Fully Alive: Learning to Flourish - Mind, Body & Spirit

by Susie Larson

In this eye-opening book, Susie Larson shows how intertwined our emotional, spiritual, and physical health are. Spiritual difficulties can have physical consequences, and physical illnesses can have emotional and even spiritual ramifications. So in order for true healing to occur, it must happen holistically--mind, body, and spirit.

Providing a fresh vision of what a flourishing life is, Susie shares practical, biblical ways to
- replace defeating thoughts with redemptive ones
- overcome stress and embrace God's peace
- deal with the "I can'ts" embedded in our souls
- trade unhealthy habits for new life-giving practices

We cannot keep ignoring the mental and/or emotional symptoms that are trying to get our attention. Fully Alive is an uplifting guide for anyone who longs to know the health, freedom, and wholeness that Jesus wants for us.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Christian Living, Devotional, Mental Health, Christian Non Fiction, Health

240 pages, Paperback

Published October 2, 2018

About the author

Susie Larson is a popular radio talk show host, national speaker, and bestselling author. The author of twenty-two books, Susie is also a veteran in the fitness field and has twice been voted a top-ten finalist for the John C. Maxwell Transformational Leadership Award. Susie and her husband live near Minneapolis with their three sons, three daughters-in-law, and three grandchildren. Susie’s passion is to see people everywhere awakened to the value of their soul, the depth of God’s love, and the height of their calling in Christ Jesus.

Reviews

[Debra Slonek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet another divine appointment with a book. I love how time and again, God chooses to speak to me through books that I am drawn to and can in no way ignore. He constantly speaks truths to me through something that gives me so much joy...reading! Reading this deeply, thought provoking book has challenged me to search my soul and examine my heart.

As I read about the concept of blessing guilt, it felt as though the author was speaking directly to me. Also, I was deeply stirred when she talked about facing a serious health condition with an “even if” prayer. Several months ago, I faced a frightening diagnosis with a similar “even if” prayer and mindset. God is constantly fighting for us and He is fiercely protective of us! This book reminded me that God has allowed certain things to happen in my life, and He has used those experiences to sustain and nurture me.

At the end of each chapter, I was encouraged to spend time in reflection and prayer. Many times, I was moved to tears. Such precious moments! We serve a God who is very intentional and He cares about the details in our lives.

I really loved this book and have already been encouraging others to read it. Highly recommended!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh friends...this book gets all of the stars from me!
💫💫💫💫💫
“A distressed soul creates a distressed body.” How true this is! This is just one of the many quotes found in this book that spoke directly to me. If you are ready to dig deep, to get to that uncomfortable place, to dig up all of the muck that is weighing you down, and embrace the wholeness promised to you on the cross then this is the book for you! Full of practical advice and fresh insight, this is an authentic tool to help you get real and to reach those hurts you’ve been stuffing down (and those you aren’t even aware of). This book is life changing and I can not recommend It enough. For me, Fully Alive was ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 stars. Thank you @bethany_house_nonfiction for this advance reader in exchange for my honest review.

[Alison Boardman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A riveting book that gives you hope in an age when hope is desperately needed. It gives you insight that you are not alone and the God has a good plan for you and your life. Even when things do not go as we would like them too we know that God has it under control and that we will be better for the experience. A MUST READ for anyone tired and worn out from this life's storms and ready for renewal.

[Susan Bricker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Susie Larson’s powerful message in Fully Alive came to me in God’s perfect timing. My emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual health have been impacted and compromised in my role as a full-time caregiver. I absolutely loved and desperately needed the words I read in Fully Alive, which is a spiritual refining process and journey of the soul. Susie Larson is not only an amazing author and speaker, she is also a powerful prayer warrior with a huge heart for God. Susie writes with honesty, faith, wisdom, compassion, authenticity, love, and a passion to help and bless the reader.

Susie Larson provides healthy ways to replace defeating and destructive thoughts and habits and answers to the anxiety, fear, and worry that wear us down. She does this in the framework of faith, hope, surrender, redemption and transformation in Jesus so we can answer with a definitive “yes” when Jesus asks, “Do we want to be well?” Fully Alive is about God meeting us right where we’re at and trusting that His hand will be outstretched as we rise up from our mats. Susie says, “He has a path of peace for you that will replenish you before the answer comes.”

Susie Larson shares personal stories and the renewal, breakthrough, and transformation that she experienced through Jesus, the God of miracles. Each chapter walks the reader through the journey of separating our symptoms and emotions and giving Jesus our heartbreaks and disappointments for a healing, relational miracle. Fully Alive offers a path of healing from the inside out through the redemption of Jesus’s eternal love for us.

Susie walks the reader through the adverse impacts our past and our emotional and thought processes have upon our physical and soul health and our relationship with the Lord. She uses Biblical verses, insightful reflections, and thought-provoking questions to guide the reader along the journey. Fully Alive incorporates; Put it into Practice, Science says, Pursue Healing, Praying for a Miracle, Soul Searching, Prayers, Life Reflection, a Spiritual Reset using the acronym PRAISE, and Digging Deeper sections at the end of each chapter. I love the actionable steps and tools Susie provides to pause, reflect, unearth, and uproot to flourish in our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual lives!

I love these quotes from Susie Larson in Fully Alive;
“Our soul is the place where our emotions brew and our hurts collide, and the turmoil of it all can put the squeeze on our hopes, our dreams, and our perspective. Jesus wants peace to rule and reign in our hearts so that we can prosper in our soul. He wants us to flourish in every way possible.”

“Now picture Jesus Himself holding your face in both of His nail-scarred hands and looking directly into your eyes. Hear Him say to you, “I love you. I see you. I hear your cries. I remember you. I will take on your pain. I will heal you.” Let those words soak into your soul!”

Fully Alive is a physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual reset. I look forward to the healing and freedom I’ll gain as I continue working through the actionable steps. I think Susie Larson has written an amazing and essential book, one full of hope and promise. I absolutely loved it! If your physical, mental, emotional, and soul health needs some tender loving care and transformation, this is the book for you!

[Lysa Rigo · Rating 5 out of 5]

One the most insightful books I’ve read to grab hold of the lies swirling in our heads that cause us emotional, spiritual, and even physical angst. Susie Larson is raw in this book and shares personal stories of her own journey, and stories of fellow travelers, to give credence to the process.

You can go as deep or read as lightly as you want to with this book. You can simply read the chapters, or she has additional sections for readers to dig deeper, become self-aware, pray through issues, or study scripture. She includes pages of quotes that are also downloadable, if you want to remember key passages or concepts. But no matter the depth with which you choose to read and study, you can’t walk away from this book the same.

This is a book I’ll be coming back to again and again.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is not a person alive that won't improve their life if they read and do the end of chapter assignments. You will be amazed at how much information can be packed in one book. So grab this book, a notebook and pen and be amazed at what God revels to you about your life. Thank you Susie Larson for such an awesome book!! Thank you Bethany House Bethany House Publishers via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book. This is my honest opinion.

[Shandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I picked up this book to read, I at first thought it would be “another book about not having enough faith to be healed”. Reading it however, I found a book unlike any other surrounding the topic of “Learning to flourish - Mind, Body & Spirit”. Susie Larson uses some of her own story of dealing with illness to help guide the reader in some practical tools for changing the way you think, speak and act in the midst of your struggle and the impact those things can have on how your body aligns with the word and truth of God.
Being someone dealing with a chronic illness, I was able to work through the different sections of questions:
1)Pursue Healing -Pray for a miracle – offers a focus theme with scripture, ending with a Prayer surrounding that theme
2)Soul Searching – Gives truth in scripture, as well as questions about how it applies to your life.
3)Spiritual Reset – Uses the acronym PRAISE to guide you through Prayer.
4)Digging Deeper – Gives more scripture dedicated to the theme, followed by deeper questions causing you to go deeper.

[Cindy Verschay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a hands-on manual to work through the messes/successes/struggles of life through the redemptive lens of God’s plan and power in our lives. A how to of breaking through barriers and experiencing the rich, full, deep and impactful healing God has intended for each of us. Chapter one begins with “The storms reveal the lies we believe and the truth we need”. The rest of the book walks this out in meaningful, applicable and life-giving ways.

[Melissa Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book showing how our mental, spiritual and physical well being are all connected. Sharing from personal experiences, the author gives encouragement, inspiration and hope. This is a book I will read again and again. I was given a copy of this book and this is my personal honest opinion. No review was required.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite quotes, "To walk intimately with God, to stand strong in battle, and to trust him with our not-yets turns us into warriors."...

The fully openness of Susie as she connects the reader to be flourished in mind, body, and spirit, is exactly what helps anyone feel validated in the hectic pace of life.

[Sandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Susie Larson first came my way when a friend gave me her book, "Blessings for the Morning & Evening" for my birthday. I was drawn in by the beautiful way she took a Scripture verse and wrote a blessing. I have since given that book to several others. It is that good!

I later learned Susie has a podcast, "Middays with Susie Larson," where she interviews different Christians. Love that too!

"Fully Alive" was given to me by my husband as a gift and I immediately dived in. Susie does such an excellent job of tying together the link between our emotional, spiritual and physical health. She gives illustrations from her own life, and it is Scripturally sound. At the end of each chapter she provides opportunity for reflection, prayer, and a section called "digging deeper."

This book has tied in nicely with J. P. Moreland's "Finding Quiet," that I recently read. Susie has helped me to understand further how habits of wrong thinking can be changed and one can be freed from deceptive brain messages with the help of God and some work on our part.

[Andrea Christenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn’t sure what I would think about this book. I thought maybe it would be full of false promises and unbiblical takes on stress and medicine and health. Instead, I found that Susie Larson has a balanced view of how to thrive in our life. Using very personal examples, Susie shows the reader how we can be free from guilt and other insecurities. She has many helpful exercises for the reader to complete - journaling, reciting Scripture, etc. - each one reinforces the truth contained in the previous chapter. Great book. Have a notebook on hand before starting it!

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an amazing gift to anyone who has struggled with emotions and how God speaks into them with His promises. The vulnerable sharing ,wrapped in a blanket of insight and wisdom, is heart touching. This is a must read. Yet, more than a read. It is a journey offering insightful questions that will reach into your soul.

[Courtney Cannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am about mid-way through this book so far, and it has already been a total game-changer for me! If you are in need of healing, you NEED this book. I love Susie's ministry, and this book does not disappoint.

[Alana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uplifting, encouraging and thought provoking! Susie Larson shares beautifully.

"Fully Alive is an uplifting guide for anyone who longs to know the health, freedom, and wholeness that Jesus wants for each of us."

[Kristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hadn’t really thought about how connected our spiritual, physical, and emotional areas of our lives are. This book was such a gift to me and I look forward to going back through in more depth and completing the assignments at the end of each chapter.

[Tonya R · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s a must read.

[Casey | Essentially Novel · Rating 4 out of 5]

“𝘞𝘦’𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘯𝘷𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘺𝘦𝘵. 𝘞𝘦’𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘯𝘷𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘨𝘳𝘰𝘸 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯 𝘣𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦. 𝘞𝘦’𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘯𝘷𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘢 𝘱𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘴 𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 - 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳-𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥𝘭𝘺 𝘱𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘴 𝘯𝘰 𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘤𝘪𝘳𝘤𝘶𝘮𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘴. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘢 𝘧𝘦𝘸 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘶𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘸𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘑𝘦𝘴𝘶𝘴. 𝘞𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦. 𝘚𝘰 𝘭𝘦𝘵’𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦.”

In this book Susie focuses on our overall health: mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual. She discusses the connection between what is happening in our hearts and minds and how that has an impact on and is happening in our physical bodies. A lot of that I personally can relate to: high stress, depression, frustration, worry, etc leading to insomnia, gut issues, migraines, other symptoms. At the end of each chapter she has several questions and tools for reflection and application. She also shares her own struggle with physical illness and how that has played a role in her overall wellness, including growing her faith.

In order for any of us to truly thrive, to grow and flourish, we must address and take care of every aspect of our lives. God doesn’t want us to feel stuck, stunted, sick; He desires for us to progress, grow, to be fully alive in His grace, love, strength, wisdom, and joy.

I do believe this book is useful, especially for those who are struggling with uncertainty, worry, and invisible illnesses.

[J.S. Nelson]

Like the author says, yes, faith & prayer can heal, but at the same time, it seems to me that our problem these days is that we ask why God isn't healing our headache, while continually banging our head against the wall. (The Standard American Diet & pharmaceutical side effects are the biggest causes of disease but we keep filling up on this stuff while asking why won't God heal us.) it seems to me common sense is needed a whole lot more than faith in this aspect.

[Kristen Gebbia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book. I think I would have enjoyed it more and gotten even more out of it if I had read it instead of listened to the audible reading. It’s the kind of book that prompts introspection and journaling, which aren’t conducive activities when driving down the road.

[Jennifer Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life changing!

[Cher · Rating 5 out of 5]

“We all have raw places in us that need love and healing, not a judge and jury.” Susie Larson’s new book, “Fully Alive: Learning To Flourish - Mind, Body & Spirit”, takes us on a journey of discovering how our deeply rooted thoughts, memories and beliefs about ourselves, or continuing to allow the devil to convict us, keeps us in a personal hell, and that digging deep to find the root causes and accepting our responsibility for those of our own doing, will help us become “fully alive” in Christ. These must be unearthed and exposed so that God can help us (when He knows the time is right and we’re ready and strong enough for the battle) without destroying us in the process. Pain can help lead us to finding the problem, and we reach a new level of maturity when we tend to the issues of our soul. Susie says, it’s as if Jesus is saying, "There is a limit to what I'll allow in your life, I'm not going to let you lose, but I have to let you fight." One day, we’ll stand face-to-face with Jesus, our judge, but also our ally and our defender. We’ll give an account of our stewardship of His blessings. We must contend for the promises of God, stand strong against the enemy, not allow ourselves to be baited back into sin, persevere in our battles and allow ourselves to be trained in and by our trials, then we can understand the value of our soul, and the power of God’s promises. She says, “There’s a treasure hidden in every trial, and though I longed for a break, He wanted me to have a breakthrough. The storms reveal the lies we believe and the truths we need.”

Fully Alive takes you on Susie’s journey to get to the root of her core beliefs, raw stories of where her hurts were generated from, and how she turned to her Savior for help, understanding and healing. He showed her to dig deeper into His word, and to ask different questions to get to the root as well as the answers. She has included a section in each chapter of what to focus on, putting it into practice, what science says, how to pursue healing in that particular area, prayers for a miracle, soul searching journaling, life reflection questions, Spiritual reset journaling, as well as a section on digging deeper into what you learned in each chapter. I can’t wait to go back and complete all facets of each chapter, digging deeper still in an effort to fully grasp complete healing with my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I pray this book is as much a blessing to you as it has been for me. And may God bless Susie Larson for having the courage to follow Him completely, for exposing her journey to help show us the way too, and for always speaking the words He gives, without worry of man’s opinions. Thank you.

[Gretchen · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Do you want to get well?” It’s the question Jesus asked the lame man at the pool near the Sheep Gate in Jerusalem in John 5:6 - a man who had been unable to walk for 38 years. I think about this question a lot - about what it really means and how my own desires for healing play a role in God’s healing process.

Sue Larson’s book, Fully Alive, digs deeps into what it really means for God to give and promise healing, and how our own internal voices can complicate the journey toward wholeness that we long for. Susie makes clear what I’ve suspected for a long time - that mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual healing is a cooperative process between me and God.

Susie’s chapters clearly break down the various areas where readers might be unwell. Chapter 5 (I Feel Anxious and Worried - Jesus, Surround Me with Peace) spoke right to me about my immediate and persistent feeling of churning and anxiety. She correctly states,”Unless we develop a habit of resting in and trusting in God, we’ll develop the habit of rushing and reacting to our circumstances” (p.101)and then clearly delineates the need for us to take three steps to right ourselves in relationship to God. They are 1) rest in Him, 2) feast amidst our battles by savoring his Word and recognizing all the ways He is providing for us in our lives, and 3) wait on the Lord, “expectantly believing that He will renew your strength. [As] His word is true. It’s impossible for Him to fail you.” (p.109)

Similarly, in Chapter 8 which speaks to Insecurity, Susie writes, “nothing can separate us from God’s love” - not even the messy habits or ideas about ourselves that keep us from embracing His love for us. “[M]aybe we shouldn’t be so quick to turn on ourselves as we travel the messy path of healing. During such times, we need to be okay with not being okay.” (p.168).

At no point, is Susie proclaiming that God will or must heal us in a way that we specify. God’s promises, she explains, are true, but we must be open to a love that He envisions for us which is far bigger and more vast than the sufferings of this life, and so the freedom we experience in walking with Him will come in forms we cannot fathom without cooperating with him and allowing Him to teach us to fight the battle against the darkness of this world.

Each chapter includes reflection questions, acronym exercises, and “Digging Deeper” resources to help you take this journey of healing and hope to a whole new level, as many times as you would like. Susie Larson’s book is a must for growth and Christian learning. I received Fully Alive from the author and publisher for free for my review, and these thoughts are my own.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading Susie Larson’s new book. Loved it and just had to leave a review! The subtitle, Learning to Flourish-Mind, Body & Spirit encapsulates the overall direction and goal of the book and promises a rich, rewarding ride if you’ll grab on and go with it.

When I find a great book, I like to enjoy the entire experience. Fully Alive does not disappoint! First of all: not the most important aspect of the book, but it’s an attractive, warm, welcoming book that invites you to pick it up and read. It feels good in your hands. The pages and sections flow beautifully and smoothly. There are text boxes, quotes, and illustrations that grab your attention and encourage you to keep reading. It just looks and feels good. Even though it’s deep and meaningful, the beautiful layout simplifies its depth and makes it feel like an easy read.
More importantly, it’s rich with scripture, example, outside resource, and goal setting. Early in the book, Susie lays out two quotes that kept me reading, engaged, and wanting to know more: “The storms reveal the lies we believe and the truths we need,” and “What happens in our souls happens in our cells.” She goes on to address topics such as: pain, fear, guilt, shame, anxiety, grief, discouragement, insecurity, selfishness…but also wholeness, restoration, faith, freedom, peace, and truth.

It’s really more than just a good read, an encouragement, or a motivational tool. I plan on going back through and engaging it, myself, my beliefs, and my relationship with God at an even greater depth. Each chapter ends with the encouragement to “Pursue Healing - Pray for a Miracle.” But it doesn’t leave it there as an empty, lofty goal or tired platitude. It then gives tools and structure to pursue and pray: Put It into Practice-directed focus and scripture, Soul Searching, Life Reflection, Spiritual Reset (great prayer exercise that I also implemented in a local bible study) and finally a Digging Deeper section which, if engaged, looks somewhat like an intimate meeting with a dear friend, a trusted counselor, and Jesus himself.

Early in the book, I found myself in the midst of some very intense personal and family struggles. Susie's words were like a balm for my soul during that time. Words of truth about peace, comfort, spiritual warfare, and hope came in God's perfect timing.

I know this review is long but there’s still so much more I’d like to say. Just get the book and carve out time and space. You won’t be disappointed. You’ll be encouraged, motivated, and changed for the better. I’m going to the mountains next week with a bible, journal, pen, and this book. Can’t wait.

[Markie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fully Alive Susie Larson
Susie's book found me in the middle of my journey with depression and anxiety, and honestly, it will be on my desks in reach for when I am having one of those days! I love how she starts out telling you the story of her son, its like she is reaching right into a mothers heart. She gives us a reminder that Jesus restores us, no matter what we are facing we can be restored. Out of the whole book, my favorite line is on page 24 "something rose up within me, Faith, I suppose". That spoke volumes to my soul because this year, something has been rising up in me and the only way I can describe it is my faith is growing. She goes on to tell you about her trials and victories while laying the foundation of biblical faith. I love how she scattered scripture throughout perfectly then explaining what they mean like on-page 109 she translated what "wait" meant in this scripture passage. That opened my eyes to-see the whole passage completely different. In fact, I have read that page so many times, my book lays flat on page 109. When I am having a hard anxiety day, it's hard for me to come-up with prayers to pray. She includes a ton of prayers rich with the expectancy. I love how honesty she is with her health struggles, her families health struggles and even some of her friend's struggles, between all of the stories there is one that you can relate to on a deeper level because you have walked a similar path. I love how she explains the healing Process "God knows that were actually not-able to carry certain blessings until our hearts are healed. That's why He first invites us into the healing Process" page 126. That was a wow moment something that seems So simple, hit my heartstrings on what I needed to do in my own lives situation. I love how she included 10 Things that identify wounds that need to-be healed in your life, in multiple situations I can say I do them. I love how she includes the tool to help you heal from the situations, ending each chapter with a Pursue Healing thought provoking passage, prayer, digging deeper and so much more so you can heal that part of your story allowing yourself to-be restored! In the day and age of technology, her encouragement to put a pen to paper is amazingly healing. This book will help heal many souls, hearts, and families. I really think that anyone could benefit from the book but if you suffer from anxiety and depression this book will be such a helpful tool! I received this book from the author and publisher for free for my review, the thoughts are my own!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best word I can use to describe this book is “amazing.” If you want to find lasting healing for your mind, body and spirit, this book has it all.

Each chapter has an engaging narrative filled with Susie’s life stories and spiritual insights. Then she provides action items for reflection on an area of struggle, such as fear or guilt. Next, you’ll find probing questions and space to consider your own journey. Finally, Susie leads you through a praise exercise and offers more help for fighting your spiritual battles.

Fully Alive helps you deal with your problems on a deep, personal level. It is already challenging me to think in new ways about my hangups, though I have gone through years of Bible study and therapy.

Many of us moms are dealing with deep struggles and don’t know how to tackle them. Susie’s book offers practical help that you can engage with at your own pace.

Favorite quotes from Fully Alive:

A distressed soul creates a distressed body. Where our thoughts most often go, our lives follow. And the hurts and heartbreaks that we endure? They too will settle into our souls and into our cells unless we learn to metabolize them with God’s help and loving perspective.

I’m convinced–like never before–that God intends to do miracles in our day. I believe–with all my heart–that we’d see far more miracles on the earth today if there were more faith in our hearts.

He intends to deliver you from your troubles, from your painful memories, and even from the unreasonable fears that occasionally surface.

The sooner we start measuring ourselves by God’s grace rather than by our past experiences or man’s esteem, the sooner we will be comfortable in our own skin and begin to love our story.

I love reading books in which women who are further along than me share their wisdom and biblical insights. You will benefit from this book which is both deeply spiritual and imminently practical. Susie also offers free printouts of beautiful affirmations from Fully Alive on her website. You’ll get a lot of value for your money by purchasing Fully Alive.

Bethany House generously granted me a preview copy of this book.

[Prairie Sky Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Susie Larson says that she’s “never written a more raw book”, her readers take notice. Almost from the moment I picked up her newest release from Bethany House entitled “Fully Alive: Learning to Flourish - Mind, Body & Spirit”, I could sense that this was a powerful work, and as I began reading this feeling was solidified into fact. Susie holds nothing back, as she pours her heart and soul into the pages. It is overflowing with what can be nothing less than God speaking through her, and the result is a book that I think will be transformational in the lives of many.

The foundational idea behind “Fully Alive” is this: “Spiritual difficulties can have physical consequences, and physical illnesses can have emotional and even spiritual ramifications. So in order for true healing to occur, it must happen holistically - mind, body, and spirit.” Susie is like a close friend who takes our hand and leads us along the path of wisdom that God has shown her through the years, giving us a a powerful jumpstart in our own journeys towards the wholeness that Jesus wants to give each one of His children.

“Fully Alive” is organized into a ten-week (ten-chapter) journey. Each chapter opens with a Scripture verse and a quote, followed by the central reading of the chapter which describes Susie’s experience with that topic using narratives from her life. A Put it Into Practice section follows, which includes scientific data, suggestions for pursuing healing in the specific area of discussion, and a prayer-starter for a miracle of healing. Next comes a Soul Searching section, with life reflection questions, and then the Spiritual Reset, where we learn the practice of PRAISE (Praise, Remember and Repent, Ask, Intercede, Stand, and Eternity). And finally, at the end of each chapter, is the Digging Deeper section, with open-ended questions designed to be answered in a journal format. As you can see, each chapter contains a TON of information and room for deep reflection!

This is not a light or easy book to read. Instead, it is challenging, thought-provoking, and time-consuming. It was written from a place of openness and depth, and I believe the best way to read it is very s-l-o-w-l-y, no rushing allowed. If we take the truths taught within the pages of “Fully Alive” and, with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, apply them to our own lives, our own pasts, our own dreams, we can truly begin to step into the fullness that God invited us to live in each day, with Him at the center.

“Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.”

[Lonna Capaci · Rating 5 out of 5]

" The storms reveal the lies we believe and the truths we need".
That one sentence that first appears on page 40 of "Fully Alive" is the theme of this book.
In her newest book, Susie builds around these words of truth the Holy Spirit spoke to her heart in the middle of a raging storm of anxiety and fear. The enemy would love for us to leave lies where they are, because they serve as a weapons cache; things hidden and stored away, and they serve as the ammunition for every battle he wages against us. This book serves as a manual to learn how to let God's truth get access to and heal the lies and He does so with His word. His word renews our mind, the truth of His word allows for new ways of thinking which in turn interrupts the deep grooves left by habitual, detrimental thinking patterns. This book also encourages us to stay strong, persevere and endure. I know I get tempted to get discouraged when I'm once again derailed by something I thought had been taken care of long ago. But God heals in His time, at His speed. And it's the best way for us. He heals us in ways that will bring us the most freedom and bring Him the most glory. As Susie reminds us; He just sets the plow a little deeper, planting His truth as He turns over the lie. If you want to be healed, you will be healed. This book is the beginning of that deep healing. I would encourage you to just hide away with the Bible, this book, a notebook, a pen, a box of tissues, and let God heal, renew, redeem, embrace, sing over you, and delight in you. You are His most treasured child.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fully Alive: Learning To Flourish Mind, Body & Spirit, by Susie Larson is a must read, if you have unresolved (past) hurts, trials and struggles. Susie is open and honest in her own trails and struggles and her transparency invites us to look deep within for healing of our own. She shares about how emotional, spiritual and physical heath are intertwined and helps us to see how each of these affects the other and when we are awakened to this, we can embrace a healing journey. After reading just a few chapters, I was able to see/feel changes in my own life. My attitude is better; my outlook on life is much more uplifting and I can feel a physical change happening (less pain). It is real and raw and after reading each chapter there are sections for: Putting into practice, soul searching, spiritual rest and digging deeper. It is a book to take your time reading, to get as much out of it as you can. Her quote: “The storms reveal the lies we believe and the truths we need.” Helps us to understand more about the trials we have had or are currently going through and why these trails are an important part of our life and growth. Once you stop believing the lies; your life won’t be the same after reading/applying this book to your life. You will want to keep it handy to refer to often! Begin your healing journey and pick up Susie Larson’s book today! I highly recommend this book!

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual, Susie Larson does not disappoint. Susie is very honest about the heartbreaks and health struggles she has faced and how God has used them in her life to dig deeper into His promises regarding health, healing and wholeness. She establishes a connection between the mind, body and soul that makes a lot of sense. "What happens in our souls happens in our cells. A distressed soul creates a distressed body". Throughout the book she explores these connections and uses Scripture, science and her own walk with the Lord to do so.

At the end of each chapter, she encourages the reader to "put into practice" (as she calls it) the principles and Scripture discussed in the chapter. This is an invaluable tool for those that need/want to spend time with the Lord discovering what He has for them ... to spend time in prayer, dig deeper and do some soul searching.

She encourages the reader that "Jesus wants us to flourish. He wants us whole. He wants to take what the enemy meant for evil against us and turn it for good. He wants us to live life bold and free, courageous and steadfast." This book brings hope to those who may be hanging on by a thread and a fresh look at just how much God wants us to be whole!!!!