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Beautiful Battlefields
Bo Stern realizes life is full of fierce and unexpected battles. When her husband was diagnosed with a terminal illness, she knew she had found her Goliath. With winsome sincerity, Bo points readers to the battle plans available to us in Scripture—and to our God, who brings beauty from the struggles we face.
172 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 18, 2013
51 people are currently reading
350 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
January 20, 2016
most amazing book! so insightful and hope giving no matter where you are oe what your battles are somthing in this book will make you cry, think and rejoice!
October 11, 2013
Encouraging, real, personal and practical Truth. Thank you, Bo Stern, for writing this book.
March 18, 2018
Beautiful Battlefields is a book of hope and encouragement for those experiencing tough, tough situations. Bo Stern's husband was diagnosed with ALS, and as she and her family experienced the affects of this incurrable disease, she wrote this book to encourage others going through similar experiences. Bo shares her feelings and experiences, and then helps her readers create a battle plan where God is in charge and directing each next step. Each chapter ends with questions "Worth Pondering" and then a section called "Worth Doing."
Beautiful Battlefields isn't just a book about someone else's struggles, but a book and guide to help the reader through their own. Definitely a book worth reading.
Beautiful Battlefields isn't just a book about someone else's struggles, but a book and guide to help the reader through their own. Definitely a book worth reading.
January 16, 2018
A book that teaches us to rejoice during our battles.
February 4, 2018
So much truth laid out on these pages straight from experience. I almost need to read it again so I can firmly remember and hold on to them when I need them!
April 22, 2020
I’ve been reading this off and on for a while now. Filled with nuggets of faith that will anchor you in the storm
August 7, 2023
I loved this book . It is underlined and has been quoted again and again. It has been a help in the battlefield I am in and for the ones ahead of me.
March 5, 2013
Bo Stern is a teaching pastor in Bend Oregon, where she has experience teaching others how to meet and do battle with the giants in life. Having been through her own battles over the years, Bo has developed valuable techniques in taking on giants through tough times. Steve, Bo's husband of 27 years, had been a strong and healthy man who recognized the onset of some muscle weakness. Numerous medical tests eventually confirmed a diagnosis of ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease). Bo had met her Goliath. The ALS giant was the biggest and toughest of any foes she had encountered in the past, and threatened her to the core. Bo chose to fight her giant with prayer and walking through the battlefield with God at her side. Her experiences and teachings prove that beauty can sometimes only be found in the midst of the toughest times, and God's love is unconditional.
"Beautiful Battlefields" is written in two parts, "Discovering Beauty In The Hard Places," and "Strategies for Growing Stronger Through Every Battle." Bo presents biblical illustrations of battles fought and beauty found. She gives examples of how to develop perspective, endurance and joy even through the bumpy, shaky battlefields of insecurity, through the security and love of God. From there she reveals opportunities to discover peace through prayer, listening and obeying. Building a support system is an integral part of seeking strength from trusted, selfless, devoted friends. Throughout the book are points to ponder and suggested activities for taking positive action on the battlefield. The use of positive memories of God's goodness and grace develops strength and assurance that God's grace is a stronghold in battle.
The author writes with conviction and passion regarding the use of appropriate tools to meet our giants on the battlefield, including illness, financial hardship, marital discord, dysfunctional families, drug or alcohol abuse, physical abuse, guilt, etc. These tools can be utilized in all situations, no matter what those giants represent. Practical ideas and spiritual tools are described as a method for experiencing the beauty of God's love and His presence throughout the battles we face. This is a beautiful, informative and spiritual testimony of valuable techniques to be utilized in every day situations as well as when meeting Goliath on the battlefield. It's a transformation from bitterness to beauty.
DISCLAIMER: I received a copy of this book from LitFuse Publicity Group, with no expectations regarding a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine, and no compensation has been received for this honest review.
"Beautiful Battlefields" is written in two parts, "Discovering Beauty In The Hard Places," and "Strategies for Growing Stronger Through Every Battle." Bo presents biblical illustrations of battles fought and beauty found. She gives examples of how to develop perspective, endurance and joy even through the bumpy, shaky battlefields of insecurity, through the security and love of God. From there she reveals opportunities to discover peace through prayer, listening and obeying. Building a support system is an integral part of seeking strength from trusted, selfless, devoted friends. Throughout the book are points to ponder and suggested activities for taking positive action on the battlefield. The use of positive memories of God's goodness and grace develops strength and assurance that God's grace is a stronghold in battle.
The author writes with conviction and passion regarding the use of appropriate tools to meet our giants on the battlefield, including illness, financial hardship, marital discord, dysfunctional families, drug or alcohol abuse, physical abuse, guilt, etc. These tools can be utilized in all situations, no matter what those giants represent. Practical ideas and spiritual tools are described as a method for experiencing the beauty of God's love and His presence throughout the battles we face. This is a beautiful, informative and spiritual testimony of valuable techniques to be utilized in every day situations as well as when meeting Goliath on the battlefield. It's a transformation from bitterness to beauty.
DISCLAIMER: I received a copy of this book from LitFuse Publicity Group, with no expectations regarding a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine, and no compensation has been received for this honest review.
September 11, 2013
The title Beautiful Battlefields seems a bit eccentric except if you were taken on a journey with God, saw His hand move miraculous in the middle of affliction, and came out loving Him more and deeper even though circumstances did not change. Such is the case with author Bo Stern, as she shares her heart and soul in this book, so that we too can be comforted in knowing our heavenly Father cares, knows, and will show Himself strong when we are at our weakest.
Faced with the devasting news of her husband Steve's diagnoses of ALS disease, she found herself in what she terms as " the fight of our lives". Things and life did become different;through it all however she and Steve have learned to live each day with a generous heart as both purposed to share God's goodness in the middle of their battlefield. Through this trial she has witnessed gifts and supernatural notes that testify He knows what she is going through.
This is not a book simply to tell her story but to encourage you in your battles to know that both joy and sorrow can exist simultaneously. She teaches that time needs to be spent wisely, to live each day and love what God puts inside of it, and to not be afraid to take risks. The most profound statement she made to me regarding the battle at hand is that God has built provision in every minute where she will need it. It's a comfort in knowing that He does not leave us without equipping us with strength and endurance for the battle at hand.
Bo Stern, I am convinced, is a person chosen by God to connect with the masses in conveying truths that our battles do not have to define us but that, if we would but change our paradigm we can embrace God fully and love others through our pain that otherwise would paralyze us in self centeredness.
You will learn other important things such as:
-How friends can multiply your strength in the middle of the battle.
-Benefits that can be derived from sorrow
-How generosity can increase your courage and faith in God's provision
-The pitfalls of bitterness, unforgiveness, and untempered anger
You will gain a better perspective on suffering while being encouraged and thoroughly strengthened for any circumstance that lies ahead. This book will serve as one of the best God-inspired trophies one can present to others. Plunge in this hard to put down book and conclude, as I did, that out of the ashes of our sorrows await opportunities that glisten for His glory.
Faced with the devasting news of her husband Steve's diagnoses of ALS disease, she found herself in what she terms as " the fight of our lives". Things and life did become different;through it all however she and Steve have learned to live each day with a generous heart as both purposed to share God's goodness in the middle of their battlefield. Through this trial she has witnessed gifts and supernatural notes that testify He knows what she is going through.
This is not a book simply to tell her story but to encourage you in your battles to know that both joy and sorrow can exist simultaneously. She teaches that time needs to be spent wisely, to live each day and love what God puts inside of it, and to not be afraid to take risks. The most profound statement she made to me regarding the battle at hand is that God has built provision in every minute where she will need it. It's a comfort in knowing that He does not leave us without equipping us with strength and endurance for the battle at hand.
Bo Stern, I am convinced, is a person chosen by God to connect with the masses in conveying truths that our battles do not have to define us but that, if we would but change our paradigm we can embrace God fully and love others through our pain that otherwise would paralyze us in self centeredness.
You will learn other important things such as:
-How friends can multiply your strength in the middle of the battle.
-Benefits that can be derived from sorrow
-How generosity can increase your courage and faith in God's provision
-The pitfalls of bitterness, unforgiveness, and untempered anger
You will gain a better perspective on suffering while being encouraged and thoroughly strengthened for any circumstance that lies ahead. This book will serve as one of the best God-inspired trophies one can present to others. Plunge in this hard to put down book and conclude, as I did, that out of the ashes of our sorrows await opportunities that glisten for His glory.
April 2, 2013
Available in both ebook and hardcopy, "Beautiful Battlefields" is written for women who feel like their lives is anything but calm waves hitting the shores of their lives; Sharing about her own "Goliath in her life", her and her husband, battling his diagnosis of ALS ((Lou Gehrig’s disease), Bo Stern talks about experiencing that Goliath of not understanding or having that simple, "Why" and instead dealing with, "It just is", that can leave us all, often feeling tired and frustrated by the end of the day.
Filled with powerful scripture, personal insight into her emotions and experience as she and her husband, come to terms with ALS, "Beautiful Battlefields" is both an inspiration and encouragement for those hard days that we all experience, either in short waves of our lives, or in daily moments.
Broken into two parts:
Discovering Beauty In The Hard Places
Strategies For Growing Stronger Through Every Battle
Bo Stern shares with the reader, both godly wisdom and human emotions as she shares through personal insights and lessons of both God's goodness and the will of the human spirit.
This is a book about applying biblical wisdom in one's life and I found the book both touching and humanizing as she shares down to earth wisdom and her love for the Lord, that is clearly seen throughout the book.
I enjoy the end of the book, where she left a clear reference of scripture to quickly find in one's own bible for comfort and strength and there are many moments throughout, "Beautiful Battlefields" that left me reaching for the tissue box, both weeping with joy and sadness in the power and strength of her words.
"Beautiful Battlefieds" is not just a book for those who many find themselves dealing with stress or crisis, but a reminder how no matter what circumstances, you may face, God is there and will see you through those times.
Filled with examples of biblical heroes who faced their own crisis with God's help, this is an inspiring book to share with others, and to keep on one's bookshelf (or e-reader) to be reminded, that no matter what...God is going to see you through life's "Goliaths".
Filled with powerful scripture, personal insight into her emotions and experience as she and her husband, come to terms with ALS, "Beautiful Battlefields" is both an inspiration and encouragement for those hard days that we all experience, either in short waves of our lives, or in daily moments.
Broken into two parts:
Discovering Beauty In The Hard Places
Strategies For Growing Stronger Through Every Battle
Bo Stern shares with the reader, both godly wisdom and human emotions as she shares through personal insights and lessons of both God's goodness and the will of the human spirit.
This is a book about applying biblical wisdom in one's life and I found the book both touching and humanizing as she shares down to earth wisdom and her love for the Lord, that is clearly seen throughout the book.
I enjoy the end of the book, where she left a clear reference of scripture to quickly find in one's own bible for comfort and strength and there are many moments throughout, "Beautiful Battlefields" that left me reaching for the tissue box, both weeping with joy and sadness in the power and strength of her words.
"Beautiful Battlefieds" is not just a book for those who many find themselves dealing with stress or crisis, but a reminder how no matter what circumstances, you may face, God is there and will see you through those times.
Filled with examples of biblical heroes who faced their own crisis with God's help, this is an inspiring book to share with others, and to keep on one's bookshelf (or e-reader) to be reminded, that no matter what...God is going to see you through life's "Goliaths".
March 6, 2013
Everyone gets these experiences in our lives that leave us blindsided, the moments that make us tempted (or even do) yell at God, "WHY ME!?" These are the battles we fight. These are the struggles that Bo Stern presents and faces in her book "Beautiful Battlefields."
Bringing us into the personal and painful struggle she and her family face as they deal with an unexpected medical diagnosis of a terminal illness of her husband and best friend, Bo shares her insights of how God can use even these horrible and unfathomable experiences to be made beautiful. Comparing these events to the image of the giant of Goliath, a picture is painted of us standing against an imaginably scary foe - and having to decide between running or standing strong in faith.
The first half of the book introduces us to the whole concept of seeing the beauty in the battle - of how God is still working, how we can see that despite the pain, how we can trust and obey. The second part is all about the tools needed to get to that point - for how to be strong and what things we need to have to get there.
Over and over again, Bo compares our individual Goliaths to battles and wars from the Bible, using the examples of each of these to show us how God can use every circumstance. She shares her experience openly, with raw emotion and vulnerability, understanding too that each person has their own battles and each is incomparable with each other.
What I really love is that each chapter is relatively short - without huge elaborate extras, straight forward and completely readable. Each one ends with both some things to think about and also a step of action - which at first glance can seem too easy, but turns out to be deep and thought provoking.
If right now is the time you look at your life and want to cry out, WHY, LORD? ... grab this book and start reading. God is good. Bo shows us how she has been learning to walk in obedience and faith throughout the hardest season of her life - and challenges us to follow along in the journey with her.
Bringing us into the personal and painful struggle she and her family face as they deal with an unexpected medical diagnosis of a terminal illness of her husband and best friend, Bo shares her insights of how God can use even these horrible and unfathomable experiences to be made beautiful. Comparing these events to the image of the giant of Goliath, a picture is painted of us standing against an imaginably scary foe - and having to decide between running or standing strong in faith.
The first half of the book introduces us to the whole concept of seeing the beauty in the battle - of how God is still working, how we can see that despite the pain, how we can trust and obey. The second part is all about the tools needed to get to that point - for how to be strong and what things we need to have to get there.
Over and over again, Bo compares our individual Goliaths to battles and wars from the Bible, using the examples of each of these to show us how God can use every circumstance. She shares her experience openly, with raw emotion and vulnerability, understanding too that each person has their own battles and each is incomparable with each other.
What I really love is that each chapter is relatively short - without huge elaborate extras, straight forward and completely readable. Each one ends with both some things to think about and also a step of action - which at first glance can seem too easy, but turns out to be deep and thought provoking.
If right now is the time you look at your life and want to cry out, WHY, LORD? ... grab this book and start reading. God is good. Bo shows us how she has been learning to walk in obedience and faith throughout the hardest season of her life - and challenges us to follow along in the journey with her.
March 13, 2013
Have you ever gone through something so heart-wrenching that you’ve wondered – if only for a moment – how a loving God could allow something like this to happen?
Are you in the midst of a battle so huge that your faith is stretched beyond measure on a daily basis?
No matter what circumstances you find yourself in, take heart – you are not alone!
Bo Stern knows what it's like to battle giants. She is currently in the fight of her life as she and her husband wage war against ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) – a disease for which there is currently no cure.
Yet even in the midst of her battle, she is there to uphold and uplift you during yours through the release of her wonderfully encouraging book, Beautiful Battlefields.
Beautiful Battlefields will guide and strengthen you through your darkest of days. The book is divided into two parts:
Part One, Discovering Beauty In The Hard Places, reaffirms God’s goodness and shows how God uses trials to create beautiful things in our lives. These chapters will bless you as Bo shares lessons from others who have successfully faced their battles, and help you to draw strength from your own life as you learn to apply biblical wisdom to your situation.
Part Two, Strategies For Growing Stronger Through Every Battle, teaches us how to navigate through all aspects of our battle and to avoid battle wounds such as bitterness that can affect us long after we’ve left the battlefield.
In addition to the personal lessons she shares, Beautiful Battlefields includes questions to ponder, activities to complete, and Scriptures to prepare for battle.
If you or someone you know is in need of a deeply moving book that will speak to your heart and nourish your spirit – I highly recommend Beautiful Battlefields.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes. I was not compensated for this review nor was I required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Are you in the midst of a battle so huge that your faith is stretched beyond measure on a daily basis?
No matter what circumstances you find yourself in, take heart – you are not alone!
Bo Stern knows what it's like to battle giants. She is currently in the fight of her life as she and her husband wage war against ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) – a disease for which there is currently no cure.
Yet even in the midst of her battle, she is there to uphold and uplift you during yours through the release of her wonderfully encouraging book, Beautiful Battlefields.
Beautiful Battlefields will guide and strengthen you through your darkest of days. The book is divided into two parts:
Part One, Discovering Beauty In The Hard Places, reaffirms God’s goodness and shows how God uses trials to create beautiful things in our lives. These chapters will bless you as Bo shares lessons from others who have successfully faced their battles, and help you to draw strength from your own life as you learn to apply biblical wisdom to your situation.
Part Two, Strategies For Growing Stronger Through Every Battle, teaches us how to navigate through all aspects of our battle and to avoid battle wounds such as bitterness that can affect us long after we’ve left the battlefield.
In addition to the personal lessons she shares, Beautiful Battlefields includes questions to ponder, activities to complete, and Scriptures to prepare for battle.
If you or someone you know is in need of a deeply moving book that will speak to your heart and nourish your spirit – I highly recommend Beautiful Battlefields.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes. I was not compensated for this review nor was I required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
June 19, 2013
***Bo's amazing walk with Jesus in her Goliath size fight***
Bo Stern’s account of the war declared on her family the day after she celebrated her forty-fifth birthday demands to be read cover-to-cover, then slowly savored in weeks to come. The Bend, OR teaching pastor writes about the day her and her husband Steve met “…an enemy so fierce and foul…” they named him “Goliath.” Their opponent’s appropriate name forecast the difficult challenges that lie ahead. Where they would learn “…the most beautiful things come out of the hardest times.” Their yet unfinished true story is told in—Beautiful Battlefields.
They met “Goliath” in the doctor’s office when Steve returned for additional neurological tests after initial treatments hadn’t changed his condition. When they entered the room Bo thought it would be something minor, yet she soon felt a sense of dread creep into the room as the doctor probed Steve. She quietly texted her sister “…Steve’s not okay. Please pray.”
Eight months and multiple tests later the doctor gave their “Goliath” a name— “Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis—Lou Gehrig’s disease” more commonly known as ALS. The terminal motor neuron disease would affect Steve’s muscles and eventually his ability to eat, swallow, speak or breathe. The devastating diagnosis was “…an emotional and psychological minefield…” that sent Bo to her knees with the enormity of what she, her beloved husband and family faced.
Emotionally charged decisions, whether to pay for an expensive drug that might “buy Steve an extra three months of life “or how to “bank” Steve’s voice for use with a “speech device” and when…Full Review: www.examiner.com/list/beautiful-battl...
Bo Stern’s account of the war declared on her family the day after she celebrated her forty-fifth birthday demands to be read cover-to-cover, then slowly savored in weeks to come. The Bend, OR teaching pastor writes about the day her and her husband Steve met “…an enemy so fierce and foul…” they named him “Goliath.” Their opponent’s appropriate name forecast the difficult challenges that lie ahead. Where they would learn “…the most beautiful things come out of the hardest times.” Their yet unfinished true story is told in—Beautiful Battlefields.
They met “Goliath” in the doctor’s office when Steve returned for additional neurological tests after initial treatments hadn’t changed his condition. When they entered the room Bo thought it would be something minor, yet she soon felt a sense of dread creep into the room as the doctor probed Steve. She quietly texted her sister “…Steve’s not okay. Please pray.”
Eight months and multiple tests later the doctor gave their “Goliath” a name— “Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis—Lou Gehrig’s disease” more commonly known as ALS. The terminal motor neuron disease would affect Steve’s muscles and eventually his ability to eat, swallow, speak or breathe. The devastating diagnosis was “…an emotional and psychological minefield…” that sent Bo to her knees with the enormity of what she, her beloved husband and family faced.
Emotionally charged decisions, whether to pay for an expensive drug that might “buy Steve an extra three months of life “or how to “bank” Steve’s voice for use with a “speech device” and when…Full Review: www.examiner.com/list/beautiful-battl...
February 13, 2013
For those who are looking for a light in the storm, Bo Stern's book "Beautiful Battlefields" is a must read.
Through this book, Bo tells the story about how her and her family has dealt and is still dealing with her husband's diagnosis of ALS. The story also follows her journey as she turns to the Bible trying to find the why's of this debilitating illness.
Beautiful Battlefields is appropriately titled. The book tells about the battles of the Bible and looks at the heroes and how they turned and followed God when all else looked bleak. It shows that there is hope and when everything else seems to be falling apart, God is still there, strong and true with a plan for each and every one of us.
At the end of the book there is a "quick reference" guide of specific scriptures that you can turn to for reference. She categorizes the scriptures too such as those just starting the battle, in the middle of a battle, etc. This is really handy for those who need that little extra inspiration to get by.
This book is not just for those who are facing a crisis. There was so much I took from this book. I guarantee that there will be something you can take as well.
I have recommended this book to all my friends. I hope that they get the same enjoyment out of reading it as I have. I encourage all of you to buy this book. Stand on your battlefield and shine knowing that God is with you every step of the way!
Through this book, Bo tells the story about how her and her family has dealt and is still dealing with her husband's diagnosis of ALS. The story also follows her journey as she turns to the Bible trying to find the why's of this debilitating illness.
Beautiful Battlefields is appropriately titled. The book tells about the battles of the Bible and looks at the heroes and how they turned and followed God when all else looked bleak. It shows that there is hope and when everything else seems to be falling apart, God is still there, strong and true with a plan for each and every one of us.
At the end of the book there is a "quick reference" guide of specific scriptures that you can turn to for reference. She categorizes the scriptures too such as those just starting the battle, in the middle of a battle, etc. This is really handy for those who need that little extra inspiration to get by.
This book is not just for those who are facing a crisis. There was so much I took from this book. I guarantee that there will be something you can take as well.
I have recommended this book to all my friends. I hope that they get the same enjoyment out of reading it as I have. I encourage all of you to buy this book. Stand on your battlefield and shine knowing that God is with you every step of the way!
February 22, 2013
Everyone has a battle, a massive Goliath to fight in life, it can be as simple as providing food for the family, complex as a broken relationship, or as big as fighting a terminal illness.
Bo Stern and her family are fighting one. Her husband has been diagnosed with ALS. In the opening chapters, Stern treats her own feelings, fear, despair, fright as she comes to grips with this Goliath in her family’s life.
As Bo Stern takes us through God’s leading in her life in this Bible study, I see many parallels along my own journey.
While we may never understand the ‘why’ of our battles, following this Bible study will give the reader a deeper insight into ‘where’ we are being led in adversity and just ‘how’ God expects us to get there.
His provision and guidance are the key, our acceptance is the lock that must be opened to find His fulfilling love.
As I read this, thinking about some of the things going on in my life and in the lives of others I care about, I was convinced that I needed to recommend this book and study to our pastor.
I know that I will be returning to Beautiful Battlefields again and again as I finish my journey through life. There will always be a Goliath to be conquered, a battle to be fought as God tries us in the fires to bring us closer to Him.
I received this book for review purposes, the opinion given here is my own. 5 stars
Bo Stern and her family are fighting one. Her husband has been diagnosed with ALS. In the opening chapters, Stern treats her own feelings, fear, despair, fright as she comes to grips with this Goliath in her family’s life.
As Bo Stern takes us through God’s leading in her life in this Bible study, I see many parallels along my own journey.
While we may never understand the ‘why’ of our battles, following this Bible study will give the reader a deeper insight into ‘where’ we are being led in adversity and just ‘how’ God expects us to get there.
His provision and guidance are the key, our acceptance is the lock that must be opened to find His fulfilling love.
As I read this, thinking about some of the things going on in my life and in the lives of others I care about, I was convinced that I needed to recommend this book and study to our pastor.
I know that I will be returning to Beautiful Battlefields again and again as I finish my journey through life. There will always be a Goliath to be conquered, a battle to be fought as God tries us in the fires to bring us closer to Him.
I received this book for review purposes, the opinion given here is my own. 5 stars
December 9, 2015
This one took me awhile because I kept putting it down and picking it back up as I needed it. It's a hard read (and maybe unnecessary or unhelpful) if you are in a "happy place" in your life. But I'm telling you: when you're in a hard place, this is a good book to have on the nightstand. And when happy days return, you'll be wiser for the experience - and the words that Bo has shared to help you through it.
Each chapter ends with a few questions for consideration. Usually I find that this kind of thing is pretty lame in a lot of self-help books, full of predictable softball questions. But I thought her questions were astute and thought-provoking enough to actually make them worth answering. I think the whole book may be worth a second read. Read it once for comfort and encouragement. Read it again and study the Scriptures mentioned and answer the questions asked.
Bo's husband, Steve Stern, passed away this summer, by the way. (He had ALS.) I was in the middle of this book, on the same week that 2 of my friends died of cancer, when I got the update. My husband had just been through a period of suffering as well. I think that experience only deepened my appreciation of Bo's words. They held true.
Bo is also found at www.bostern.com. I highly recommend reading her there also!
Each chapter ends with a few questions for consideration. Usually I find that this kind of thing is pretty lame in a lot of self-help books, full of predictable softball questions. But I thought her questions were astute and thought-provoking enough to actually make them worth answering. I think the whole book may be worth a second read. Read it once for comfort and encouragement. Read it again and study the Scriptures mentioned and answer the questions asked.
Bo's husband, Steve Stern, passed away this summer, by the way. (He had ALS.) I was in the middle of this book, on the same week that 2 of my friends died of cancer, when I got the update. My husband had just been through a period of suffering as well. I think that experience only deepened my appreciation of Bo's words. They held true.
Bo is also found at www.bostern.com. I highly recommend reading her there also!
February 22, 2013
Title: BEAUTIFUL BATTLEFIELDS
Author: Bo Stern
Publisher: NavPress
January 2013
ISBN: 978-1612913193
Genre: Christian Growth
Where is God in the midst of this? You’ve probably heard that question or perhaps asked it yourself. In the battle for your joy, your marriage, your finances, your health, an emptiness creeps in. Where is the peace You promised, God?
Bo Stern has been there—and is still there. Yet in studying the battles in Scripture, she came to a startling conclusion: God is using these fierce fights in our lives for an astonishing purpose.
BEAUTIFUL BATTLEFIELDS is written in conversational style which almost feels as if Ms. Stern is sitting across the table from you, sharing her personal story—along with others. A renowned speaker, she shares stories of a woman who was abused sexually, for half of her life. She shares the raw emotions associated with her husband’s diagnosis with ALS, and how he has been able to expand his ministry as a result.
In BEAUTIFUL BATTLEFIELDS, Ms. Stern answers the questions—in a very real way—about why God allows suffering. Can He use the pain that you (and others) work through? She also shows us how to find the beauty in the hard places, and strategies for growing stronger through the battles. $14.99. 192 pages. 5 stars.
Author: Bo Stern
Publisher: NavPress
January 2013
ISBN: 978-1612913193
Genre: Christian Growth
Where is God in the midst of this? You’ve probably heard that question or perhaps asked it yourself. In the battle for your joy, your marriage, your finances, your health, an emptiness creeps in. Where is the peace You promised, God?
Bo Stern has been there—and is still there. Yet in studying the battles in Scripture, she came to a startling conclusion: God is using these fierce fights in our lives for an astonishing purpose.
BEAUTIFUL BATTLEFIELDS is written in conversational style which almost feels as if Ms. Stern is sitting across the table from you, sharing her personal story—along with others. A renowned speaker, she shares stories of a woman who was abused sexually, for half of her life. She shares the raw emotions associated with her husband’s diagnosis with ALS, and how he has been able to expand his ministry as a result.
In BEAUTIFUL BATTLEFIELDS, Ms. Stern answers the questions—in a very real way—about why God allows suffering. Can He use the pain that you (and others) work through? She also shows us how to find the beauty in the hard places, and strategies for growing stronger through the battles. $14.99. 192 pages. 5 stars.
September 21, 2013
There is a difference between knowing and trusting God theoretically and doing so in the midst of suffering. Bo writes about the latter. In fact, she says there are many treasures from God we can only gather as we go through suffering. She gives suggestions for growing stronger in the fight as well. She is still in the midst of her battlefield so there is no tidy end to this book.
This is a well written and very encouraging book for anyone going through struggles. See my full review at http://bit.ly/1aTRCqL.
This is a well written and very encouraging book for anyone going through struggles. See my full review at http://bit.ly/1aTRCqL.
April 5, 2013
Bo Stern is in the midst of the 'battle of her life' as she and her husband Steve navigate life with his diagnosis of ALS. Every chapter of this book spoke to me. Bo's primary fight is the fight to live real, transparent, and Godly in the face of this disease that slowly fast-forwards to a near certain end. Clearly she listens for the voice of the Lord and clearly He speaks to her. I'm so thankful she shared what she is learning and living with us.
March 13, 2013
I was skeptical when starting this book because I am usually unable to finish any sort of devotional, self-help type book. Bo stern is an inspiring woman and through sharing real battles (hers and of those she knows) it made this reading much more personal and intimate. I high lighted all the activities at the end and hope to create a journal from them to help me through my battles.
October 19, 2013
This book is written to all of us. In its pages Bo gives us the tools to survive any circumstances that life may send out way. The key is to put your faith in God, believing what he has done for others, and you, in the past he will continue to do. We don't have to go through impossible times on our own. He offers the solution, we have to accept it.
June 12, 2014
I would wholeheartedly recommend this book to people who are struggling to see God in their circumstances. I loved all the Scripture references and the way it makes you want to grow your faith. Everything pointed back to Gods goodness--even in trying times.
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February 28, 2013Currently in the Bible Study( with 200+- of my close Lady friends :) ) companion to this upcoming Lovely. This is the real deal and can't wait to get this one in my library.
March 31, 2013
The author shared her responses to her husband's illness and how she learned to hang onto God's love through it all. She gave the last chapter to Scriptures for Battle.
June 25, 2013
A book everyone that everyone can benefit by reading and should.
May 30, 2013
This was a truly wonderful book. I reviewed it on my blog as well, but I found it to be truthful, not overly dramatic and filled with hope.
August 27, 2013
love her transparency and how she's relatable. great encouragement while in the battle....
February 5, 2017
Encouraging well written book. For those in crisis mode this will lift your spirit and provide a new life perspective.
December 28, 2014
From the battlefield, a must read. Walking with others through theirs, a must read.
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January 28, 2015haven't read yet
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