justice in the burbs

I am giving away a new copy of Justice in the Burbs by Will and Lisa Samson. This is a book about living out our Christianity in the world around us. Something God has been speaking to me about for several months now.
Watch the video below and leave a comment. Next Tuesday I will draw a name from those who comment for the winner!

creative challenge book give-away

I have been visiting Athol Dickson's blog for a while now, but I had not read any of his books. So I decided I should, and boy howdy, you don't just read them, you experience them.

I want to give away a copy of River Rising. It is one of the best books I have read, ever.

You've heard the term "weaving a story"? Well, that's exactly what this author does. You see little threads come and go. Little pieces that give you just a bit of information, but leave you with more questions than answers. Until the end where it all ties up beautifully and every piece makes perfect sense.

This story is history, mystery and spec fic; three of my favorite genres. Set in 1927 in the deepest of the deep south, the mouth of the Mighty Mississippi. Blacks and whites hang out together at the general store, work together, eat together and shake hands like equals; but the most important thing they can't seem to do together.

This is a Christmas story, yet it isn't set at Christmas and never even mentions it. But it is Emanuel -- God With Us.

For me, reading this book was a bit like being caught up in a river. There were times that it was calm and beautiful and made me smile and then I went under and thought "no, I don't want to go there!" and I was bounced around a bit and finally deposited on the shore at the feet of the one I love most. A bit battered and breathless, but weeping for joy.

Ok, so if you are interested, here's what you do -- you have to earn the chance here, man-- go to this site, pick any of the prompts you like and leave your creative effort in the comments. I won't be judging your entry, nobody will. I will take you and put you in a hat and draw one of you out. But I think we all could use a creative challenge now and then, even those of us who write, paint, whatever. We need to do a little something different now and then. Plus, I love reading what you come up with!

Edited to add: I guess I need to give you a dealine. One week from today-- the day after Thanksgiving-- I will draw a winner!

drum roll...

I randomly drew a name from those who participated in the creativity challenge. Today I found a book that looks good to me. I hope it is. But if it isn't...well, it didn't cost you anything, so I don't want to hear it! LOL Ok, really, I do want to know if it's good or not. I will read it too, if it is.

The book is a Christian novel called The Reluctant Journey of David Conners by Don Locke. Don Locke is actually a writer for NBC's Today Show. Interesting tidbit, that.

Ok, ok, so the winner is...

Accidentally poetical Susan! Whoo hoo! Lets hear it for our Canadian friend! She's pretty good at that accidental poetry, too, isn't she?!

So, Susan, if per chance you have read this book, let me know by tomorrow. Otherwise it is in the mail and off on an international jaunt!

creative prize

Ok, I've figured out how I'm going to do this. Since I can't possibly judge these things because I love every entry, I am going to draw a name and the winner will receive a new book! What book? I don't know yet. Probably something newly released to be sure you haven't read it. Also, there is at least one male that I know of who reads this. If he should enter and win, he might like a different type book than some of you ladies would, ya know?

But...I am not going to draw the name until Tuesday so that anyone who wants to participate has a chance.

Editted to add: Feel free to use any of the prompts on the site I gave.