Cover Image: Fully Alive

Fully Alive

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

Excellent Book. Susie has a way about her writing to not just grab your attention but to feel the words she wrote.

Was this review helpful?

This book undid me. As I was reading it, I wanted all my friends to read it with me, so I started a weekly, online Bible study to talk through what I was learning, chapter by chapter. This book is so worth reading and it's one I'll read again and again as long as I live.

From the book I’m reading by @Susie Larson. “How much angst have we allowed in our souls because our perspective of God’s kingdom mirrored that of our high school experience?” And, "What happens in our sould happens in our cells." #FullyAlive. Get it. Read it. Study it. Keep it on your shelf forever.

Was this review helpful?

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

by Susie Larson

Bethany House

Bethany House Publishers

Christian

Pub Date 02 Oct 2018


I am reviewing a copy of Fully Alive through Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley:


Susie Larson shows how connected our emotional, spiritual, and physical health are. Spiritual difficulties can cause sickness and physical illnesses can have emotional and even spiritual ramifications. So in order for true healing to occur, it must happen holistically through --mind, body, and spirit.


In Fully Alive the author provides a fresh vision of what it means to have a flourishing life. She shares practical, biblical ways to replace defeating thoughts with redemptive ones, as well as to overcome stress and embrace God's peace and deal with the "I can'ts" embedded in our souls ad to trade unhealthy habits for new life-giving practices.



Susie Larson reminds We cannot keep ignoring the mental and/or emotional symptoms that are trying to get our attention.


If you are looking for a good book on Christian growth, I recommend five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

Was this review helpful?

A book that takes an in-depth look at life’s hard places and encourages us to grow from them. Susie Larson doesn’t hold back but shares from the tough experiences of life. She invites readers to consider how mind, body, and soul are connected and each influences the other. This book has application exercises following each chapter and Dig deeper sections which invite the reader to study the Word and let God speak into what you are learning as you work your way through this journey. Because if you use this book as I believe it’s intended you will find yourself on your own healing journey.
I had an advance reader copy of this book provided by the publisher.

Was this review helpful?

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in advance. Susie’s latest book is such a refreshing look at how our minds, bodies, and spirits intertwine and how we must address ALL of them in order to thrive. Many books address one aspect of life, but as Susie says, what happens in our souls happens in our cells. Through personal experience, biblical truth and practical science, Susie guides us through the pursuit of healing in all areas. This is one I will be reading again!

Was this review helpful?

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.

Was this review helpful?

This is a solid 10 week devotional book designed to help you live your life to the fullest through finding peace and healing with God. It has excercisrs, thought-provoking questione, challenges, and decorative pages. I think this devotional book can appeal to all kinds of learners/processors due to its varied approach. I love the PRAISE acronym.

Was this review helpful?

What I particularly liked about Susie Larson's book, "Fully Alive" is that she writes so honestly and openly about the storms she has faced in her own life and how she has, with God's help, come through them. She shares in her introduction how “The storms reveal the lies we believe and the truths we need.”

In "Fully Alive" she writes that maybe you need an emotional miracle, a physical one, or a relational one, and how this book can give us the help, if we need it, to change our physical, emotional, mental and spiritual mindset.

I like how each chapter follows the same structure. Each one starts off with personal experience from Susie as she shares about what she has learned herself; ‘Put it into Practice’ in which the reader applies what they have read; Soul Searching in which there are questions for reflection; Spiritual Reset – a time for prayer; Digging Deeper which includes reading some passages of Scripture and more time for reflection.

The chapters cover issues such as fear, worry, grief, discouragement and selfishness. The chapter, ‘I feel Guilty and Ashamed’ was one which I found really helpful. She wrote about the importance of deliberately interrupting and redirecting your thought life so that it doesn’t go down those same old negative, unhealthy routes. Another chapter that was especially helpful for me was the one on ‘I’m insecure – Jesus, show me how you see me.’

There are ten chapters in this book and it is written as a ten-week journey so that the reader can give time to each chapter, working on whatever God may bring to their attention as they read it. Susie has written a book that is easy to read. Easy in the sense that her writing is easy to grasp and understand. However, in another sense, it is not easy reading. If you read this book and ask God to come on the journey with you, it can be painful at times as God draws your attention to an area which needs his healing touch. The reader has to decide whether they will work through this, which will ultimately be for their good or to ignore the prompting. With God, good can come from the pain, as long as the reader is willing to persevere.

If you do choose to read her book, then you may want to consider sharing with someone close to you who is willing to go on the journey with you. Someone who can encourage and support you on your way.

Was this review helpful?

Fully Alive by Susie Larson is a precious resource for any believer who is looking for health. The author examines how our spiritual, physical, and mental health are intertwined. This is a ten week approach that is intended for you to use to reflect and make true change. The author uses Scripture, personal stories, and science and somehow weaves it all together to help readers find their own health. I loved this book and think that it has the potential to transform lives. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

Was this review helpful?

I’m not sure where to begin with this book. It’s much more than a book. It’s a place to take an honest look at yourself and lies you have believed for years and unearth them and allow Jesus to heal them.

If you actually take the time to do what this book suggests I can’t see how your life won’t be changed.

Through this book I unearthed a lie I never knew I believed but I knew I dealt with the consequences of the lie. A simple memory that I finally looked at and saw Jesus there. It was amazing to see where this lie came from and how Jesus was there trying to speak truth to me but I couldn’t hear Him over all the noise in my head, I wasn’t a believer at the time, but Jesus was still there.

If you know there are things you need to deal with in your life but you aren’t sure what it is or what to do, I highly recommend this book. Take your time and allow the steps and God’s truth to heal you.

A copy of this book was given to me through Netgalley.com. All opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

I have shared with you before how much I adore Susie Larson. If you don’t follow her on social media- you should. When I had the opportunity to receive a copy of her newest book, Fully Alive, I jumped at it! 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.

Was this review helpful?

I was blessed to attend one of Susie Larson‘s sessions at She Speaks 2017, and I still remember the wisdom she shared. I enjoyed her book In Over Your Head so much that I jumped at the chance to serve on the launch team for Fully Alive.

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.

Was this review helpful?

This is a wonderful book to pick up, since it helped me see more fully how important it is to take care of myself physically, emotionally, and spiritually. How detrimental it can be to neglect one of those fronts.

Was this review helpful?

Amazing when I finally accept that I am weak but He is strong and I am still praying that He uses my weakness to perform some of His totally Awesome and Amazing works.
Thank you for allowing me to be a part of the team and benefit from Fully Alive!

Susie Larson is so encouraging in guiding and sharing with us to dig deeper and reveal to heal the roadblocks that are holding us back from a more intimate walk with our Lord.
I Love the Holy Scriptures she uses throughout her book and am so encouraged as she includes many “Pray for a Miracle” Prayers!
We need to walk with Jesus through our past and let Him speak to us so He can show us that His Love is more than powerful enough to redeem and heal every aspect of who we are. (Page 83 in the paperback version)
Dig deeper and read this book you will rejoice that you did!

Was this review helpful?

This book is beautiful! The cover drew me to it immediately. I love the way each chapter is laid out: read, put it into practice, soul searching, spiritual reset, and digging deeper. I love that this book not only explores what the Bible says but what science says as well. I also love that there are spots to journal right in the book. I read it fast so that I could write this review but now I’ll go back and work through it for ten weeks like it was intended and really dig into and reflect upon each topic. Great book!

Was this review helpful?

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.

This is my first encounter with Susie Larson’s books. I enjoyed her language, style and voice. Every chapter is well packed with the best truth and wisdom she could possibly offer.

Larson dug deep in this book with a lot of recommendations for transformation and healing. I recommend this book for people who are struggling and who are people who are interested in learning more.

Was this review helpful?

Fully Alive Learning to Flourish - Mind body, and spirit by Susie Larson is an interesting book published by Baker about the interconnection existing between physical illness and stress or psychological problems. Starting from her experience as a sick person, Susie will help all of us, gradually of taking more care of ourselves avoiding too stress, too many situations or people that maybe it is better to leave alone, but, first of all, to understand that most of the times a physical illness is connected with our mental state; the first signal is always psychological before to become physical. Sometimes we don't want to admit that there are problems and we procrastinate, or just we don't want to see these problems; we have fear of changing habits, our routine; other times we don't pay attention or we don't find time for curing ourselves and our soul: it's important to do that and we can do that, it's possible thanks to the help of neuroplasticity. We must avoid to repeat negative thoughts because they won't never bring us anywhere; we must stay optimistic, yes, also when optimism seems to be the latest impossible chance in this world. Thoughts must become positive; thanks to a positive approach and a good mental cleaning, the circuit, spiral of negativity will be interrupted and life will return to be normal.
Susie warmly encourage you of changing following at the same time Jesus Christ and the Scriptures. This one is a Christian book; very well written, captivating, plenty of good advice for a best life, physical and emotive.

I thank NetGalley and Bethany House for this ebook.

Was this review helpful?

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!

Was this review helpful?

I wasn't expecting a book that takes you deep into your soul to find the truth about your struggles. This book is a healing book for sure. It will help you let go of those deeply instill issues, some that you may not even realize that you are holding onto. If you are struggling with fear, worry, shame, self-esteem, selfishness, and more this book is for you. It will change your life.

Was this review helpful?

This book is great! The author offers a great resource to help you walk through healing in your life. Take your time as you read each chapter and work through the workbook style pages at the end of each chapter. Each chapter could be read and processed separate from the others. I was very impressed with this book and will use it when counseling with my clients.
I highly recommend it.
I was given an advanced copy of this book by the publisher. This is my honest opinion.

Was this review helpful?