Dribbled with coffee, circled, and underlined throughout, Stone Crossings, by L.L. Barkat, shuts in my lap. A little one has been flying a hero in my face and wallowing all over me, and even still, I shut the book having been glued to L.L.’s story, which is also my story, and yours.
The toy zooms past my nose, and the little one questions my tears, “Mama? You sad?” and smiling, I hold my arms way up high: “No. I’m happy. My heart feels really, really big.”
He shrugs as if to know exactly what I mean, he in his beginning years of collecting treasure boxes full of stones, he at the beginning of his own narrative.
Every chapter of Stone Crossings is one ebenezer after another, monuments of God’s help, of L.L.’s increasing understanding from her childhood conversion to her expectations of crossing over into eternity. Barkat takes us, one step at a time – one stone at a time, on a journey that delves deeper into the invisible, exploring the pit and marrow of her own soul as she works out her messy and beautiful salvation, the suffering, the resistance, the doubt, and the sacrifice.
Of responsibility, Barkat encourages us to walk Jesus’ path, the one of deconstruction so that ultimately we rebuild on the Chief Cornerstone, to follow Him as the Sabbath in action. I can’t stop appreciating how she constantly points to Christ, to His mercy and grace, especially in regard to the hard places, in the places of neediness and forgiveness and in the places of learning how to love and how to be loved.
Barkat’s connections between her own story and biblical stories made fresh through her perspective have encouraged me to consider my own testimony, where I’ve found “grace in hard and hidden places.” Our stories aren’t as neat and canned as sometimes we would like for them to be, but Oh, how beautiful Christ is every time in them, when our stories become His – how His grace becomes the Solid Rock of our foundation, no matter the background, no matter our previous shaky standing.
If you would like the opportunity to win a copy of L.L. Barkat’s Stone Crossings, simply leave a comment by midnight, Monday, November 2nd.
Leave a Comment
Bina says
Dear Amber…what a full reflection you have posted! Thank you for this chance to win a copy of the book that is on my Christmas list 🙂 Would be a great treat, should my name be chosen…
Blessings,
Bina
Kristen - Moms Sharpening Moms says
Sounds right up my alley…whether I win it or pick up a copy myself!
Sharon says
Yes, the path of deconstruction and then rebuild on the Chief Cornerstone, along with Jesus, our Sabbath. Yes, yes, yes.
Becky Crenshaw says
I have never heard of the book until now. I would love to have a copy. What a great story. Thanks for sharing.
Cre says
This sounds like a wonderful book! I’d love a chance to win it! I’ve added it to my amazon wish list just in case though.
Kelly says
Sounds inspirational! Would love a copy!
Joyful says
This sounds like a book I would Love to review. I would love a copy. Thanks for putting my name in the drawing.
Joyful
moma 3 homeschool @gmail (dot) com
Laura says
Sounds like an amazing book. I put it on my Amazon wish list if I am not lucky enough to win. Thanks for the heads up and a great article!
Sue says
Thank you for your thoughts on this book. It sounds like exactly what I need in my spiritual walk right now!
Have a blessed and joyous day!
Sue
Denise says
Would love to win a copy….blessings for your transparency on this life journey!
dy
Meghann H says
This book sounds amazing and like something i need to read right now. Would love to win a copy but will buy one if not chosen!
Jeanette says
Wow, that sounds like an amazing book…I would love to win one, but will definitely buy it if I don’t win. I have 2 friends to whom I give a book every Christmas, and then we read it together in the new year. Perhaps this year, this will be the one. Great review.
Kayla says
This sounds like exactly what I need to read right now. I love hearing other people’s stories that are similar to my own. Makes me feel as though I’m not alone after all. Thanks for the chance to win this book 🙂
Melissa says
I would love a chance to read this book!
-Melissa
Sharon says
This book sounds wonderful! I would love to have a copy.
lauren says
it’s hard to find good writing these days. thanks for posting your review.
HisFireFly says
Great review. Now I need to add this book to my list! Thanks for your words.
Kathy in IN says
I’d love to win this book!
Arielle says
Reminds me of Stepping Heavenward by Elizabeth Prentiss, perhaps. That is a favorite of mine.
deb @talk at the table says
I agree with Amber, and also wrote a post about it.
No need to enter me , just wanted to encourage you to read it.
http://forsakenforlent.blogspot.com/2009/06/unearth.html
Susan says
It’s looking back on the Ebenezers that keep me going.
Denise says
would love the opportunity to read the book. thank you.
Chrissy says
Thanks for a really great post! I’d love to win a copy of the book – and Monday, November 2 is my birthday!
Have a good day! 🙂
Abbie says
Sounds like a good one if you can read with the little ones distracting!
Christa says
Sounds like a lovely book, I would love to read it.
Ashley says
Wow. This sounds right where I am right now. Please put me into the mix. Thanks.
Mrs. Rachel says
I hadn’t ever heard of this book until a couple months ago, and now I’m hearing or reading about it everywhere.I’d really love to read it. Thanks for hosting the giveaway!
Aja says
I’d love to win a copy! It’s been on my wish list and I’m looking forward to reading it!
Bekah says
wow! this sounds like exactly what I need right now in my life. The reminder that God is ever faithful and its ok to work out that salvation amidst the messiness of life.
StacyLynn says
i would love to win this book, it sounds like a good one!
Jerriann says
Beautifully written review. I loved your phrasing. Sounds like you and I have some things in common. I would love to win this book but even more I want to read this book. It is on my look for this book list. Thank you.
Jo@Mylestones says
I’d love to read this book.
Nita says
Would love to win this lovely book. Thank you for giving me the chance. Have a blessed day.
Liz says
I am completely and utterly intrigued.
Kristie Jackson says
Sounds like the candor and transparency that I crave to read and aim to write.
Mary Lou Todd-Strunk says
Grace in hard and hidden places,
this phrase really hit home with me.
It is the story of my life.
GOD has been so good to me.
Jennifer says
I would love to read this.
“…deconstruction so that ultimately we rebuild on the Chief Cornerstone, to follow Him as the Sabbath in action”
I have been thinking a lot lately about how God has “torn me down” so that he can build me back stronger, safer. It’s a painful process that you can only see from the other side.
Corinne says
Sounds like a powerful read. Adding it to my list… thank you 🙂
Katie-Pensacola, FL says
Sounds like a book I would love to have in my library……..
Candace says
I’d love to win a copy!
Carina says
Thank you for sharing this book with us. It will definitely be one I read soon…whether I win or buy a copy! 🙂
Maureen says
you make it so appealing, how could I not want a copy!!! 🙂
Theresa says
What an encouraging and heartfelt review. I would certainly love to read this book. Most of the time, I definitely feel like my salvation is VERY messy – because of me of course.
Jenny D says
sounds like a wonderful book! Thanks for the review.
Kirsten says
What a great review! When writers write about other books, I listen. I’m curious now as to what’s inside.
Tiffany says
This book sounds wonderful. I would love to read it as well. Great post.
Linda says
Sounds interesting.
Brittany says
Oh my! I want this book!!!
Melissa says
Thank you for sharing. I think I will definitely look for this book. It would seem that there is a common theme that God is trying to resound with all believers right now. We are His living testimonies. Our focus and job should always be to draw closer to Him and praise Him in the processes. Pointing others toward the only One who truly saves us day after day.
Marcee says
This book sounds fabulous!
Heather says
How awesome! I just was at L.L.’s blog last night, reading back on some posts I had missed… wishing I had the chance to read her book! I put it on my long-distance, must get this book, must read list!
Thanks for the chance to win!
hkudla@gmail.com
Kim Sorensen says
Sounds like a good read for these Fall days, Thanks for the chance to win it.
Ally says
Grace in hard places. Yes.
katdish says
Ooo! Sounds good. It’s also been recommended reading by someone else I know. I’m in!
Erin says
This sounds like an amazing book and uplifting to me as I walk along my own journey. I would love to have my own copy. Thanks!
Faith Barista Bonnie says
I’m walking the path of deconstruction as well. Daily. Would love to snag that book.
“.. one stone at a time, on a journey that delves deeper into the invisible, exploring the pit and marrow of her own soul as she works out her messy and beautiful salvation, the suffering, the resistance, the doubt, and the sacrifice.”
What a great poetic review, Amber! Love it!
Roberta says
This sounds like a wonderful book. I would love to win it. Thanks for sharing your impressions of this story.
Debbie says
I search for books that “constantly point to Christ” and would love to win a copy of this one.
christfocus [at] hughes . net
Jennifer says
Stepping stones describe my days right now in my life. Some are firm, some are shaky, some get me wet with cold water, some are little, some are big… This year has been the hardest of my life and yet, the Lord has taught me the most lessons. I hope to continue learning.
Sandee says
I would love this book to read and then give to my momma. I am going to wishlist it on Amazon, just in case I don’t win. (Lol)…
Lee Ann McDaniel says
Sounds like a great book. I would love to win one, if not I will be purchasing soon.
aimee says
I’m looking forward to reading this book. Thanks for the chance to win. Thanks too for your encouraging post!
Amy says
Thank you for the opportunity to win this book. I went to Amazon.com and checked out the preview, thinking it’s probably just another book. But after reading the preface, I no longer think it is “just” another book. It’s got me hook, line and sinker…can’t wait to read it. If I don’t win, I will definitely be purchasing it!
Thanks again!
Michelle says
I would love to win a copy of this book. Thank you!
Tammy says
It’s always great to “stumble” on a new book to help us grow in our spiritual walk, thank you for the recommendation.
sharilyn says
what an intriguing review… hope to read the book! 🙂
sara paschal says
I so would love a chance to win this book, thank you;)
Elaine says
Thinking that I need to be grounded – in stones!
Tammy says
I love a good book! Thank you!
June says
It’s so refreshing to read modern day illustrations of OT happenings. Here I lift my Ebenezers … marking God’s faithfulness!
Lisa O. says
Sounds wonderful!
Thanks for the chance to win! 🙂
Angela says
I’ve been following L.L.’s blog for some time. This book sounds amazing. I would love my own copy. Thanks!
linda says
I discovered L.L. just a little while ago and have been captivated by her beautiful writing and sweet spirit.
You did a great review and have made me want very much to read her story.
Chelsea says
I am new to this blog, but I love it! From the second I started reading, I felt right at home. I am a graduate student in journalism, as well as a bookworm and coffee addict. Along with everyone else, I would love to read this book– whether I win it or buy it. Thank you for your words!
Stephanie says
I love her blog and would thoroughly enjoy her book as well!
Tara Figgins says
I would love to have a copy…
Beth says
Thank you for sharing, and please enter me in the drawing.
Shirley says
I hunger for some good reading material. This one sounds so inspiring! I must make a note of it.
laura says
Count me in! I’ve already read Stone Crossings, but sent my copy to a friend that I felt needed the words therein. Now I find, I miss going back to this story…miss it on my bookshelf. Would love to have a new copy 🙂
Christin says
It sounds beautiful. I have never heard of the book either. Thank you for sharing your review 🙂
Loni says
I also would absolutely love to win this book! It’s been on my want list for awhile! 🙂
Tasha says
This will definitely be on my list of books to read. Thanks for the review!
Yvette says
A few years ago, I was ask to write my testimony before going on a short term mission trip. Prior to this, I had never really thought about my personal journey with all the details. It was great to make a timeline of my life and start to think about the markers in time that have shaped my spiritual journey. Since then I have been involved with a outreach ministry that incorporates personal witness when talking to women inmates. I have found that going back in time and drawing out my experiences have really helped me in healing and taking the next steps. It brings the present into greater focus.
Also, when others hear a story filled with truth, raw emotion and things they can relate to…they respond with their heart and are open to tell there own story and to the gospel.
Carrie Wright says
I would love to read this book. Thanks,
Melissa says
I just read about this book somewhere else tonight, and now a chance to win a copy! Such grace!! Thanks!
dawn says
Sounds wonderful. I’d love to read it!
HveHope says
This sounds like a good book at a good time in my life. Perhaps, if it does not come my way, perhaps I will list in on a gift list….
grateful for Him who is Rock, Fortress & Might,
HveHope
Kristin Lewis says
This book sounds so inspirational! I’d love a copy!
gen says
I haven’t heard of that book before, but it sounds amazing. I’ll have a look for it at my bookshop or on amazon if I don’t win 😛
Laurel says
Sounds like a blessing of a book!
Monica says
One step, one stone, at a time. I’ve been walking too fast, trying to outrun grace…
Erica says
Love the fact that Jesus is our conerstone. I can’t imagine life without Him holding me steady!
lorrie says
This book is on my wish list 🙂
Kelly Langner Sauer says
One comment in a passel of comments for a book I’ve almost bought several times because I just love the author’s heart and writing style… I am sure I will be looking for reading material in December while I’m working out the nursing thing with a new little one…
Amy Grebe says
I would love this book!
Debbie says
This is a book I would really like to read and learn from. Thank you!
Melissa says
Oh please…please….
Glenda says
This book sounds like a good read that I wouldn’t mind having.
A Simple Country Girl says
Whether you win, buy, or borrow this book, it will be a treasure beyond the final page. Only flip open its cover when you have enough time to devour it in its entirety…
Blessings.
Stacy says
This sounds like a great book. I’d love to read it.
Debbie G. says
Boy, can I relate to the following: “…she works out her messy and beautiful salvation, the suffering, the resistance, the doubt, and the sacrifice.” Sounds like a book I need to read. Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy.
WordLily says
I’ve been wanting to read this book for ages. I’d love to win.
kathy brewer says
That sounds like my kind of book, would love to read that! Thanks for your insights ~ blessings, kathy
Nancy Kourmoulis says
Love L.L’s writing, having her book to read would be lovely.
Terri says
Wow! This sounds so deep and wonderful. Blessings!
L.L. Barkat says
Thanks for your warm thoughts and lovely comments. This was more than a giveaway… it was like doing tea (I like green, btw. What’s your favorite? 🙂
Liz says
Oh thank you so much. I am humbled. Anxious to read.