In the Loop with Lysa TerKeurst

A few months back, I joined author and Proverbs 31 Ministries founder Lysa TerKeurst’s “In the Loop Group”—basically a focus group that helps promote Lysa’s books and gives extra perks to members. 

I was ecstatic to see she wanted to get a group together in Charlotte to brainstorm for her next book over lunch this past weekend. A group of about 75 ladies would have some Q&A time with Lysa, a little message and then do some brainstorming over lunch. 

The Questions

My life-long love of question-asking paid off as 2 of my questions were chosen ahead of time to ask Lysa Saturday. I got to sit front row and ask them personally. 

I thought I’d share my questions and her answers.

My first question:

Looking back to the preschool years of my children, one of my biggest regrets is getting so angry during potty training and at other times when I was expecting too much for their age.  As I head into parenting tweens now, what one piece of advice would you give me to cherish this new season of parenting?

I was in heaven as Lysa took several minutes to address this question.  First, she admitted she was not a great mom of younger children but says it turns out she is a great intentional mom of big kids.  I so appreciated she was vulnerable enough to say that and it relieved some of my own guilt.

Second, she gave 3 pieces of advice about going into the tween years:

1. Date your kids.  Lysa says don’t be in parenting mode but just listen and speak truth without lecturing. She talked a lot about connecting on issues that they care about and used the example of pop music.
2. Invite them to fight for something good.  Lysa spoke to her texting and driving lesson I talked about yesterday where she had her kids do reports and has them really own the issues.
3. Issue yourself lots of grace.

And my second question:

What advice would you give to writers who are trying to grow their platform?

Lysa said write as much as you can by grabbing snippets of time just for writing.  Also, ask God for your assignment today, do that and walk away.  She said you could go crazy spending your time 24-7 building a platform, but it would cause you to lose focus with other areas of life.

The Message

Lysa shared her message from her latest book Unglued.  She described the four types of reactors: exploders that blame, exploders who shame themselves, stuffers who builds barriers and stuffers who collect retaliation rocks and what each needed to do to make changes.  Really great stuff–if you haven’t read her book, you can get Unglued on Amazon.

The Brainstorming

 

We finished out the day brainstorming over lunch.  You can read about the concept of her next book on one of her latest posts.  This time was a good ‘ol white-boarding session.  The floor was open to all the attendees to talk about what topics should be addressed in the book. 

This part was really the most fun of the day.  I loved the idea of getting a group together and coming up with ideas for a book and there were so many wise women I learned from.  I don’t want to give too much away as I’m sure she’d like to communicate these messages through her book but I’ll just say I think her next book is going to be another life-changer.

 

Whew, all in all a great morning.  While I know the actual intent was to help Lysa with her book, many of us walked away feeling connected, pampered and valued.  Thanks to the team for all their hard work!

I’m not sure if there’s currently a waiting list or not but if you want to join Lysa’s In the Loop Group head on over to her site.