Monday, April 27, 2009

What Happens When Bloggers Say Yes to a Giveaway!

I love blogging.

Especially the illusion that accompanies it. The illusion that I am BFF with Famous Women! An illusion that is fed by the fact that, contrary to preconceived notions, some of these Famous Women are completely unpretentious, down-to-earth, and authentic in their interactions and their walk with God. (And that is no illusion!)

One of these BFFs that I was very excited about stalking seeing at the Expo is Lysa TerKeurst of Proverbs 31 Ministries. I l-o-v-e that gal! Many of you are familiar with Lysa through her wise, often witty, and very real blog. I am soooo not into speakers who think they are all that with a cherry on top. (Why do they need my support if they are their own #1 fan?!) Lysa's humility shines through her blog. Whether sharing about a moment with her daughter, lamenting about the latest hamester demise, reflecting on marital moments, chastising her children, or dealing with delectable dessert temptation, Lysa is open, honest, entertaining, and insightful. And full of God's truth. This is a woman who walks with God. She makes me smile, and she makes me think. And she's just fun to be around!

Here she is, speaking at the Friday evening worship session at the Expo. And while it appears that she could be pointing out what a cute outfit she has on, let me just say her brief 5-10 minute talk was packed with passion. I wanted to yell out "Preach it, sistah!"

I'm sure she's quite relieved that I controlled myself.



Her book What Happens When Women Say Yes to God is as fresh and down-to-earth as Lysa herself. Beginning with the story of the day she said yes to God (albeit reluctantly after a bit of arguing!) and gave her beloved Bible away to a man on an airplane, Lysa writes from a heart of understanding because she faces the same struggles as you and I but has learned the joy of radical obedience.



How easy it is to obey partially. Obeying just enough to give the right Christian appearance is not the obedience God desires. He looks past all the outside trappings and misguided intentions straight to the heart. He wants our full attention and absolute devotion. Don't mistake this to look like a bunch of Christianese-speaking robots walking around chanting the rules of God. No, women who say yes to God are as unique in their approach to the sold-out life for Christ as pebbles found creekside. We've all been tumbled and smoothed in different ways, but we all have one thing in common...we know we rest in the mighty hand of God. We live in anticipation and expectation of God showing up and giving evidence of how very near He always is. (p. 114)
Each chapter concludes with Bible Study questions, making this ideal for a group or accountability partner setting.

I have a copy of this book, autographed by Lysa at the Expo, for one of you who is ready to see What Happens When Women Say Yes to God! Leave a comment on this post by 4:00 p.m. CDT Tuesday (4/28) and I will pick a winner. (Continental US Residents only, please.)

You can also purchase this book directly from Lysa's website, Amazon, or your local Christian bookstore.


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16 comments:

Anonymous said...

Once again, Linda, I am just awed by your generosity. Thank you for doing this.

One of these days I'd like to pick your brain about the publishing industry. I'm working on a novel and could use some tips. :)

Unknown said...

"Especially the illusion that accompanies it. The illusion that I am BFF with Famous Women!"

Ha ha ha - I know exactly what you mean by this! As if!

This looks like a great book. I was at Lifeway on Saturday and I had to contain myself and not buy another book!! I was looking for a few of the ones you have been recommending. (Did I tell you that I read a Beverly Lewis book? It was so good and my dog chewed it up. No, really she did but I'm glad I was done with the book. Okay enough babble...)

Beverlydru said...

I listened to her speak on this topic on "Women Inspired" online and it was so good. Things she said are still coming to mind. Your give-aways are awesome.

Merry said...

This sounds like a terrific book to encourage us as God smooths off the rough edges. Add my name for the drawing. Thanks, Linda!

worthy2bpraised[at]gmail[dot]com

Xandra@Heart-of-Service said...

You totally crack me up! But that's ok, because I'm BFF with someone who is BFF with famous people! LOL!

Xandra

larkswing said...

How nice! This book sounds great!

sara said...

I honestly can't believe all the people you met at the expo!!!

I am starting a neighborhood bible study in two weeks. I have 6 ladies interested...this might be a great book to start with!!!

Lysa TerKeurst said...

Awwww.... you sure know how to touch a girl's heart.

Now, I don't want to burst your bubble or lose my bff status but...

shhhhhh.....

I'm not famous.

The end.

Love ya' girlfriend!

Kelly said...

I *heart* Lysa TerKuerst! She is my writing inspiration, who encouraged me to believe I CAN DO IT!

Sarah@Life in the Parsonage said...

I am lovin' the red coat... ;)

Kelly @ Love Well said...

And one of the reasons I love blogging is the exposure to fabulous books. (And fabulous people.)

Sign me up for this giveaway. I'm the speaker for our MOPS Spring Brunch in May; this book fits my topic, so I'd love to read it before then.

Melody said...

Hey Girl! Just wanted to know if I'd see you tomorrow night? Even though they don't need my cake baking skills, I'll still be there to hear Vicki! I'm actually a bit disappointed not to be making the cake this time...I have no illusions of being BFFs with her, but being the lady who bakes her cakes is close! :)

See you tomorrow?

Skoots1moM said...

put me in, too!
:)

Robin said...

Yay!!! Count me in please!!

Suzanne said...

Loved your post today, Linda! Especially the remark about the cherry on the top speakers...so funny! Thanks for your nice thought about my dog, too. ~Suzanne

Debbie Petras said...

I know exactly what you mean about Lysa. I had the pleasure of being host to she and Holly when they were the keynote speakers at my church's women's conference. So, I picked them up at the airport and shuffle them to meals, the conference, etc. It was such fun getting to know each of them. And I can attest to the fact that Lysa isn't full of herself. She's very real and transparent. I'm glad you thought so too, Linda.