Book Review: “Keep Showing Up” by Karen Ehman

For years, I have often said that December was our families busiest month. Holiday shopping, decorating, addressing Christmas cards and preparing baked goodies, filled most of our (or should I say, my) days.

I’m now going to state that I was, in fact, wrong.

December is not our busiest month.

It’s May.

Track and field, prom,  AP tests, final exams, school projects, Mother’s Day, our wedding anniversary, the last day of school and Memorial Day quickly fill up the family calendar.

Had we known how busy May would be, we may have picked a different month to get married!

On May 20th, we will celebrate our 19th wedding anniversary. Craig and I are not known for doing anything too extravagant for our anniversary; in fact this year we will celebrate it with 70+ coworkers of mine at a staff appreciation dinner. No complaining from us though! Free meal and some swag! You can’t beat that!

Keep Showing Up*

I just finished the Proverbs 31 Ministries Online Bible Study of Karen Ehman’s book, “Keep Showing Up,” and I have to tell you that it’s one of the best books on marriage that I have read.

You don’t need to be a rocket scientist to know that marriage is hard work.

People change as they grow older and what we might have thought was cute at the beginning of our marriage, can be downright annoying now.

Falling asleep in each other’s arms is now replaced by the urge to smoother your husband with a pillow because of his snoring. Seriously, honey! Roll over!!!!

Yes, marriage is hard, but it’s worth it.

Mr. & Mrs.

I saw Karen speak some years ago during the “Hearts at Home” conferences. Whatever the topic she was speaking on, her sessions would be filled with laughter and thought-provoking advice.

I also had the chance to chat with her when we shared a table during a luncheon at the “She Speaks” conference.

I highlighted a lot in this book. A lot!

A few of these highlights include:*

• “Your marriage is a message, and people are watching you preach.”
• “Marriage was made to refine you and make you more like Jesus.”
• “My husband is my husband. He is not my God.”
• “Fight fair and be like Jesus.”

The list could go on and on. It’s that good of a book!

Since reading this book, I realize that sometimes all it takes is a change of attitude, starting with me.

For example, instead of grumbling at the way Craig loads the dishwasher (is there a right way or is it my way?), I can be thankful that he is helping me.

Or do something for him that aligns with his love language. This is a big step for me because our love languages are opposite of one another.

Pray for Your Husband

One of the most important things that you can do for your husband is by merely praying for him. Set your phone alarm to your husband’s birthday (for example Craig’s is 2/21) as a reminder to pray for him.

The Lord hears every one of our words, so let’s lift our husbands up to Him!

Grab A Copy of the Book!

“Keep Showing Up,” is a must-have for every couple. Whether you have been married for six months or 60 years, every couple will benefit from the book.

*Ehman, Karen. Keep Showing up: How to Stay Crazy in Love When Your Love Drives You Crazy. Zondervan, 2019.