I actually finished most of this book a week ago. I skipped the leader notes in the back of the book as I did this Bible study on my own over the summer break. I really liked this book and I recommend it for a group study or a personal study. As a personal study, there was a lot I had to skip (prayer partner pages, Live It Tracker (a way to keep track of your calories based on the main book which I didn't purchase). But as a general, easy and short study, I do recommend it as it targets every area of our development.
STUDY SUMMARY
This study is mainly about helping us stay on course in the pursuit of a balanced life.
Balance in all areas of our lives: spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical.
It is actually based on the First Place 4 Health program, which is the most complete Christ-centered healthy living program available.
The book is organized into 6 weeks of study. Each day centers around a short meditation based on Scriptures with questions based on the Scriptures. Some questions have clear, concise answers and other ones are for personal reflection.
There is a Memory verse card for each week of the study and Scripture verses for each day, plus an ending prayer for each day.
The entire day's study only takes about 10-20 minutes.
At the end of the book there are special tips for eating healthy and sticking to a fitness routine during summer months and there are two weeks worth of summer-time menus and recipes. I have already tried several of the recipes!
MY THOUGHTS
First of all, this is a GREAT study for people who want to tie in every area of their life (spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical) to staying fit and balanced. There is a lot I have learned about my self, my habits, and my overall fitness.
The first thing that intrigued me is that the author is a graduate of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, which is tied historically to Gordon College where my oldest daughter is studying for a BFA.
I really liked how the last day of the weekly study was a "reflection and application" type of study. It really had some good, thought-provoking questions and room to do some journaling about those questions.
There was also a place in the beginning of the book to record your own personal goals in all the areas of development that the book covered.
The only thing that really bugged me was something I discovered in the back of the book. I found it very odd that the author included trips to fast food places as part of the weekly menu!! Somehow, I don't really think fast food and the consumption of it is a wise or healthy choice. Even the fast food salads....ICK! LOL....but.....I do know that it is a personal preference kind of a thing. On the other hand, if you're promoting a FIT AND HEALTHY summer....stopping in for a fast food lunch does not equal fit or healthy!
In my opinion, this study is appropriate for ages 16 and older.
On a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the highest, I rate this a 9.
It would get a 10 if not for that fast food reference!!
3 comments:
Hi Faith! Do you use the 'e' in your name??
That is kind of funny about the fast food. You would think that the book editor would have pointed that out. But maybe the writer was trying to say you can travel, and go to fast-food places and make healthy choices?
Sounds like you learned a lot this summer :)
Ceil
I really like that this book addresses mental, spiritual, physical, emotional balance. I think I will check it out...even though summer's almost over :(
Okay, I know fast food is bad, so I agree with you in part, but my husband still likes to go (especially when we are traveling) so it is helpful to have some information about healthy choices at fast food places.
Thank you so much for stopping by my blog and leaving a comment - I was so thrilled with how God shared my testimony I had to share it!
Looks like a good book though I do better with fiction. I seem to get lost when it's "real stuff"
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