Oh my word, you guys – it seems like I have been gone forrrrrrevvvverrrr (name that movie – winner gets a signed copy of Battlefields sent to whomever they so desire!)
So perhaps you know I’ve been in Nebraska, celebrating the life of my dear father-in-law. We had an amazing and miraculous week with all of Steve’s family and – side note – I have eaten my weight in home-cooked food brought in by the ladies of Lincoln City Church. I decided this week that nothing makes you feel so securely and totally loved as finding a friend holding a casserole dish on your porch. It’s just beautiful.
While I was gone, my new book (aka: my fifth and neediest child), Beautiful Battlefields, has been warmly welcomed by the world, which is clearly wrestling with the deep and difficult issues of life. I cannot tell you how blessed I’ve been by the response to our story. I have cried real tears over it all. I told you ages ago that I tried to write the book I wish I could have read when this big Goliath showed up in our lives. So I was excited that the book has been number #1 in its category on Kindle for a few days now and even went to #8 overall. But to hear that the book is helping friends – known and unknown – grapple with the deep questions that come along with a fierce fight is beyond wonderful. This is why I wrote it. This was my mission. I am amazed to see it happening. Here’s an example – an email I received from Karen, who got it on Kindle this week when my publisher generously offered it at the wonderful price of $free:
I got your book today for free for my Kindle. I finished it in almost one sitting. I then went online and ordered four copies. One for me to have to write in and three to give away. Chances are, I will be buying more to give out. This book, well I have no words to tell you how much it has affected my walk. I will probably never meet you this side of heaven, but I want to thank you for writing it. Thank you for sharing your battle and most of all, thank you for teaching me how I can get through the struggles I face. Thank you for making my life better. May the Lord, bless and keep you and give you the desires of your heart.
Again with the tears (and I am not a pretty crier.) Rankings and ratings can take a flying leap – these stories are why this project was worth every minute (but I also like the ratings and rankings as they currently stand!) (And also? Dear Karen – I hope I DO meet you this side of heaven!)
Someone else told me that this book is her new “get well/sympathy/I’m praying for you card.” Instead of paying $3.99 for a Hallmark card, she’s stocking up on copies of the book for just a few dollars more and feels good that she’s offering her friends real hope in the hardest moments of life.
So, that’s where the book is at. And where I’m at is: home. I’ve been gone for one week and Steve has been gone for two. We had a wonderful time with all of his family, but truly there is nothing like coming home.
If you’d like to get a copy of Beautiful Battlefields for your Kindle, it’s still free but I don’t know how long this offer will last (I really don’t know how long – this isn’t a cheap sales trick). Grab it today because we here at Casa de Stern want the message to go out far and wide so that many who are in the fight of their lives can find hope for something beautiful.
And speaking of messages, I spoke at Lincoln City Church on Sunday. The message was on how to respond to bad news, taken directly from the life of King Hezekiah. If you’d like to give a listen, here’s that link.
Finally, I’ll be doing a live web cast on March 12 and oh, how I would love to have you there! Seriously, you guys, this is weird, foreign territory for me and I could sure use some friendly faces at the party. Also, my publicist (hi, Litfuse!) will be doing some awesome giveaways during that web cast (I mean seriously awesome, not just semi-awesome). So, here’s the link to that whole situation. Please save me by coming and asking funny questions like, “How do you make your baked ziti so delicious?” Okay? I neeeeed you and I’m not ashamed to say it.
Okay, that’s it from me. What’s happening in your world?
Bo
I’d like to take a stab at the name of the movie that the quote “forrrrrrevvvverrrr” is from……..it’s The Sandlot.
Whether I win the signed copy or not, I would still love to buy my own copy of the book. I have been fighting quite a few battles myself for the past year, and when I get discouraged it is always nice to hear a fresh, encouraging perspective on the struggles we experience in life, the blessings in disguise hidden amongst those struggles, and the hope that we have in Christ to bring us through it all. Thank you for writing this book, and I look forward to reading it!
My mom picked up your book in Georgia and sat and started reading sitting in the car in the parking lot. She called me two hours later in tears….still in the parking lot.
The sand lot
Yep, Sandlot:) I am only on the second chapter of your book and God is using it to transform my thinking and living — there is a greater purpose than what I see going on from my eye level. He is not focused on my circumstances, but rather transforming my heart. It’s SO not about me! Whoa! Talk about powerful! I’m buying copies for my sisters and close friends. Thank you so much for writing this book! blessings!
The Sandlot, one of my favs! I am loving this book. I am on the last chapter saved for tonight. It came at the perfect time for me. Having a hard week of knowing what I am supposed to be doing. Am I married to the right person, at the right job, not living close to family or friends. Feeling like I am at a dead end. Between this book and Bo’s CD of our women’s retreat, they have been the fuel of faith I needed. My tank was running on empty. Thank you for helping me fill the faith tank back up so I can make it a lot further now! God Bless the Stern family!
I just downloaded my FREE copy. I am now heading to the couch with some hot tea and my book. I can’t wait to sink in!!! Thank you and so glad that you are home safely.
Beth