to apply it to your life. This book was convicting and inspiring. There were so many pearls of wisdom dropped throughout the chapters. I will definitely go back and read this one again.