Beauty on the Backroads

Stories of grace for life's unexpected turns

giveaways

Another winner and another chance to win

Free book Fridays continue. We’re into Week 3 now, and I’d love to see the word spread about this week’s giveaway.

But first, we have a winner from last week! Congratulations to Brian Betsworth, who won a copy of Francis Chan’s Forgotten God. Brian is a pastor friend and seminary classmate (as well as a fellow Bears fan – go Bears!) who is recently married. Let me know how I can get the book to you!

Now, on to the next book.

This week’s offering is a novel by Kathi Macias. People of the Book was the first of her books I’d read, and now I can’t stop. You can read my previous review of People of the Book here. (If you’re interested in other books she’s written that I’ve reviewed, you can find them here, here and here.) It’s a fabulous, thought-provoking, challenging read.

SO HOW DO YOU WIN A COPY? Leave me a comment about how Jesus has changed your life. That’s one entry. Follow me on Twitter (@lmbartelt) or subscribe to the blog via e-mail. (One extra entry each.) Share this giveaway on Facebook or Twitter. (One extra entry each.) So that’s FIVE chances to win. Come back here and leave a separate comment each time you enter. I’ll pick a winner next Thursday and announce it, along with the final FREE book on Friday. Are we having fun yet?

Free book Friday: A winner and another book to give away

Here we are — week two of free book Fridays in May. Last week I offered up Jody Hedlund‘s The Doctor’s Lady as the first book in the month-long giveaway. And I’m pleased to announce the winner.

Heather said this about memorable birthday gifts:

“Sadly I don’t have any memorable birthday gifts. But I’d still love to win…”

She was picked by Random.org, but having NO memorable birthday gifts? That’s a reason to win. So, congratulations, Heather. E-mail me, lmbartelt[at]gmail.com, your address and I’ll send your book!

This week’s pick is Forgotten God by Francis Chan. A couple of years ago I received a gift card to a local Christian book store, and I was overwhelmed by my choices. So many books, so little money on the gift card (comparatively speaking!). I’d heard of Francis Chan, mainly from his first book Crazy Love. I hadn’t read that book at the time. (I’m currently reading it now.) This book drew me. Chan explores the role of the Holy Spirit in the Christian’s and the church’s life. As the title would suggest, we often neglect the Spirit in our everyday spirituality.

Chan makes some excellent points and follows each chapter with a story of a person or couple who has followed the Spirit’s leading to do something that, without God, would be utterly unbelievable.

Best takeaway for me from this book is the idea that we need to attempt things that can only be attributed to God. If we only do things in our own power, then we don’t need to trust the Spirit’s leading and guidance. Check out a sample chapter here.

So, what do you think? Sound like a book you want to read? I’m giving away my copy, which may have a few underlines. (What can I say? I’m a note-maker.)

HERE’S HOW YOU CAN WIN: Leave a comment on the blog telling me what role, if any, the Holy Spirit plays in your life OR what you think His role should be. That’s worth one entry.

FOR MORE CHANCES TO WIN: Share this giveaway on Facebook or Twitter (1 entry each), follow me on Twitter (1 entry) or subscribe to this blog via e-mail (1 entry).

Spread the word! I’ll pick a winner next Thursday, May 17th and announce it, along with the next week’s free book on Friday.