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Listen, Love, Repeat: Other-Centered Living in a Self-Centered World
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 • 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?”
256 pages, Paperback
Published November 15, 2016
212 people are currently reading
1593 people want to read
About the author
Karen Ehman
55 books377 followersKaren 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 236 reviews
December 22, 2016
"It's not what you gather, but what you scatter, that tells you what kind of life you have lived-Helen Walton
Loved this little book and all the creative suggestions on how to be more present and attentive in our daily lives. In the future, my prayer is that I hear the "heart drop's" from those I encounter each day.
Loved this little book and all the creative suggestions on how to be more present and attentive in our daily lives. In the future, my prayer is that I hear the "heart drop's" from those I encounter each day.
November 17, 2016
It was such an honor and a pleasure to be on the launch team for this fantastic book! Listen, Love, Repeat has changed my life in so many way through showing how to care for others in large and small ways.
I absolutely love Karen's writing style - you really feel like you're sitting down with a friend, over coffee, and sharing about the things in life that really matter! It is a breeze to read this book because it's such an enjoyable book to read.
I learned about "heart drops" and this is when we truly listen to others and what they are sharing concerning their life. For instance, if we know someone from church and she talks about how hard it is for her on a certain day because her dad passed away that day, it's important to listen to this and make a note of it so we can send a card or small gift of encouragement. It's about hearing the hurts of others and the joys, too.
It's also about acknowledging those people in our life that do the services that we depend on. Our mailman, our hair dresser, the guy who picks up our trash...all those people that do things for many people every day but we take them for granted. How amazing would it be to give these people a plate of cookies or a gift card to go get a cup of coffee? I know it would be such a blessing not only to them, but to us as we bless others!
Karen encourages us to live a life that is Christ centered and by doing so, we are living vessels of love to others. We can love others as Christ loves us by really listening and then blessing others with our time or a thoughtful gift or card. One thing she shares about is her "general store" that she has in her home of little gifts she keeps handy for giving out. I've been doing this for years, as my mother before me does. It made me feel a little better because I know that I am selfish about my life but I do have my own general store for gift giving! lol
I enjoyed this book so much! It will stay on my nightstand for the duration as I want to re-read this book many times as an encouragement to love others well. I love this book and give it 5 out of 5 stars.
*This book was provided to me for my honest review by the author
I absolutely love Karen's writing style - you really feel like you're sitting down with a friend, over coffee, and sharing about the things in life that really matter! It is a breeze to read this book because it's such an enjoyable book to read.
I learned about "heart drops" and this is when we truly listen to others and what they are sharing concerning their life. For instance, if we know someone from church and she talks about how hard it is for her on a certain day because her dad passed away that day, it's important to listen to this and make a note of it so we can send a card or small gift of encouragement. It's about hearing the hurts of others and the joys, too.
It's also about acknowledging those people in our life that do the services that we depend on. Our mailman, our hair dresser, the guy who picks up our trash...all those people that do things for many people every day but we take them for granted. How amazing would it be to give these people a plate of cookies or a gift card to go get a cup of coffee? I know it would be such a blessing not only to them, but to us as we bless others!
Karen encourages us to live a life that is Christ centered and by doing so, we are living vessels of love to others. We can love others as Christ loves us by really listening and then blessing others with our time or a thoughtful gift or card. One thing she shares about is her "general store" that she has in her home of little gifts she keeps handy for giving out. I've been doing this for years, as my mother before me does. It made me feel a little better because I know that I am selfish about my life but I do have my own general store for gift giving! lol
I enjoyed this book so much! It will stay on my nightstand for the duration as I want to re-read this book many times as an encouragement to love others well. I love this book and give it 5 out of 5 stars.
*This book was provided to me for my honest review by the author
May 5, 2017
This post was inspired by the new book: Listen, Love, Repeat by Karen Ehman which releases 15 November! You can purchase a copy at http://listenloverepeatbook.com
Karen’s down to earth practical voice rings throughout this book and I’m sharing a cup of coffee with her over the kitchen tables she loves so much. Her wisdom, based in biblical truths, is memorable and enlightening. I feel enabled to take my journey of faith to a new level of living as Christ did. I loved the prayers at the end of the chapters, the recipes are amazing and I found the things to try encouraging, practical and challenging. There is love and humor throughout but I appreciated that Karen didn’t avoid the tough topics.
Karen inspires us to follow Jesus as the early Christians did, I loved her reference to origin of the word “little Christs” and to be as Paul was, living testimonies of the gospel. She inspires one to consider our “one-line eulogy”, our purpose here on earth as God’s vessel of love. Her sign “scatter kindness” will be erected in my home as a daily reminder of the importance of this message. Intellectually, I was challenged to weave well-known and memorized scripture with my daily living. Karen’s insight and examples illustrated how vividly the one another verses should be reflected in my life. However, what I loved, she didn’t just leave me enlightened, she gave me practical how-tos, not just in memorable tick lists like “Love God. Love others. Love yourself” but in a list of “go out and do its”. A great book from start to finish and one worth reading several more times!
Without a doubt, this is one of the most practical Christian non-fictions I’ve read! The topic is relatable, the chapters managable and the writing engaging. Karen is both uplifting and challenging. She encourages one to deepen one’s relationship with Christ whilst living out His ways and making Christianity more practical than church and small group. I think this book will be particularly successful in the small groups as it has several sticky statements and activities around which leaders can build engagement posts and encourage the participants.
It’s hard to think of negatives for this page-turner, life-changer! I’d say if anything, I felt a little less for not having a husband and kids to share this with, or a huge family to do the surprise presents with, it felt assumed I would have those. But, I have plenty of people who I can expand the challenges to and intend to dub them all “family”!
A couple of my favourite phrases:
“Hearing a heart drop is an art we must lovingly cultivate. It can lead to the most wonderful times of encouragement…”
“Remember that your job is obedience. God’s job is results”
“We need to focus on the face in front of us”
“1. Love God. 2. Love others. 3. Love yourself.”
Karen’s down to earth practical voice rings throughout this book and I’m sharing a cup of coffee with her over the kitchen tables she loves so much. Her wisdom, based in biblical truths, is memorable and enlightening. I feel enabled to take my journey of faith to a new level of living as Christ did. I loved the prayers at the end of the chapters, the recipes are amazing and I found the things to try encouraging, practical and challenging. There is love and humor throughout but I appreciated that Karen didn’t avoid the tough topics.
Karen inspires us to follow Jesus as the early Christians did, I loved her reference to origin of the word “little Christs” and to be as Paul was, living testimonies of the gospel. She inspires one to consider our “one-line eulogy”, our purpose here on earth as God’s vessel of love. Her sign “scatter kindness” will be erected in my home as a daily reminder of the importance of this message. Intellectually, I was challenged to weave well-known and memorized scripture with my daily living. Karen’s insight and examples illustrated how vividly the one another verses should be reflected in my life. However, what I loved, she didn’t just leave me enlightened, she gave me practical how-tos, not just in memorable tick lists like “Love God. Love others. Love yourself” but in a list of “go out and do its”. A great book from start to finish and one worth reading several more times!
Without a doubt, this is one of the most practical Christian non-fictions I’ve read! The topic is relatable, the chapters managable and the writing engaging. Karen is both uplifting and challenging. She encourages one to deepen one’s relationship with Christ whilst living out His ways and making Christianity more practical than church and small group. I think this book will be particularly successful in the small groups as it has several sticky statements and activities around which leaders can build engagement posts and encourage the participants.
It’s hard to think of negatives for this page-turner, life-changer! I’d say if anything, I felt a little less for not having a husband and kids to share this with, or a huge family to do the surprise presents with, it felt assumed I would have those. But, I have plenty of people who I can expand the challenges to and intend to dub them all “family”!
A couple of my favourite phrases:
“Hearing a heart drop is an art we must lovingly cultivate. It can lead to the most wonderful times of encouragement…”
“Remember that your job is obedience. God’s job is results”
“We need to focus on the face in front of us”
“1. Love God. 2. Love others. 3. Love yourself.”
November 17, 2016
This may be the best book yet that I have read about living a life loving others. The insights are great and the examples inspiring. If there is one book I'd recommend to practically learn about a selfless life, this is it.
Ehman reminds us that we live in a self saturated society. Living as a person who thinks of others first will take effort on our part. But that effort will be much easier after reading this book. Ehman gives practical suggestions to bless others. She pays particular attention to the physical and emotional needs of others.
People around us are longing to be loves, Ehman writes. She reminds us we need to be proactive in our faith, living alert and opening our lives to sacrificial living. She draws from examples in the Bible, from her own life, and from the lives of others. She has a great section on what to say and not say when others are hurting. She includes 39 passages from the New Testament that tell how, and how not, to treat other people. She has excellent suggestions for interacting with those who are grieving. She inspires us to use our homes and our stuff to show our love for others.
And practical Ehman is. She is down to earth in her suggestions. Having others over? Forget the fancy recipes. Have a baked potato bar or build your own burger dinner. Better lots of meat loaf and mashed potatoes than a fancy new dish you saw on social media having ingredients no one recognizes. Her suggestions for touching the heart of the cantankerous are worth noting. I love the idea of giving unbirthday gifts and scattering kindness.
I highly recommend this book to those ready to live a selfless life. You will find great encouragement and very practical suggestions.
Food for thought: “Sometimes the best strategy is to keep your mouth shut and your hands open.” (181) And, “The only way to go about loving the difficult is to expect nothing in return.” (182)
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Icon Media. My comments are an independent and honest review.
Ehman reminds us that we live in a self saturated society. Living as a person who thinks of others first will take effort on our part. But that effort will be much easier after reading this book. Ehman gives practical suggestions to bless others. She pays particular attention to the physical and emotional needs of others.
People around us are longing to be loves, Ehman writes. She reminds us we need to be proactive in our faith, living alert and opening our lives to sacrificial living. She draws from examples in the Bible, from her own life, and from the lives of others. She has a great section on what to say and not say when others are hurting. She includes 39 passages from the New Testament that tell how, and how not, to treat other people. She has excellent suggestions for interacting with those who are grieving. She inspires us to use our homes and our stuff to show our love for others.
And practical Ehman is. She is down to earth in her suggestions. Having others over? Forget the fancy recipes. Have a baked potato bar or build your own burger dinner. Better lots of meat loaf and mashed potatoes than a fancy new dish you saw on social media having ingredients no one recognizes. Her suggestions for touching the heart of the cantankerous are worth noting. I love the idea of giving unbirthday gifts and scattering kindness.
I highly recommend this book to those ready to live a selfless life. You will find great encouragement and very practical suggestions.
Food for thought: “Sometimes the best strategy is to keep your mouth shut and your hands open.” (181) And, “The only way to go about loving the difficult is to expect nothing in return.” (182)
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Icon Media. My comments are an independent and honest review.
November 10, 2021
Despite being obsessed with self-centered living, we feel less content than ever. The author shares how, by putting others first, we can find joy. This book was written in 2015 and the world has changed in such a short time with COVID, technology, etc. I was still able to glean many practical, creative ways to show love by living "alert" to the needs around us. One of the things the author reveals is how genuine and honest she is. She does not project a perfect life but, as a friend you could relate to, she shares her faults along with how God has used her in the lives of others.
Living other-centered in a self-centered world seems to be the theme of my life this fall. I am also doing an Ann Voskamp women's Bible study, Be the Gift on the same subject. As we move forward from our pandemic world, this was a good reminder to live and be generous.
Living other-centered in a self-centered world seems to be the theme of my life this fall. I am also doing an Ann Voskamp women's Bible study, Be the Gift on the same subject. As we move forward from our pandemic world, this was a good reminder to live and be generous.
April 16, 2017
I read this book for a Proverbs 31 Online Bible Study and it really reminded me of what I need to be doing as a Christian! I need to love others and show them Jesus through me.
April 11, 2017
It's not often that I don't finish a book, but if that ends up being the case, then it's pretty bad. I attempted to read this book as part of a on-line bible study hoping to be inspired and challenged. I ended up feeling annoyed and regretful. Books are subjective, for sure, and this one was not for me.
January 22, 2025
Thoroughly enjoyed this! Karen is so relatable and down-to-earth. Loved her stories, suggestions and truth-filled insights. Incredibly practical with tons of tips and ideas for living an intentional life. Some great quotes. Here’s just a few of my favorites:
“Jesus wasn’t about doing big things. He was about doing the right thing. And often for Him, the right thing was noticing one simple soul.”
“We don’t do good for the sake of looking good; we do good in order to point others to Jesus.”
"A sorrow shared is but half a trouble, but joy that's shared is a joy made double." [Swedish proverb]
“I was once told that there are two types of people in the world: those who enter a room full of people and narcissistically announce, ‘Here I am!’ and those who walk into a room, seek out someone, and lovingly declare, ‘There you are!’ I want to be the second type of person. I want to make sure that life is about others and not just myself.”
“Jesus wasn’t about doing big things. He was about doing the right thing. And often for Him, the right thing was noticing one simple soul.”
“We don’t do good for the sake of looking good; we do good in order to point others to Jesus.”
"A sorrow shared is but half a trouble, but joy that's shared is a joy made double." [Swedish proverb]
“I was once told that there are two types of people in the world: those who enter a room full of people and narcissistically announce, ‘Here I am!’ and those who walk into a room, seek out someone, and lovingly declare, ‘There you are!’ I want to be the second type of person. I want to make sure that life is about others and not just myself.”
November 19, 2016
Honest. Practical. Needed. These are the things this book offers, page after page after page. Author, Karen Ehman, packs so much into this book. The chapters identify different groups and individuals who need to receive the practical experience of God’s grace—and the specific ways we can extend His love to them. The timeliness of this book is matched beautifully by the timelessness of message: moving from self-centered me-ness to being focused on others.
As a pastor of a church in the heart of a small town, I believe this book offers tools my people can use to be encouraged in new and refreshed ways. One of the chapters I read through tears was “The Lonely and Unloved.” One of the questions found near the end of this chapter were an arrow to my heart: Can you create one more space at your table this week? Yes, I can…but will I?
This book is like a box of seeds. Plant these seeds (ideas and principles), and watch what grows! I am looking forward to sharing this book in my church and seeing the amazing things God has in store for us as we step up to new ways of listening and loving.
As a pastor of a church in the heart of a small town, I believe this book offers tools my people can use to be encouraged in new and refreshed ways. One of the chapters I read through tears was “The Lonely and Unloved.” One of the questions found near the end of this chapter were an arrow to my heart: Can you create one more space at your table this week? Yes, I can…but will I?
This book is like a box of seeds. Plant these seeds (ideas and principles), and watch what grows! I am looking forward to sharing this book in my church and seeing the amazing things God has in store for us as we step up to new ways of listening and loving.
November 15, 2016
In Listen, Love, Repeat, Karen Ehman is the big sister I never had reminding me what is important in life. She offers tips, advice, Bible verses, and even recipes to shower love on others. Karen’s heart is in this book and her everyday examples and real life stories inspired me to truly look and love people around me from the necessary people (postal workers, cashiers), the sick or marginalized, to those closest to me. The first chapter entitled, “How to Hear a Heart Drop” affected me greatly as I often hear those heart drops and don’t respond as I should. No condemnation in this book, though, just honest heartfelt examples of both succeeding and failing at loving others and inspiring the reader to do the same. My mom exemplified the listen, love, repeat culture that Karen puts forth in this book and I finally feel like I have the handbook for following through and creating that culture in my own home and life. Thank you for an excellent book, Karen!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 6, 2018
4.5 this book spoke right to me! My fears, my beliefs, my everyday! Crazy how so many lives are just the same when you take the time to look and see. Would have been 5 stars but at times there was a little too much preaching. Well written Ehman, I have added all of your others books to my to read list!
February 11, 2025
It just fell a little trite for me. An extroverted pastor's wife who loves talking to people, ministering in the Bible belt where teenagers love to hang out at her house, everybody loves casseroles and we should be surprised that she has an atheist friend. Many of her actionable items either felt like no-brainers, or on the other end of the spectrum of just not practical. But, all in all, I appreciate the premise of looking for others rather than yourself. My biggest take away was listening for heart drops and have added a note on my phone for just that concept, so it was still worthwhile.
January 31, 2021
Super practical advice on how to connect with and focus on others every day. Contains nice anecdotes that inspire. The short of it: take note of the important things going on in other people's lives, and take appropriate action. Pray, and also DO! Be sensitive to others' circumstances (the chapter on how to love those who are grieving is especially helpful). Listen, love, repeat!
April 26, 2017
I really enjoyed this Bible study. Looking forward to more from Proverbs 31.
January 2, 2018
I gave this book one star but it’s possible it deserves more. Based on the description I expected something different. If you want to be read bible excerpts this would likely be a good choice.
March 3, 2020
Simple
Practical
Encouraging
Tips and tricks and encouragement on how to love others, scatter kindness, and listen to so many heart drops that are around us every day. It's like a big handbook for Hospitality. Beings God's hands and feet and ears.
...
Easy simple read with recipes, printouts, and quotes for the quote lover at the end.
Practical
Encouraging
Tips and tricks and encouragement on how to love others, scatter kindness, and listen to so many heart drops that are around us every day. It's like a big handbook for Hospitality. Beings God's hands and feet and ears.
...
Easy simple read with recipes, printouts, and quotes for the quote lover at the end.
March 24, 2019
I recently discovered an online Bible study hosted by the website Proverbs31 Ministries. I've been looking for a Bible study for a while now. My in-laws used to host a study once a weekend and we would Facetime in and listen and join in the discussion. My father-in-law is an amazing Bible study leader and would always leave me feeling inspired and closer to God. They ending up stopping the Bible study in 2015 so I've been looking for one. One of my absolute favorite studies that we did was when we all read a book together and then discussed the chapters together. Similar to a book club Bible study. The book we read was Twelve Extraordinary Women and I enjoyed it so much. So when I found out that this online Bible study reads books and then discuses them together I really wanted to join.
The book the group was going to read for April 2018 (and it looks like the study goes through May) is Listen, Love, Repeat. I'm still a little confused how the study works. I saw that there are live discussions going on certain days on Facebook. I don't really like that, I'd rather have a discussion board like on goodreads so I just have to get used to the different format. Looks like during the month there are videos to watch to listen and learn from also.
This particular book was really excellent. The writing style is as if you are just sitting around speaking to a friend. I read a chapter a night so I could take my time and really read and learn from the chapter. What I really took away from this book was a think called "heart drops". This is when we really listen to others and what they are saying to us. Little conversations with our family/friends/people in our life when they share a little something and we set it aside in our memory for later. It's remembering when someone's dad passed away or remembering their favorite drink and doing something with that information later. I have tried to already practice this in my life . I hope that I hear the heart drops of people in my life and am able to remember those drops for later.
There was also a section in this book about remembering the people we deal with everyday. The person who changes our oil in our cars, or the mailman, the doctor, the dentist. Giving them a little something. This can be hard in some situations, for example, I never see my mailman. We have a community box down the street so I never even know who it is. The book did make me think about the next time I go to the dentist to give my hygienist something. I've been seeing her for like 8 years and never thought to bring her a little something.
One thing I couldn't tell with this book was whether or not the site Proverbs 31 was squeezing this book in to make some money? I think the author is one of the people behind the website so I wasn't sure if the book was picked for the bookclub pick because of this or because the community chose the book. It was a good book but I don't want to only read books that are by authors who run the site. So I look forward to check out what the next book pick is. For those looking for some inspiration in their lives, pick up this book. You won't regret it. Love God, Love Others, Love Yourself.
Great quotes:
“Sometimes the best strategy is to keep your mouth shut and your hands open.” (181) And, “The only way to go about loving the difficult is to expect nothing in return.” (182)
The book the group was going to read for April 2018 (and it looks like the study goes through May) is Listen, Love, Repeat. I'm still a little confused how the study works. I saw that there are live discussions going on certain days on Facebook. I don't really like that, I'd rather have a discussion board like on goodreads so I just have to get used to the different format. Looks like during the month there are videos to watch to listen and learn from also.
This particular book was really excellent. The writing style is as if you are just sitting around speaking to a friend. I read a chapter a night so I could take my time and really read and learn from the chapter. What I really took away from this book was a think called "heart drops". This is when we really listen to others and what they are saying to us. Little conversations with our family/friends/people in our life when they share a little something and we set it aside in our memory for later. It's remembering when someone's dad passed away or remembering their favorite drink and doing something with that information later. I have tried to already practice this in my life . I hope that I hear the heart drops of people in my life and am able to remember those drops for later.
There was also a section in this book about remembering the people we deal with everyday. The person who changes our oil in our cars, or the mailman, the doctor, the dentist. Giving them a little something. This can be hard in some situations, for example, I never see my mailman. We have a community box down the street so I never even know who it is. The book did make me think about the next time I go to the dentist to give my hygienist something. I've been seeing her for like 8 years and never thought to bring her a little something.
One thing I couldn't tell with this book was whether or not the site Proverbs 31 was squeezing this book in to make some money? I think the author is one of the people behind the website so I wasn't sure if the book was picked for the bookclub pick because of this or because the community chose the book. It was a good book but I don't want to only read books that are by authors who run the site. So I look forward to check out what the next book pick is. For those looking for some inspiration in their lives, pick up this book. You won't regret it. Love God, Love Others, Love Yourself.
Great quotes:
“Sometimes the best strategy is to keep your mouth shut and your hands open.” (181) And, “The only way to go about loving the difficult is to expect nothing in return.” (182)
September 11, 2020
A simple read that left me both convicted and encouraged about the beauty and accessibility of practicing hospitality and kindness. Groundbreaking? No. Useful? Yes.
March 13, 2019
I confidently recommend this book. It offers practical ideas for loving well those within arm’s reach. While I occasionally felt overwhelmed and disillusioned by all that she found time to do, her intent was not to inflict guilt, but rather to reveal a vast expanse of ready opportunities. In this I found encouragement.
I listened to this title on Audible, narrated by Devon O’Day. She had a calming tone to her voice and an audible smile. Nicely done.
I listened to this title on Audible, narrated by Devon O’Day. She had a calming tone to her voice and an audible smile. Nicely done.
November 4, 2016
I have often been helped by the gracious, practical advice offered by the Proverbs 31 ministry team. I particularly appreciate their solid, biblical grounding and relational approach geared specifically to women. So when I learned one of their ilk had a new book out — and, greater still, a book that might help me do relationship even better — naturally I was interested.
In Listen, Love, Repeat, I like how Karen weaves in plenty of personal story along with God’s story (Scripture), both of which are non-negotiables in my book. The first reveals the heart of the author, the second reveals the heart of God.
Target audience? I’d say suburban, middle-class Christian women tilting to the millenial. Karen’s style is upbeat and conversational, but for those who have been around the block a time or two, some of the content will feel familiar. Not that it may not come as a welcome reminder.
The greatest gift of Listen, Love, Repeat is the lessons it offers in listening for someone’s heart drop — that point in conversation in which a careful listener can catch a glimpse into someone’s soul. We become witness to how Karen makes this part of her calling — to listen, and then to act on what she hears — which then of course encourages us to do the same. When we do this with great intentionality, it’s one of the most immediate ways we can make a world of difference.
Thanks to BlogAbout and Zondervan for providing me this copy free of charge. All opinions are mine.
In Listen, Love, Repeat, I like how Karen weaves in plenty of personal story along with God’s story (Scripture), both of which are non-negotiables in my book. The first reveals the heart of the author, the second reveals the heart of God.
Target audience? I’d say suburban, middle-class Christian women tilting to the millenial. Karen’s style is upbeat and conversational, but for those who have been around the block a time or two, some of the content will feel familiar. Not that it may not come as a welcome reminder.
The greatest gift of Listen, Love, Repeat is the lessons it offers in listening for someone’s heart drop — that point in conversation in which a careful listener can catch a glimpse into someone’s soul. We become witness to how Karen makes this part of her calling — to listen, and then to act on what she hears — which then of course encourages us to do the same. When we do this with great intentionality, it’s one of the most immediate ways we can make a world of difference.
Thanks to BlogAbout and Zondervan for providing me this copy free of charge. All opinions are mine.
January 21, 2018
This was a sweet book--but not particularly life changing for me. And not a genre that I love--kind of more "self-help/spiritual growth." The general gist of this Christian book is to make an effort to get to know other people, remember things about them, and then surprise them with gifts that will show how thoughtful your listening skills were. The author provides her own examples of many times when she had warmed the heart of the neighborhood crank, or outcast child, surprised their mail carrier, and given the most thoughtful gifts to her close friends and family members.
Having read "the Love Languages" I was very aware that Ehman's preferred love language to give was "giving gifts." Keeping this in mind, I don't know that this is a recipe for everyone to increase their own gift giving skills, as it is obviously her own passion and her special talent. That said, it's something that everyone can improve on.
I read this for our Christian book group.
The audible narrator was really great. If you plan to make the recipes in the book, you probably won't want the audible edition.
Having read "the Love Languages" I was very aware that Ehman's preferred love language to give was "giving gifts." Keeping this in mind, I don't know that this is a recipe for everyone to increase their own gift giving skills, as it is obviously her own passion and her special talent. That said, it's something that everyone can improve on.
I read this for our Christian book group.
The audible narrator was really great. If you plan to make the recipes in the book, you probably won't want the audible edition.
July 28, 2017
Decent book on how to love and serve those around you, both people you know (friends, family, church members) and those you don't (neighbors, "essential" people such as mailmen). Ehman provides many practical examples and suggestions. Many of her suggestions and ideas require money, something that not everyone has to give, but some don't. It was troubling that in her introductory chapters she talks about deciding - as a Christian attending a Christian college - that relationships with people are the ultimate good in life, instead of Jesus. She also spends very little time talking about the idea that you must be filling yourself with God's love through the spiritual disciplines in order to have anything to give to anyone else. Still, a good book if you need ideas on how to show love to the people around you.
June 15, 2025
One of my favorites! I own a copy and flip through it every now and again for ideas.
“How do I show love to those around me" can seem like such an esoteric question, but Karen Ehman gives us actionable steps to make this kind of love real. From hearing "heart drops" of what is important, showing appreciation when one least expects it, loving the difficult to love, to creating hospitality and scattering kindness, Listen, Love, Repeat gives ways to take the focus off of ourselves and care about others around us. Also included is a list of thirty-nine Bible verses that say to love one another, recipes, gift tags and more. This is a book that I will refer to repeatedly, and whole-heartedly recommend to anyone!
“How do I show love to those around me" can seem like such an esoteric question, but Karen Ehman gives us actionable steps to make this kind of love real. From hearing "heart drops" of what is important, showing appreciation when one least expects it, loving the difficult to love, to creating hospitality and scattering kindness, Listen, Love, Repeat gives ways to take the focus off of ourselves and care about others around us. Also included is a list of thirty-nine Bible verses that say to love one another, recipes, gift tags and more. This is a book that I will refer to repeatedly, and whole-heartedly recommend to anyone!
November 14, 2016
I've been on the launch team for this book so I received an electronic copy ahead of time in return for an honest review. It is a wonderful book! The idea is that we can find a fuller life when we give to others instead of making everything about ourselves. That can mean giving our actual time, a tangible gift, just listening, opening up our home, anonymously doing something kind for a stranger, smiling at someone, etc.. Changing our focus to those who are right in front of us at the time leads to joy. I try to live my life this way and found the book full of ideas on how to expand on this. It is one way we can strive to live like Jesus did and to lead others to Him in the process.
July 23, 2024
Regardless of where you fall on the spectrum of faith, this book is about being a good human being - listening, loving and reaching out to others. Given all the negative thoughts, feelings and words we are surrounded with on a daily basis, think about how different things would be if we all practiced "other-centered living in a self-centered world" and found joy in true acts of kindness? Karen Ehman provides an incredibly genuine perspective on hearing "heart drops" and how to "scatter kindness". Buy this book. And buy one for a friend.
Disclaimer: I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review
Disclaimer: I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review
August 20, 2017
Love Drops. Scatter Kindness. We all need these things. Today we are so consumed by me me me, what can I get? How will this benefit me? We have become selfish people and what a refreshing feeling to start listening and loving others. How great is it to know that we might have made someone's day just by helping them or simply listening to them. Ah...Karen has done another fabulous job! Absolutely loved this book!
December 9, 2017
This book goes both ways for me. Sometimes I loved it, sometimes I was annoyed. I'm really becoming a fan of Karen, I think she would be a great friend to have. I really like how she talked about relationships with people and gave examples of ways that you can show your love for them. But the amount of personal stories was just a bit too much for my taste. So overall it was a nice reminder to be a good friend, and that sometimes your friendship with other people can lead them to know Christ.
February 22, 2025
This is one of those books that I really need to read every couple of years!!
October 16, 2017
Once again, Karen Ehman delivers a warm, friendly invitation to a deeper walk with God. In Listen, Love, Repeat, she challenges you to slow down, pay attention, and create an others-focused life. Full of personal stories and practical tips, this book is a valuable resource. It even has recipes!
In one chapter, Karen expounds on an analogy Paul used in 1 Thessalonians 2:7-8, a picture of a nursing mother caring for her children.
Karen writes,
"As many of you have experienced, being a nursing mother takes a lot out of you both physically and emotionally. You cannot be on your own schedule. You have to interrupt what you are doing in order to nourish the body of your child. To nurse a child you must stop. Sit down. Take time. You must for the moment put your child’s needs before your own. Certainly the act of nursing a baby is sharing life in a sacrificial way."
This quote speaks from the heart of this book: structure your days so you have time to minister to others. Karen writes about different kinds of people to whom you can minister, and gives creative ideas for each group. She shows you how to minister to those who grieve, to necessary people like the mail carrier, to the lonely, to those who are cranky, and of course, to your family.
I also liked the concept of listening for a heart drop. Listening in this way is like doing detective work for God’s kingdom. Heart drops are clues to ways you can minister. Karen provides many do-able ideas for everyday ministry in Listen, Love, Repeat.
When you are walking closely with God, you become more like Jesus, and you look for ways to serve others. This book will open your eyes to new ways of everyday ministry you likely haven’t considered before.
In one chapter, Karen expounds on an analogy Paul used in 1 Thessalonians 2:7-8, a picture of a nursing mother caring for her children.
Karen writes,
"As many of you have experienced, being a nursing mother takes a lot out of you both physically and emotionally. You cannot be on your own schedule. You have to interrupt what you are doing in order to nourish the body of your child. To nurse a child you must stop. Sit down. Take time. You must for the moment put your child’s needs before your own. Certainly the act of nursing a baby is sharing life in a sacrificial way."
This quote speaks from the heart of this book: structure your days so you have time to minister to others. Karen writes about different kinds of people to whom you can minister, and gives creative ideas for each group. She shows you how to minister to those who grieve, to necessary people like the mail carrier, to the lonely, to those who are cranky, and of course, to your family.
I also liked the concept of listening for a heart drop. Listening in this way is like doing detective work for God’s kingdom. Heart drops are clues to ways you can minister. Karen provides many do-able ideas for everyday ministry in Listen, Love, Repeat.
When you are walking closely with God, you become more like Jesus, and you look for ways to serve others. This book will open your eyes to new ways of everyday ministry you likely haven’t considered before.
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