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.
ABOUT AMBER HAINES
Amber Haines, originally from the rural Appalachian foothills in Alabama, lives in Arkansas with her husband, who is an attorney and an amazing gift-giver. Amber has a degree in English/Creative...
{ 107 comments… read them below or add one }
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
Sounds right up my alley…whether I win it or pick up a copy myself!
Yes, the path of deconstruction and then rebuild on the Chief Cornerstone, along with Jesus, our Sabbath. Yes, yes, yes.
I have never heard of the book until now. I would love to have a copy. What a great story. Thanks for sharing.
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.
Sounds inspirational! Would love a copy!
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
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!
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
Would love to win a copy….blessings for your transparency on this life journey!
dy
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!
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.
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 :)
I would love a chance to read this book!
-Melissa
This book sounds wonderful! I would love to have a copy.
it’s hard to find good writing these days. thanks for posting your review.
Great review. Now I need to add this book to my list! Thanks for your words.
I’d love to win this book!
Reminds me of Stepping Heavenward by Elizabeth Prentiss, perhaps. That is a favorite of mine.
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
It’s looking back on the Ebenezers that keep me going.
would love the opportunity to read the book. thank you.
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! :)
Sounds like a good one if you can read with the little ones distracting!
Sounds like a lovely book, I would love to read it.
Wow. This sounds right where I am right now. Please put me into the mix. Thanks.
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!
I’d love to win a copy! It’s been on my wish list and I’m looking forward to reading it!
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.
i would love to win this book, it sounds like a good one!
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.
I’d love to read this book.
Would love to win this lovely book. Thank you for giving me the chance. Have a blessed day.
I am completely and utterly intrigued.
Sounds like the candor and transparency that I crave to read and aim to write.
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.
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.
Sounds like a powerful read. Adding it to my list… thank you :)
Sounds like a book I would love to have in my library……..
I’d love to win a copy!
Thank you for sharing this book with us. It will definitely be one I read soon…whether I win or buy a copy! :)
you make it so appealing, how could I not want a copy!!! :)
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.
sounds like a wonderful book! Thanks for the review.
What a great review! When writers write about other books, I listen. I’m curious now as to what’s inside.
This book sounds wonderful. I would love to read it as well. Great post.
Sounds interesting.
Oh my! I want this book!!!
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.
This book sounds fabulous!
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
Sounds like a good read for these Fall days, Thanks for the chance to win it.
Grace in hard places. Yes.
Ooo! Sounds good. It’s also been recommended reading by someone else I know. I’m in!
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!
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!
This sounds like a wonderful book. I would love to win it. Thanks for sharing your impressions of this story.
I search for books that “constantly point to Christ” and would love to win a copy of this one.
christfocus [at] hughes . net
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.
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)…
Sounds like a great book. I would love to win one, if not I will be purchasing soon.
I’m looking forward to reading this book. Thanks for the chance to win. Thanks too for your encouraging post!
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!
I would love to win a copy of this book. Thank you!
It’s always great to “stumble” on a new book to help us grow in our spiritual walk, thank you for the recommendation.
what an intriguing review… hope to read the book! :)
I so would love a chance to win this book, thank you;)
Thinking that I need to be grounded – in stones!
I love a good book! Thank you!
It’s so refreshing to read modern day illustrations of OT happenings. Here I lift my Ebenezers … marking God’s faithfulness!
Sounds wonderful!
Thanks for the chance to win! :)
I’ve been following L.L.’s blog for some time. This book sounds amazing. I would love my own copy. Thanks!
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.
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!
I love her blog and would thoroughly enjoy her book as well!
I would love to have a copy…
Thank you for sharing, and please enter me in the drawing.
I hunger for some good reading material. This one sounds so inspiring! I must make a note of it.
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 :)
It sounds beautiful. I have never heard of the book either. Thank you for sharing your review :)
I also would absolutely love to win this book! It’s been on my want list for awhile! :)
This will definitely be on my list of books to read. Thanks for the review!
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.
I would love to read this book. Thanks,
I just read about this book somewhere else tonight, and now a chance to win a copy! Such grace!! Thanks!
Sounds wonderful. I’d love to read it!
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
This book sounds so inspirational! I’d love a copy!
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 :P
Sounds like a blessing of a book!
One step, one stone, at a time. I’ve been walking too fast, trying to outrun grace…
Love the fact that Jesus is our conerstone. I can’t imagine life without Him holding me steady!
This book is on my wish list :-)
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…
I would love this book!
This is a book I would really like to read and learn from. Thank you!
Oh please…please….
This book sounds like a good read that I wouldn’t mind having.
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.
This sounds like a great book. I’d love to read it.
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.
I’ve been wanting to read this book for ages. I’d love to win.
That sounds like my kind of book, would love to read that! Thanks for your insights ~ blessings, kathy
Love L.L’s writing, having her book to read would be lovely.
Wow! This sounds so deep and wonderful. Blessings!
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? :)
Oh thank you so much. I am humbled. Anxious to read.