From you via me to George or Mary or Zuzu or Clarence...

I'm not a praying man...please, show me the way.  I don't know what to do...


I'm wondering if you know anybody like this?  Someone who has had one of those years? A man or woman, named George or maybe some other name, who is at that point of feeling they might be worth more dead than alive?  A precious creation birthed from the heart of the Grace that keeps this world who might be whispering at this very moment a tear-filled-please prayer?  Maybe it's been the loss of a job, loss of a home, loss of a spouse, loss of a dream...  

Some of you have indicated that you've ordered my book - Touching Wonder.  To say "thank you" is to fail at words; it means more than you'll ever, ever know.  If you have read it, might I ask you to take the time to go to Amazon and leave a reader comment?  I'm not asking you to fudge or anything; if you liked it, say that, but if you didn't, say that. And if you put it under a table leg and it's keeping said table nicely balanced so the butter-n-rolls don't slide off, then say that.  Fair enough?

I'd also like to make you an offer because I do believe in this little book and the spirit that runs through it; namely, that each one of us matters to God.  Here's the offer: If you'll leave a comment here I will put your precious name in the official Dirty Shame drawing box and at the right time, I'll draw out ten names.  If you're one of the ten, you get to gift someone having a George Bailey year with the book Touching Wonder. I'll write a brief note and sign a copy of the book and send it to the person you know who's down on their luck or down on life or just down on themselves, which may best the worst down of all.  You might want it to be an anonymous gift and that's fine. But if you wanted me to say "this is from Rachel and she's thinking about you" then I'd be happy to do that as well.  Is this making sense? It's an opportunity for both of us, you and me, to reach our hands across to someone with tears in their eyes and say, "it really is a wonderful life...and you've no idea how important you are to us and to God above and to people you've never even met before."  Still making sense?  The person receiving the gift may not know who-in-the-sam-hill John Blase is, but if they read the book they just might be reminded of who God is and maybe even who they are and well, that could make for a merry Christmas.

This has been on my mind; it may be a foolish idea, but that's about the only kind I can come up with anyway.  Leaving a comment on this post enters your name.  I'll draw the ten names ten days from now, September 22nd, the first day of fall.  I'm coming up with two or three other giveaway type things to follow this one, so stay tuned.  And again, if you've bought the book or might even be considering it, thank you very much. 



 

42 comments:

  1. It's not foolish at all, my friend.

    I'm blessed to read your words whether I've bought them, read them here at The Shame (which I'm thinkin' it's time for t-shirts, don't you?!) or I WIN THEM!! :)

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  2. Hey John... I already have your book but would like to win and have you write a note in it for ME. If I win, I'll give the other away as a gift. If I don't, I'll send or bring it to CO for your note. I know the author and really am grateful you share your wisdom of grace and simplicity here on the Dirty Shame.

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  3. I can think of quite a few with a tear in their eye, holding on by a prayer, who could use a few uplifting words...

    A mom with rheumatoid arthritis who is having a rod put into her skull/neck this week and losing her physical ability to literally "look up."

    Another wonderful Christian woman whose husband has been without a job for almost a full year now and is losing hope of being able to provide for his family; her part-time income is all that is keeping them afloat. She mentioned the other day how baking cookies was a big deal to their family right now...so many of us bake and consume without much of a thought.

    A sweet friend who gave birth to a stillborn son a couple of years ago; God blessed her and her husband with another baby boy who was born deaf. Now she is expecting again and her husband has left. Just can't seem to face yet another potential "disappointment."

    I'm sure all of us know people who would be blessed by your book John! Thank you for sharing your gift of writing in this way.

    Blessings to you & yours!

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  4. You said' send it to a person you know who's down on their luck or down on life or just down on themselves'...

    ... does that include a person down under as well? :?

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  5. Can I gift myself with the book, because I'm kind of a George Bailey girl with a George kind of year. I do plan on ordering it, if I don't win. But still, a chance for you to sign it is cool, too.

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  7. i have your gem of a book, John. what good fortune to have learned of it just recently.

    the writing thus far (i'm to begin chapter 3 later this evening) is ...

    well, i think my comments will have to keep until Amazon.com.

    we've enjoyed a good soaker of a rain for the better part of the afternoon/early evening have we not? ... all that grace flowing down.

    i'm thinking how incredibly good and grace-like it is to know someone who has found their way to awe ... again ... someone who is holding out the lamp that i may find my way there too.

    thank you my friend down the hill.

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  8. John, my copy just came...just starting it...but, as one wordsmith to another, can I just say that so far, it nudges me to the Word Himself...and to wordsmithing...it inspires me on many levels, which is good in the midst of this nomadic life...literally, and figuratively. Miss seeing you and yours...hugs from here to there...joyfully,
    Lane

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  9. Hi John,I would like to enter the draw please. I am a fan of your writing and will read the book. And would also like to bless someone with it.

    peace, John

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  10. Hi John

    I am purchasing the book. I was going to get it at the local bookstore. Do I sense corrctly that you would prefer we obtain the book through Amazon?

    Neil

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  11. I think this is a wonderful idea. I have mine earmarked for gifting, and would lurve the idea of getting to gift another.

    You're rad, man.

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  12. I have two friend, beloved both.

    They're suffering.

    They want more in their lives than they have, but love what they have.

    They love each other too.

    God bless them.

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  13. Went ahead and ordered three (3) of them through Amazon. Hopefully am going to use them with a faith sharing group throughout the Advent season.

    Neil

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  14. Wow, what a nice way to do a giveaway. Two people in my life come immediately to mind who would be blessed by this.

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  15. Neil,

    Thanks for ordering the copies. It doesn't matter to me, whether Amazon or your local store...but if you have an opinion on the book, a comment on Amazon, yea or nay, is great.

    Thanks again.
    John

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  16. What a wonderful idea!! Enter me!

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  17. I would love to read your book!

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  18. Count us in! And even if I don't win, Andy and I are looking forward to reading it!

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  19. I already have the book. Love it! Would LOVE to give a copy away on my blog!

    http://marlataviano.com

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  20. I quickly thought of the couple who I would love to send your book to. It may have to happen even if my name doesn't get drawn!

    Thanks, John.

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  21. Count me in. I think we could all use a little bit of remembering and a little bit of love.

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  22. Would love to read your book, John!

    By the by, I attended your church in Arkadelphia while at OBU!

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  23. Anonymous1:11 PM

    I would love to read the book, I would love to win it, however, I will be buying a copy either way!!

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  24. What a cool idea for a giveaway! I'm very much looking forward to reading this book, John. Thanks!

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  25. I already have the book too! But would love to win...I of course selfishly would like a note in my copy, but I already have many people in mind to "gift" with this treasure! So...put my in that Dirty Shame box!

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  27. What a great idea to give the book to someone who is having 'that year'. I have a person in mind. I've enjoyed reading your blog (and your wife's), I found you from Simple Wife and just started peeking at your lives too.

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  28. Would love to win - thank you for the opportunity!

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  29. Why is one table leg always shorter than the other 3?

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  30. Hi, John. I e-mailed you back, but I think I got tossed in with the spam.

    I'm reviewing your book--and giving it away--on my blog tomorrow. Just wanted you to know!

    http://marlataviano.com

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  31. John~ gosh I feel like I 'know' you from Mer's blog! Congrats on the book! That's awesome! I would love to enter this drawing. My husband is having a 'George' year right now, so I'd love to be able to brighten his day with your words!
    Blessings!
    Jennifer

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  32. What a great way to encourage someone who is going through a rough spot!

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  33. What an awesome idea! I would love to gift it to someone and I will start praying right now about who that person is supposed to be!!

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  34. I put this book on my Amazon wishlist!

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  35. I have several people in mind that I would love to give this to as a Christmas gift! Thank you so much for your generous heart!

    danielle78@comcast.net

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  36. I would love to gift this book to a particular friend of mine. Thanks for the chance!

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  37. This book sounds GREAT! You are being so very generous with this give-a-way!

    Prayers and blessings,
    Rebecca
    tiggerdaisy@gmail.com

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  38. I think it sounds like a great idea.

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  39. I would very much love to read your book and if I don't win it I do plan to order a copy. The title alone has grabbed my attention since your wife mentioned it.

    Angie

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  40. Since August of 2008 we've had 3 deaths in our family (2 of the people I was VERY close to)and a house fire to deal with so can I send it to myself? I don't mean to sound selfish or anything. Naw I'm just kidding. I am gonna go order the book for myself.

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  41. What a nice idea--a giveaway to give away. I like that. This book'll definitely be in the cart on my next Amazon order.

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  42. I'll be buying some for christmas gifts, but I do love a contest...

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