Monday Book Giveaway

stone_crossings.jpgHere is an opportunity to win a free book. 

The book?  An autographed copy of L. L. Barkat’s Stone Crossings: Finding Grace in Hard and Hidden Places.  This is an opportunity not only to receive a free book but also to get acquainted with a very good writer. 

I read the book shortly after it was published.  I was moved.  

Some clues about the book can be found on the back cover. 

Sometimes it’s hard to see.  And even harder to receive.  When you’re hurt or angry or confused or doubtful, grace can seem as hard to grasp as sky. 

But actually, it’s as real and solid as stones: tangible, weighty, something to hold on to, a way through streams of pain, shame, and abuse.

In these pages L. L. Barkat shares her own painful, powerful story with us.  Weaving in truth from Scripture, words from other writers and stories of people who’ve come alongside her in her journey, she shows us the unexpected ways and places she’s discovered grace: grace that has helped her open her heart to love, discover a way past fear, find freedom from shame.

Her story will help you find the rock of God’s grace in the midst of your own broken, hard places.  And his grace will give you a new story to tell.

When I began reading the book, I was especially moved by her opening chapters on shame and the messiness of life (often caused by "messmakers").  For example, notice this sentence:

It seems that Adam felt like I used to feel — that it would be comforting to hide in darkness, that it would be a relief to flee from the God who walks around knowing what I’ve been up to. 

To be eligible to win the book, simply leave your name in a comment on this post.  Names will be collected throughout the week (through next Monday), and a drawing will be held in my office the following Tuesday.  If you win, you will be notified and an autographed copy of Stone Crossings will be mailed to you.

Interested?  Leave your name in a comment.

55 comments

  1. I like how she uses the theme of stones in the stream of life. I think I would really enjoy this book right now as there is so much upheaval in my life and in my world.

  2. Many messes the Lord and I have had to clean up – some done unto myself and some done by others unto me. There may still be some in the future as He’s not finished with me yet! I’d love to read the book! Thank you so much for offering such a meaningful give-away!  Blessings!

  3. Jim,
    It seems as though you have a window and are looking into my world on a daily basis, from the topics you choose for class, the topics you choose for Sunday morning, and now this book.  It seems as if you are speaking right to me so often.  I would love to read this book and be inspired.
    Thank you for this wonderful opportunity.

  4. Hi Jim,Ever since my eyes were opened to the vastness and mystery of grace by Yancey’s classic "Wahat’s so amazing about grace?", I just can’t get enough of it. And yet it’s all I need. Would love to read this book. Rob

  5. Sounds like a book that anyone could profit from reading, as shame seems to be part of the human condition – at least until God comes in and replaces our feelings of shame with His abundant grace and overwhelming love.

  6. I never turn down the opportunity to read a recommended book, especially one that might be free! Count me in!

  7. Your recommendation alone is enough to pique my interest, Jim. Please consider me registered for the give-away!
    Peace.

  8. Excellent book. I blogged it to death, every chapter once a week for some time. But each chapter was like a book in itself, very good. Yes, L.L. is a gifted writer, and I look forward to her next offering!

  9. of course, please don’t include me in the drawing. someone who doesn’t have the book needs to have it and read it (like the best books, slowly is best).

  10. Adam Bevis– So good to hear from you.  I have good memories of you and your family.  Let me know what and how you are doing.  Would love to hear.Marcus– Your comment reminds me of just how troubling the issue of shame really is.  Thank you.Leanna– I appreciate these words and am thankful that God is using these different venues to encourage you and work within you.  What an important time!Cathie– Good to hear from you.  Long time.  Glad for the update.  Hope you and family are doing well(So glad to see these names in these comments.  Some for the first time.  Some grace this blog regularly.  Thanks to all of you.)

  11. I would love to read this book…seems like one that would be very helpful to me!  Thanks for informing us about it and so many other things you guide us in!!

  12. I would definitely like to read this book so count me in.  Thanks for letting everyone know about this.  I know it could be some real good insight for me and others.

  13. Jim;  The book sounds very interesting.  Would love to read it.  Say hi to Charlotte for Berni & me. jim

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