Friday, June 27, 2008

Book Giveaway: Messy Spirituality

I'm a mess.

I tell this to my sweet, understanding husband sometimes - like when I'm overly upset or freaking out or just plain cranky. Then I sigh and get a hug from Josh.

Although he tries to convince me otherwise, I know it is true.

I AM a mess!

Life is hard and confusing. I don't have much figured out. If I appear to "have it all together" it is truly an act. I'm always behind on laundry, don't cook as often as I should, and struggle with consistent email correspondence with friends. As I'm mentioned, I rarely have the discipline to follow through on things I would like to do. And I continue to struggle in my walk with God.

I don't think I'm alone here. I've spent time with my family while grieving over my Opa's death and I've seen it there. It is a part of deep conversations with true friends. I've read other bloggers talk about it, too. Shauna Niequist writes about it in Cold Tangerines (and those are my favorite parts.)

Messy is a part of life. I'm learning - slowly - to embrace it.

Messy Spirituality by Mike Yaconelli explores this topic with regard to God and faith and grace. You can use the widget below to both find out more inforation as well as read the first few pages.





AND the publisher (who just happens to also be my employer) has given me 10 copies to giveaway on this blog! All you have to do is agree to write a short review of the book on your blog or on Amazon.com. Easy, right?

But, the fun continues!

After all the reviews are posted, I'll randomly choose three winners from the reviews for the following prizes:

1st winner: $25 Target Gift Card
2nd winner: More books - I'll post a list of 10 favorites, and you choose 3!
3rd winner: More books - I'll post a list of 10 favorites, and you choose 2!

So, here's how it works:

1. Leave a comment on this post letting me know you'd like to participate! Be sure to leave your email address if it's not linked to your name. If more than 10 of you are interested, then I'll do a drawing for the winners of the free copies this Tuesday, July 1st. (If you don't win one of the free copies, you can still write a review and be eligible for the prizes.)

2. Write a short review of Messy Spirituality and post it on your blog by Wednesday, July 30th. Then comment on blog when you've done it! I'll post all of the links here so that we can read each other's reviews. (If you don't have a blog, you can still participate. You can post a review on Amazon.com and be eligible for the prizes.)

3. On Friday, August 1st, I'll announce the winners of the prizes here.

Questions?

Email me at jjbrown611 at yahoo dot com.



**This is open to anyone and everyone who reads this blog! Are you a blog "stalker" that doesn't ever comment? It doesn't matter - join in the fun! Or are you a family member who likes to read, but doesn't blog? Please feel free to participate!

10 comments:

Jaimbob said...

I would love to participate Witte! ;)

the buurstra's said...

I'm embarrassed to say that the only book I've read this year is Cold Tangerines from Shortstop's giveaway. Is it completely sad that someone has to bribe me to read???

That being said...count me in!! :)

This book sounds very interesting! And the possibility of winning a Target giftcard?! Like music to my ears...

Jenni S. said...

Totally in. YAY!!!!!

Zaankali said...

This sounds wonderful. Please count me in. I think I might be One of those stalkers you spoke of. I am not certain I have ever left a comment.
Smiles!

Paulina said...

Hi Jessica (and Josh). Hope all is going well for you. Here's one thing Brown can do for us - get us a book! Haha. Seriously though, we're interested. Bill thinks that your 2nd and 3rd prizes are better than the 1st. Shopping or books... hmm...

Lynn said...

You know I love to read....count me in!!!

Unknown said...

Hey Witte, I must be one of those blog stalkers ;-)... but I am up for doing this!

PS, this is Jaye P, in case you didn't know. Hope life is well, it seems like it! Have a blessed day!

Anonymous said...

Jess-I would love to be a part of this. If you already have 10 people interested, though, please let them do it. If not, please count me in. Hope you guys are doing well. The four of us should get together soon for dinner or something.

Erin

Christopher J Haizman said...

in for one please!

YAY!

Short Stop said...

I am SO late, and so you don't have to enter me in the drawing, but I'd love to read this book and I'll review it.